Ocean State Job Lot Sets Grand Opening in North Adams

Ocean State Job Lot will hold its grand opening on Aug. 24.

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The old Walmart building opens this month with a new occupant: Ocean State Job Lot.

The major closeout retailer opens its 46th outlet in the state on Saturday, Aug. 24, at 8 a.m. at 830 Curran Highway.

"North Adams could not have been more hospitable," said David Sarlitto, head of marketing for Ocean State Job Lot. "From the office of the mayor to the community arts and business leaders we've had the pleasure of meeting, everyone has been very enthusiastic about the unique product values and community-centric approach Job Lot has to offer.

"It's an exciting time for everyone involved, and we thank the town leadership, most notably Mayor [Richard] Alcombright, as well as the small army of supporters who have made our move to North Adams possible."

The chain's move to North Adams has created 30 full- and part-time positions and filled more than half the building left vacant when Walmart moved its operations to a larger structure just down the road. Ocean State owns the building with two tenants expected to take up the balance of the space.

The first, Tractor Supply, has begun renovations and is expected to open in October in 27,000 square feet in the former garden center; a second tenant has not yet been identified.

Tractor Supply will employ 12 to 17 full- and part-time team members. The store will include sales floor and support service space. A fenced exterior space will be used for storage and displaying items such as fencing, sprayers and livestock equipment.

"Tractor Supply looks forward to being a member of the North Adams community," said District Manager Jim Schindley. "North Adams is a great fit due to the part-time and hobby farmers, and horse owners in the area. And many of our new customers are surprised to find we also offer pet supplies and clothing items for the entire family."

Ocean State Job Lot offers a wide assortment of brand-name merchandise at closeout prices in some 46,000 square feet of space, including household goods, apparel, pet supplies, seasonal products (gardening, outdoor, sporting goods), and kitchen pantry staples at what the store officials say is a fraction of their typical price.

Store hours will be 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday.

North Adams Unveils Hometown Heroes Banners

By Jack GuerinoiBerkshires Staff
04:30PM / Friday, May 22, 2026

Carol Ethier-Kipp holds up the first aid kit her father used as an Army medic in World War II. See more photos here. 

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The City of North Adams honored its own on Friday afternoon, unveiling 50 downtown street banners representing local veterans who served — and continue to serve — the community and the country.

 

More than 300 residents packed the front lawn of City Hall as the community took a moment to reflect on its "Hometown Heroes" during the morning unveiling ceremony.

 

"In a city like North Adams, service is personal. The men and women we honor today are not strangers to us. They are our neighbors, our classmates, our parents, our grandparents," Mayor Jennifer Macksey told the crowd. "... These banners are far more than names and pictures hanging along our streets. They are visible reminders of the values that define North Adams: courage, sacrifice, humility, duty, resilience, and the love of country. They remind every person who passes by that this community remembers our veterans."

 

The banner program launched exactly a year ago. Veterans Services Agent Kurtis Durocher opened applications in October and spent the next six months working with families to bring the project to Main Street and over the Hadley Overpass. 

 

"We gather to recognize the brave men and women from our community who have served or who are currently serving in the United States armed forces," Durocher said. "These banners are more than images. They bear a tribute to service, sacrifice, courage, and pride, and they remind us that the freedoms we enjoy every day have been protected by our neighbors, family members, friends, and Hometown Heroes."

 

Each banner features a portrait of a veteran alongside their military branch and dates of service.

 

Durocher noted that the program was something residents clearly wanted, pointing to how fast applications flooded his desk. He praised the volunteers who stepped up to get the banners made and displayed — including city firefighters and Mitchell Meranti of Wire & Alarm Department, who were installing them as late as Thursday night.