# Marc Perlman

> Marc Perlman is the co-founder, principal owner and CEO of Ocean State Job Lot, the privately held closeout retailer he launched with his brother Alan Perlman and college friend Roy Dubs in 1977. Born in New York City and raised on Long Island, he graduated from the University of Rhode Island in 1969. His career combines opportunistic retail buying, the reuse of former retail properties, investing and community giving. In October 2026, the company reported 177 stores across 11 states and annual sales exceeding $900 million.

- **Role:** Co-founder, Principal Owner and CEO at Ocean State Job Lot
- **Organizations:** Ocean State Job Lot
- **From:** New York City, United States
- **Education:** University of Rhode Island
- **Known for:** Co-founded Ocean State Job Lot in 1977 and continues as principal owner and CEO., 2024 Inspiring Leaders award winner, CEO category, Inspiring Workplaces., Led a retailer whose October 2026 company materials report 177 stores across 11 states, nearly 7,000 employees and annual sales exceeding $900 million.

## Career timeline

- **1969** — Graduated from the University of Rhode Island.
- **1977** — Co-founded Ocean State Job Lot with Alan Perlman and Roy Dubs; the first store opened August 15 in North Kingstown.
- **1983** — Ocean State Job Lot sales passed $5 million.
- **2019** — Announced six purchases and one lease of former Toys “R” Us properties, including locations in Pennsylvania, a new market.
- **2020** — Ocean State Job Lot annual sales exceeded $750 million.
- **2021** — Ocean State Job Lot introduced online purchasing for a selection of goods.
- **2024** — Named an Inspiring Leaders award winner in the CEO category by Inspiring Workplaces.
- **2025** — Announced a transaction for 15 former Big Lots locations in eight states, with expansion into Maryland and Delaware.
- **2026** — Continues as CEO; October company materials report 177 stores and sales exceeding $900 million.

## Achievements

- Co-founded Ocean State Job Lot in 1977 and continues as principal owner and CEO.
- 2024 Inspiring Leaders award winner, CEO category, Inspiring Workplaces.
- Led a retailer whose October 2026 company materials report 177 stores across 11 states, nearly 7,000 employees and annual sales exceeding $900 million.

## Latest updates

- **2026-10** — Ocean State Job Lot announced the purchase of a former Big Lots property in Hamilton, New York, with a new store planned for spring 2027. Company materials describe 177 stores and sales above $900 million.
- **2026-04** — Perlman publicly opposed Rhode Island’s truck toll model, arguing that increased trucking costs would reach consumers and affect charitable deliveries.
- **2026-01** — The company reported results from 2025 holiday giving: 78,000 coats and 275,000 toys donated, plus funds equivalent to more than three million meals.

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/marc-perlman
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-10-20