Ollie’s Bargain Outlet, the discount retail chain, announced plans to open dozens of new locations across the country as part of an expansion plan to be carried out during fiscal year 2025. If you’re a customer of this store, here’s everything we know about it.
How many stores will Ollie’s Bargain Outlet open?
According to the company’s announcement, it plans to open 75 new stores.
Where will Ollie’s Bargain Outlet’s new stores be located?
So far, the company has not specified the exact locations of the new stores; however, these will be in areas where Big Lots stores were previously located. Confused? Let us explain why.
Big Lots filed for bankruptcy under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code at the end of 2024. Following this, Ollie’s quickly acquired 40 locations previously owned by Big Lots, adding to the 23 stores it had already bought, totaling 63 locations.
“These stores are the right size, have favorable lease terms, and are located in commercial areas that we already serve, which allows us to better serve consumers looking for value,” said Eric Van der Valk, president and CEO of Ollie’s.
The purchase process was conducted through liquidation firm Gordon Brothers. However, Ollie’s still needs court approval to complete the purchase of these leases, as Big Lots’ bankruptcy process has not yet been finalized.
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How many Ollie’s Bargain Outlet stores are there in the U.S.?
Currently, the company operates 559 stores across 31 U.S. states.
History of Ollie’s Bargain Outlet
The company was founded in 1982 in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, by Morton Bernstein and Mark L. Butler, with the collaboration of Harry Coverman and Oliver E. “Ollie” Rosenberg, who inspired the company’s name.
Its first store opened on the outskirts of Harrisburg. In 2008, the company centralized its four distribution centers into one located in York, Pennsylvania. Ollie’s Bargain Outlet acquired the assets of the now-defunct retailer Building 19, which filed for bankruptcy in 2013. In 2014, the company opened its second distribution center in Commerce, Georgia.
Ollie’s offers a wide range of products from recognized brands at discounted prices across categories such as home goods, clothing, pet products, kitchenware, seasonal items, sporting goods, flooring, and food.
Most of its inventory comes from major national and international manufacturers. Additionally, the company maintains close ties with financial institutions, as Ollie’s takes advantage of opportunities to acquire products at low prices when other companies liquidate their stock or banks sell inventory from bankrupt businesses, offering savings to its customers.
What is Ollie’s Army?
Ollie’s Army is the company’s reward program, which is completely free, and you can sign up at any time. By joining, you will receive exclusive discounts via mail throughout the year, as well as email notifications about new catalogs and special offers.
Through its point system, you earn one point for every dollar you spend at Ollie’s. Once you reach 250 points (equivalent to $250 in purchases), you will receive a Reward Certificate that gives you 10% off your next purchase.
How to accumulate points in Ollie’s Army?
Use your Ollie’s Army membership card every time you shop. Reward Points do not expire, so just keep accumulating them while you remain a member. Earn points throughout the year to level up and receive even bigger discounts and offers.
