Ocean State Job Lot: Meredith
 

Looks like an www.oceanstatejoblot.com will be opening in the very under-used Meredith shopping center on Rt 104 that now has a Louie's Pizza and a Meredith Village Savings. Today's Citizen says Ocean State has purchased the foreclosed shopping center for two million dollars so that's some good news for that location ... probably do very good there .... a store full of usefull items at decent prices!

High quality imported drip coffee brands for 2.99 .......... bzzzzzzzzz!!!

That seems like a super-duper location for a store like that ...... good visibilty from the road .... lots of easy parking....lots of traffic on the road....and lots of homes in the lakes region with money to spend .... this store location seems like it could be a big winner?

Their store locator in their website shows a store location in Meredith....... well, not exactly....but it will be showing one, once it is actually open!

Do they sell aluminum docks ..... Newport mansion style ........ or how's about a full sized, regulation, green & purple, rubberized asphalt tennis court that was made in Rhode Island and for sale at the new Meredith store?

I have an OSJL near my house.

I think they cater to shoppers who are gatherers rather than hunters. It's hard to go through the store and leave empty handed.

The one item I might intentionally seek there is canned tamales.

Osjl
 

Yayyy tarps & bungee cords!! :D

What a weird name for a store.

Had I not read this thread, I probably never would have gone in one.

I love this store. Bottles of spice that go for $3-$4 in the supermarket, go for $1.00. Kayaks are a real bargain too.

Are they using the former 'Parafunalia' location?

'JobLots' is a cross between Building-19 and OddLots/Big Lots.


You know... Like Walmart but you don't have to dress up. ;)

Visit the 'people of Walmart' web site and you'll rethink the need to dress up at Walmart too. You can even search by state, maybe find a neighbor or friend....or forum poster!:)

The last time I shopped at Walmart I happened to have a shirt and tie on. I saw a guy that had on a tie and no shirt! I will dress down next visit. There are some sights there you just don't see elsewhere!

I love it for spices, olive oil, and planters. It is fun to shop there. I am going to the one in Concord tomorrow because I will be down that way. I often go to the one in Ossipee. Meredith will be a great location for me because I live in Moultonborough.

Expired dates
 

I love Ocean State Job Lot, however after a bad experience with of all things, soap, I watch the dates closely. It isn't a bargain if you have to return everything.
Spices, oils, food such as cookies and cereal are great, just watch the dates.
The soap was actually rancid smelling. They took it back, it's just the time involved in returning things.

Thankfully . . .
 

out of sight. Another place to buy more crap made in China.

You mean, I can't wear my pajama bottoms??? :eek:

My feelings exactly wife like those places way more than me, she also frequents Christmas Tree Shop a lot. I spend an occasional buck or two in them but certainly won't go out of my way to go. All China junk.

Take a closer look around your house ......

Sadly, I would be honestly surprised if you found more than 30% made anywhere else.

Computers/ phones -- Dell, Apple, Samsung, HP, et all ....
Shoes/Sneakers - Reebok, Nike, etc
Clothing .... just about everything
Glassware/plates / table settings -- unless you eat off Lenox or similar (we don't)

Point is, it isn't like it use to be -- it is not ALL "China Junk" .... as a matter of fact, China is no longer the lowest cost labor market.


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This is true. China labor rate has steadily increase through the years. Tariff and shipping added to the cost of goods and China lost competitiveness. Same with Mexico, however Mexico's inflation is damaging export.

The only worries we have is the Indians. (India/Pakistan). Their quality control needs a lot to be had.

Currently there is a demand for manufacturing labor in the US. Unfortunately we have a generation apparently enjoying their handouts.

Sounds as if you work in the Global manufacturing marketplace as I do .....

You left out (skipped over) Vietnam as another of the up & coming low cost markets & Costa Rica to service the So American marketplace and a way to avoid their exorbitant import tariffs (which are intended to induce product being made locally)!

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Where Jackson Star . . .
 

used to be. I believe.

I'm lucky I like antiques . . .
 

and most of my purchases will last me a lifetime. Note, no children. :eek:

You CAN buy American, it just takes some work and more money. My dinnerware, Pfaltzgraff purchased in the mid 90's - USA. Which aren't made here any longer. Revere Ware pots and pans from the 60', they'll last forever. And a good set online costs the same as a set from Macy's.

