Ocean State Job Lot store opening in former Ames space in Ossipee

Ocean State Job Lot, a general merchandise store, will be opening next month in the former Ames space at the corner of routes 16 and 28 in Ossipee.This will be the third Ocean State Job Lot in New Hampshire, the others being in Peterborough and Walpole. Started in 1978 in Rhode Island, the company has 75 stores in four New England states."It started with three fellows with $500 each," Marc Perlman, president, said Monday. "This year we'll do about $350 million in sales. We keep it pretty simple. We believe people work hard for their money, and we feel that anybody who gives people the most for their money will be rewarded."The stores carry a wide range of merchandise that is constantly changing. Some of the merchandise comes from bankruptcies or closings of other stores. Some is brand-name merchandise that has been replaced with newer packaging or different sizes."Our style of purchasing is opportunistic," Perlman said. "By that I mean we sacrifice continuity for value, so you won't always find the same things in the store. If you like a store that's very orderly, we're probably not the best place. But if you're an adventure shopper and like looking around and hunting for great values, I think you'll enjoy this store."Perlman said Ocean State Job Lot has a strong gourmet food department and also sells general food products along with hardware, lawn and garden supplies, clothing, housewares, pet supplies, stationery, rugs, and toys. Prices are low, Perlman said, but value is the key."Junk at a low price is still junk," he said, "so you don't necessarily provide value by having low prices."The Ossipee store is scheduled to open April 14. Ocean State Job Lot purchased the 42,000-square-foot Ames space at a bankruptcy sale. Renovations are under way.Store manager is Jane Boyle, of Kearsarge. Assistant managers are Joanne Benda, of North Conway, and Joan Harrington, of Ossipee. Perlman said approximately 60 employees will be hired.The store will be open seven days a week. Hours have not been nailed down but will probably be 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, with an earlier 5 p.m. closing on Sunday.More information about the company is available at www.oceanstatejoblot.com.