Dozens of workers have been busy preparing for the opening of the Binghamton-area's first Ocean State Job Lot store.

John Brown, the company's district team leader, said the new location on Harry L. Drive in Johnson City is expected to start operations late Thursday morning.

The store occupies more than 45,000 square feet of space that had been vacant since Toys R Us closed three years ago.

Speaking on WNBF Radio's Binghamton Now program, Brown said Ocean State Job Lot has acquired several former Toys R Us locations as part of its ongoing expansion.

Brown said the Johnson City store will offer a wide range of merchandise, including food.

Initially, customers and employees will be required to wear masks to help reduce the spread of Covid-19. That policy may be adjusted in the future.

The store will be open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday. It will operate from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

A worker outside the Johnson City Ocean State Job Lot store on May 19, 2021. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
A worker outside the Johnson City Ocean State Job Lot store on May 19, 2021. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
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Ocean State Job Lot was founded in 1977. According to the company, the first store was opened in North Kingstown, Rhode Island. The place had total sales of $78 on its first day of business.

Ocean State Job Lot has been growing rapidly in recent years. It now has nearly 150 stores in several states.

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The Johnson City Toys 'R Us is gone after three decades in the Southern Tier. After a few years of sitting empty, something has finally taken its place.

Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com or (607) 772-8400 extension 233.

For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter..

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