Things like phones, TV's, Uggs and linens all made somewhere else. I just try and limit the amount of money I export out of the country. Have you ever tried to procure a patio umbrella from USA? The cotton probably is made elsewhere anywho.

http://www.stillmadeinusa.com/

Well when making that comment I'm not necessarily thinking about the HP's Sony's or Samsung's in the house but yes you are correct. I do not like the "paper thin" paper plates, cheap plastic ware that breaks when you use it or the outdoor effects for the yard that either breaks or fades after being out for two weeks. My wife tells me all I ever want is "brand name stuff" and in most cases maybe that's true. Give me the Coke that tastes like Coke, Bounty Towels that actually absorb liquid and a package of Cookies that actually have some trace of "real" chocolate in them. For me these are the little pleasures in life I don't mind spending a buck or two more for. ;)

you're better off making your own cookies, your own decorations for the yard, that's what I do! :)

If he is anything like me -- He was actually doing his wife a favor by NOT making his own cookies :D :laugh: :D


.

Leaving work yesterday I happened to notice that Ocean State Job Lot was open. I'm not a big shopper and really don't like dept stores but figured I would at least check it out. Walked in an immediately thought it was just a larger version of the old Wardo's that used to be in Hannaford's spot.

I was shocked to find myself walking out with 3 bags of purchases. They actually have a surprisingly interesting inventory. I didn't think it would be a great addition to Meredith but I'm pleased to find out I'm wrong! Cool store and great prices.

I agree I hate shopping at stores that sell the "cheap" stuff however I have lucked out with osjl. I lighted my entire yard and dock with cheap 3$ solar lights from there. Going on three seasons and they still work! Surprisingly they out lasted the ones I got from Home Depot.

Saw the "open" sign yesterday so I stopped in. Lots of bargains and a great selection of foods that you don't see everywhere. Found a jar of Polish cabbage and beet salad..yum.
Also, been looking for some small folding chairs and they had some solid wood with padded seats that were really nice for the money.
Cheap prices, lots of variety.....not bad.

I have always liked Ocean State. I frequently shop at the Ossipee and Concord store. They have a good selection of large plant pots, great seasonal items, docking line, and tarps. The food items are unique. Before purchasing food I look at the expiration date and where the product was manufactured. Now I can go to Meredith. Yippee!!!!

ocean state
 

We love that store. It will fill a lot of gaps in this area.

..... where's the docks?
 

Does Ocean State in Meredith have any el cheapo-deluxo aluminum docks ..... maybe salvage docks left over from World War II or something ..... you know .... a highest military quality, aluminum mcmansion, pontoon style dock system....at the lowest bargain basement price.....like 99-dollars for a full waterfront set-up.... must have real mahogany cross pieces with an aluminum frame and supports .....thankyou!

If it is made in China ....... that is ok.

It is just down the street from McDonalds, not hard to find :)

Stopped in this morning just for a scouting mission. Quite a good selection of items. Won't fulfill all needs but should cut down on trips to Gilford and Tilton. Walked out with a lamp and some K-cups.:laugh:

CHR:

Ya, but I feel bad.
 

This is going to be another case where the small retailer is going to take a serious hit. J & R just down the road on 104 which has always provided a lot of the same merchandise at VERY reasonable prices will suffer due to another big box. Always accommodating and a pleasure to do business with they will continue to be my first stop.

Glad that you try to buy local. Do you still get your gas from the Jenny station with the old fashioned pumps?

Sadly while we all wish that life could be frozen in whatever time we are most comfortable in, it does not work that way. I loved NH before the Interstates began making it easy for all the tourists to come for the day instead of the dedicated who made the trip for a week or more but -- so we have to allow for progress. Good tax ratable for the town.

off the mark
 

Funny you mention a Jenny station as my family owed one back in the day in Wakefield Ma. But getting back to your quasi snarky remark. It is simply more of a human feeling than a "I am stuck in time feeling". I stated that I feel bad for a small guy who has his livelihood about to be jeopardized. But thanks for the lesson in progression, I had no idea.

I grew up in Wakefield, MA! Nice town.

We had never been to an Ocean State before, but we needed to visit the shipping place in the strip mall and walked into Ocean. We were very impressed, good quality merchandise,very large selection and excellent prices/value.

By the way, the shipping store, Lakeside Shipping, just moved into,the 104 Strip and we are long time very pleased customers of this local store.

progress?
 

"progress" is an interesting thing... for better or worse - bigger, better, faster, cheaper is what has fueled the American dream and economy forever!

