Why is it that discounters are the only things that seem to thrive in this area (think Job Lot, Mardens, TJ Maxx, Good will)? I wish that our State had a viable economy.

Where is job lot, ill go there.

Job Lot was the Big Lot forerunner. No shelving and displays. Everything dumped on large waist high tables. You sorted through the stuff!!!

(((Re: 10:47am))) This is the principal on which the Big Lot store was founded on...had to start somewhere. But, people, no matter how wealthy or mid-income or lower-income ALL want a bargain when it is there. Big Lot apparently has this; in Maine's economy, both in good and bad times, people will want a bargain, no matter what.

Personally, I have never seen nor been to this store. But, if I saw one, I surely would go in and at least check things out. I don't know if their merchandise are "overrides" from shipping mistakes, damaged, "seconds", over-ordering from other store systems, lost-and-found merchandise due to transportation errors or what, but the manager will be able to explain this. Could be combinations of the situations mentioned. But nevertheless, I have bought "seconds" and slightly damaged things before and they are still wearing and working very well, indeed. Not to say Big Lots have damaged and second-rate merchandise...but if they do, it is well worth the savings.

I've been to the Big Lots in Augusta, and you can say "Big" as in NO big deal... Same old, same old, and the prices weren't as good as one is made to believe, nor is the store large at all.

On the other hand Ocean State Job Lots is an awesome store. I don't ever see, "everything dumped on a waist high table"? Maybe a few marked down items from time to time, but they have all the different departments you would find in a reg. disc. store, and the Belfast Store is usually pretty organized. I always find things I want, and things I didn't know I wanted:) I've also been to the Bangor Store at the Airport Mall and also see the employees straightening things up. It's hard at times, the minute you fix something someone comes in and messes it up again!! I like Job Lots and will do some Christmas Shopping there this year.

And also Job Lots DOES HAVE SHELVES!!!!! They have a DIY section, ie. paint brushes etc. Clothes, food, health and beauty, pet stuff, floor rugs, household items, toys, paints, Christmas Decorations, I could go on and on, check it out yourselves. You might find something you didn't know you wanted either:)

I would rather go into a Big Lots than an Ocean State Job Lots as OSJL sells junk and there store is disgusting, at least the one in Bangor is. I did visit the Big Lots last weekend and it is nice but it just opened. Big Lots to me is nothing but a high end Mardens. You never know what you will find when you do go into either store. Sometimes you find a great deal, sometimes you do not but I do welcome their presence to the Bangor area.

If I'm looking for a barging Big Lots will be my first stop then Mardens but I will never again step inside OSJL.

I agree with Kevin of Bangor and even the employees are nasty at the Bangor store. Thank you for coming to Bangor Big lots.

I've been in both OSJL-Belfast and Bangor. They have a great internet coupon program and some good buys along with some trashy stuff-your choice.

For housewares, lawn and garden, some food, and the like it's a good deal. You just have to be a good shopper and know your product.

meh... I'll be excited when you write a about a Christmas Tree Shop coming to Bangor :)

Bangorian...Maine has a very viable economy but it is south of Augusta

Another Mardens wanna be with a few more groceries. But frankly it's just too small to be worth my while. I'll stick with the original; Maine's own big box discounter.

I'm glad to see Big Lots up here, Ocean State I think has high prices on some items and I am not just taalking about comparing them to a Wal-Mart either, I have found some items sold in both a mardens and Ocean State, and on average $5 cheaper for the same item in the same if not better condition at Mardens, my first stop has become Mardens, I like Big Lots and I am glad to see them in the aea.

I am glad to see Big Lots finally here in Bangor! Also I don't care for Mardens everything is so spread out everywhere! You have to walk through just about every isle to find exactly what you want..

I have been to Big Lots bought a few things there recently and I hope they are here to stay.

For Ocean Job Lots I like them too as well. I have not bought anything that was really junk and have not had a problem if I had to return something to them.

We usually get clothes and food items from them. Their seasonings are great for us!

But other then that I don't tend to buy electronics or such from them though I bought a fan and it ran for a good long time before it died!

And of course there are the Family Dollar and Dollar Stores too I am glad we finally have discount stores in Maine. We need choices.

I hope they are all here to stay really! I was really happy when they opened Family Dollar in Corinth! :)

Yay! More barely above minimum wage part-time jobs (so you don't have to pay benefits!)

But seriously, I'd rather shop at Mardens.