What’s Next for Augusta’s Turnpike Mall? New Store Opening Soon

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A New Retail Era in Augusta

AUGUSTA—A well-known player in the discount retail industry, Ocean State Job Lot, is set to open its eighth store in Maine this fall, occupying the former Christmas Tree Shops location in Augusta's Turnpike Mall. This marks another significant expansion for the Rhode Island-based company, which has been on a growth spree across the Northeast.

The Turnpike Mall location, situated at the corner of Western Avenue and Whitten Road, has been a site of major retail shifts in recent years. Following the closure of Christmas Tree Shops last summer and the bankruptcy of Bed, Bath & Beyond, nearly two-thirds of the mall remained vacant. Ocean State Job Lot's arrival is expected to breathe new life into the struggling retail center.

Filling the Void Left by Christmas Tree Shops

Ocean State Job Lot’s expansion comes as a relief to the local community, which has seen a series of closures and vacancies in the area. The new store in Augusta will be the fifth announced by the company in the last month, as they continue to replace former Christmas Tree Shops locations in other parts of the Northeast, including Avon and Pembroke, Massachusetts, and Warwick, Rhode Island.

Tom Croteau, Ocean State Job Lot District Team Leader, expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming opening. “We are thrilled to announce that our newest store in Maine will be in the great state’s capital city,” Croteau said in a news release. “Our bright, friendly, and value-focused shopping experience is the perfect complement to the offerings of our co-tenants, and we look forward to opening the doors to Mainers later this year.”

Job Opportunities and Economic Impact

The opening of Ocean State Job Lot in Augusta is not only a retail development but also an economic boost for the area. The company plans to hire up to 50 new employees, with positions ranging across all levels. The recruitment process is set to begin later this summer, providing much-needed job opportunities in the region.

Permit records from the city of Augusta show that Ocean State Job Lot has already started preparing the 36,000-square-foot space at 42 Whitten Road. The company applied for a remodeling permit in June, and just recently, on August 7, received approval for new signage. The estimated cost for these renovations is around $362,000, signaling a significant investment in the local community.

A Bright Future for Turnpike Mall

The Turnpike Mall has experienced a series of setbacks with the closures of major retailers, but the arrival of Ocean State Job Lot could mark the beginning of a turnaround. As Ocean State Job Lot continues to expand across the Northeast, the new Augusta location is poised to become a key player in the mall’s revitalization.

With over 150 locations in nine states, Ocean State Job Lot is known for offering a wide range of household goods, clothing, seasonal products, and specialty food items at affordable prices. As the company prepares to open its doors in Augusta, local shoppers can look forward to a new and exciting retail experience later this year.

Attribution source: Centralmaine.com