You'll never know what you will find next at Ocean State Job Lot, but rest assured, whatever you will find is a bargain. This store carries some basic staples: you'll always find some basic tools, like screwdriver sets and long-nosed pliers, duct tape, hammers, and car care products. There's always a superb supply of spices, at less than $1 a jar, you can easily keep your spice rack fully stocked, and try out some spices you always wanted, but didn't want to pay $5 for a tiny bottle at your big chain supermarket. But as for the rest--they carry whatever they can get a great deal on. They always have some lawn and garden supplies, fertilizers and insecticides on hand in the spring, plus hoses, rakes and other lawn tools. There's a large selection of towels and blankets, but if you want to be sure of a matching set, buy them now, because they may have different designs available next week. You can find delicious specialty products, such as imported jams, oils, coffee, condiments such as marinated artichoke hearts or pickles or pepperocini, tins of kippers.or sardines in flavored sauces. There are great buys on batteries, flashlights, reading glasses, soaps, cleaning supplies, brooms and brushes, haircare, and all sorts of puzzles and toys. Shopping here is always an adventure, and you'll only be disappointed if you don't pick up that specialty item this week, because they may not find another shipment of it.
It's rather difficult to spot the store from Route 9--it's rather hidden on the far side next to an unfinished wood shop, and it's hard to exit the lot and return to the highway, but it's well worth the trip, even in these days of high gasoline prices.
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