Ocean State Job Lot scoops up former Big Lots location, purchases Webster plaza for $14.5M
Image | Courtesy of Google Maps
A former Big Lot location in Webster appears set to be converted into a Ocean State Job Lot.
Ocean State Job Lot appears set to open a store in Webster, following a $14.5-million purchase of a plaza, the site of a former Big Lots location.
An entity managed by the Rhode Island-based discount retailer purchased the Webster Commons shopping plaza at 112-120 East Main St. from an entity managed by Virginia-based WHLR Real Estate Investment Trust in a deal finalized on Feb. 12, according to Worcester District Registry of Deeds records.
The approximately 9.5-acre plaza contains a 37,024-square-foot former Big Lots location, which went out of business as part of the company’s winding down following Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings. Other tenants in the plaza include CVS, Papa Gino’s, The Salvation Army Thrift Store, Aubuchon Hardware, and Planet Fitness, according to Google Maps listings.
The purchase comes as part of Ocean State’s wider buy of 14 properties home to former Big Lots locations, as a number of regional retailers have scooped up former Big Lots locations, according to Fast Company.
When reached by WBJ, Ocean State confirmed it purchased the property but declined to outline its specific plans for the site.
Ocean State Job Lot often pursues a strategy of owning the properties they operate from, holding more than 7.5 million square feet of real estate across more than 70 shopping centers in New England, New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, according to the company’s website.
Assuming Ocean State Job Lot opens a store in the plaza, it would be the company’s ninth location in Central Massachusetts, joining stores in Athol, Gardner, Marlborough, Medway, Southbridge, Sturbridge, Westborough, and Whitinsville. The company operates more than 150 stores total.
Webster Commons was given a 2025 tax assessment value of $14.5 million, according to Town of Webster property records.
Eric Casey is the managing editor at Worcester Business Journal, who primarily covers the manufacturing and real estate industries.
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