It was only 60 years ago that "Walton's 5&10" was a single Mom & Pop store in Bentonville AR... now it is one of the largest and some might say one of the most hated companies around when you think about "buying local"...

it is sad indeed when local merchants that have put their lives into their shops feel the pain or go out of business because a big-box/chain comes into town... Hopefully they can find their niche (often times with better knowledge, superior service, or specialty products) that will differentiate them and propel them forward!

as the big fish said to the little fish... "eat or be eaten"... and buy local!!

-PIG

"Ya, but I feel bad.
This is going to be another case where the small retailer is going to take a serious hit. J & R just down the road on 104 which has always provided a lot of the same merchandise at VERY reasonable prices will suffer due to another big box. Always accommodating and a pleasure to do business with they will continue to be my first stop. "


J&R has good "hardware stuff". Job Lot doesn't, but has lots of other good stuff. They complement each other.

The wife and I stopped in to "check it out," and it cost me $60.

Meredith Family Store might be nervous though!

YIKES, kind of dating yourself :laugh:

The first portion of Interstate 93 constructed in Massachusetts ran north 24 miles from Medford to the New Hampshire state line. Work ran from 1956 to 1963 as a cost of $47-million. Delays ensued on the three mile link southward to the Northeast Expressway (then Interstate 95) due to the relocation of residents and businesses along the corridor. It finally opened in 1973, around the same time that plans for I-95 within the Massachusetts 128 beltway (Yankee Division Highway) were dropped.6 This led to an extension of Interstate 93 southward along both the John F. Fitzgerald and Southeast Expressways to Braintree and west along the Yankee Division Highway toward Norwood and Interstate 95. AASHTO endorsed the extension south from the Boston/Somerville city limits to Massachusetts 128 in Braintree on June 17, 1975, and the extension west along Massachusetts 128 on November 15, 1975.
The Everett Turnpike portion of Interstate 93, from Manchester north to Concord in New Hampshire opened to traffic in August 1957.
1 Subsequent portions of I-93 through New Hampshire opened between Salem and Manchester and Bow and Tilton by 1963.4 The route was completed in the Granite State on June 2, 1988, when Franconia Notch Parkway was dedicated.5
Within Vermont, the 11-mile stretch of Interstate 93 leading west to St. Johnsberry opened on October 29, 1982 after delays caused by agricultural lawsuits.6 I-93 would have been longer if I-91 was built further west toward Danville as originally envisioned. The corridor for Interstate 91 shifted eastward in 1963.

http://www.interstate-guide.com/i-093.html

I find this interesting as I lived through the building of I-93 North through the Notch and the addition of the exit 25 South etc.... dating myself on this one....

The best thing a mom and pop can do is not try to go toe to toe with the big boxes. Look at Brock's Lumber in Rochester. Woke up one morning and a Home Depot was basically in the same parking lot. Instead of trying to compete with low end lumber and stuff, brock's kicked it up a couple of notches and has won almost all of the quality building material sales in the area. Find a better niche and you can beat anyone.

Funny you posted that. i had that same thought of Brock's. Perfect example. Still the others are right, it does hurt a lot of businesses when a chain goes in.

At JR's Discount, close to Exit-23, you can buy a single 7/64 twist drill bit for about 85-cents, plus the State of NH is constructing a new, large liquor store nearby so's you can get drilled at either store.

Close to the newly open Ocean State Job Lot, the state liquor store that was to be closed, is now to remain open, probably in anticipation of all the Ocean State customers, or something?

Betcha Ocean State does better business in Rhode Island and Massachusetts because these two states have big, dense populations, and a scarcity of Wal-Marts.

With a Lowe's, Hannaford's, T J Maxx, HomeGoods, American Cottage, Fay's Sailboat, and Wal-Mart all located on a one mile stretch in Gilford ..... Gilford has the best stores ... Viva Le Gilford!

So's, how come there's no state liquor store in this area of Gilford?

There IS ! (or at least that general area)

Next to Patrick's Pub..... and it does a GREAT business !



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State Liquor Store in Gilford
 

There is a state liquor store located in the shopping plaza adjacent to Patrick's Pub in Gilford.

Ocean State often builds stores in rural areas. I have shopped at their stores in Woodsville and Ossipee several times. They always seem to be busy. It is a sure bet that the Meredith store will be successful also!

I was thrilled when HD opened up a few miles from my house. The next closest was 15 or so miles away near Pheasant lane. But after the grand opening their wood was crap. I'd peel off the top layer of studs and straps and the interior had stuff that was obviously rotted before it went into the kiln.

Two years later Lowe's went in about a mile or so away in Amherst. After that HD's buyers looked a little harder at what they were buying!

This is an example of why competition is healthy for the consumer. As is the example discussed with niche merchants.