Learn About Ollie's Bargain Outlet Stores

What Ollie's Bargain Outlet Stores Are and How They Operate

Ollie's Bargain Outlet is a chain of discount retail stores that operates across the United States, offering merchandise at reduced prices compared to traditional retailers. The company was founded in 1982 and has grown to operate hundreds of locations nationwide. Ollie's focuses on selling brand-name merchandise, overstock items, closeouts, and returned goods at significantly marked-down prices. The store model emphasizes purchasing surplus inventory from other retailers and manufacturers, then passing these savings on to customers.

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The stores carry a wide variety of product categories including home décor, furniture, kitchen items, bedding, seasonal goods, toys, electronics, clothing, and health and beauty products. The inventory changes frequently because Ollie's purchases whatever overstock or closeout merchandise becomes available. This means that what you find in one visit may not be there the next time you shop. The store layout and product selection can vary considerably between different Ollie's locations based on what inventory they've acquired.

Ollie's operates on a high-volume, low-profit-margin business model. This approach allows them to offer prices that are typically 20 to 50 percent lower than department stores and specialty retailers. The company has publicly stated that they buy inventory at steep discounts and pass these savings to customers rather than maintaining high markup percentages. As of recent reports, the company operates over 400 stores across more than 30 states, with continued expansion plans.

The store experience at Ollie's differs from traditional retail environments. Merchandise is often displayed on tables, in bins, or stacked directly on shelves rather than neatly arranged as in upscale stores. This warehouse-style presentation helps keep overhead costs down. Staff members work to replenish inventory throughout the day. Many customers view this presentation style as part of the treasure-hunt shopping experience that makes Ollie's distinct.

Practical takeaway: Ollie's Bargain Outlet stores offer discounted merchandise across many product categories due to their business model of purchasing overstock and closeout items. Understanding that inventory changes constantly can help you adjust your shopping expectations and frequency when looking for specific items.

Understanding Ollie's Pricing Strategy and What You Can Expect to Save

Ollie's advertises its savings through their slogan "Good Stuff Cheap," and their pricing reflects this core principle. The typical price reductions range from 20 percent to 50 percent off manufacturer's suggested retail prices, though some items occasionally offer even deeper discounts. The specific discount percentage depends on the product category, the original retail price, and the amount the store paid for the overstock merchandise. Electronics, name-brand toys, and seasonal items often feature some of the most significant markdowns.

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The pricing structure works differently than traditional retail sales or clearance events. Rather than buying a product full-price and waiting for it to go on sale, Ollie's purchases merchandise that other retailers couldn't sell. This might include returned items still in original packaging, overstock from warehouse closures, previous season's inventory, or manufacturer overruns. Because Ollie's bought this merchandise at a discount from its original source, they can price it lower from day one and still maintain profitability.

Price variations exist across different store locations and regions. A product might be priced differently at two different Ollie's stores based on what each location paid for that particular merchandise. This is because each store operates somewhat independently regarding purchasing and pricing decisions. One location might receive overstock from a regional retailer while another location receives similar items from a different source at different cost levels. Customers comparing prices between locations may notice these variations.

Brand-name products at Ollie's often have price tags showing both the Ollie's price and the manufacturer's suggested retail price side by side. This labeling helps customers understand the savings they're receiving. For example, a kitchen appliance that typically retails for $99.99 might be priced at $49.99 or $59.99 at Ollie's. Designer household items, outdoor furniture, and premium bedding brands frequently appear at Ollie's with substantial markdowns because these items generate the highest dollar savings and attract customers.

Practical takeaway: When shopping at Ollie's, expect to find savings of 20 to 50 percent on various items, though actual discounts vary by product and location. Comparing the suggested retail price shown on price tags helps you understand the value you're receiving on each purchase.

Categories of Merchandise and Product Selection Information

Ollie's Bargain Outlet stocks merchandise across numerous departments, though the specific selection varies by store and changes frequently. Home décor items represent a substantial portion of inventory, including wall art, picture frames, decorative pillows, throw blankets, and seasonal decoration pieces. Furniture departments typically feature occasional chairs, entertainment stands, tables, and outdoor furniture. Bedding products include sheets, comforters, pillowcases, and mattress pads from recognizable brands.

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The kitchen and dining section carries cookware, small appliances, dishes, glassware, and food storage containers. Seasonal merchandise rotates throughout the year, with Halloween decorations and costumes appearing in late summer and early fall, Christmas items in the fall and early winter, and spring and summer items in their respective seasons. Garden and outdoor products including grills, patio furniture, and yard tools appear during warmer months. The seasonal category offers some of the deepest discounts because this merchandise has expiration dates based on upcoming holidays and seasons.

Toy and entertainment sections feature action figures, building sets, board games, and video game items, often at substantial discounts. Electronics sections may include small appliances, headphones, phone accessories, and occasionally larger items like televisions or computer equipment. The health and beauty section typically carries personal care items, beauty products, and wellness goods. Clothing and accessories sections stock apparel, shoes, and accessories from recognized brands, though selection may be limited and size ranges vary.

Office and school supplies appear seasonally, particularly before back-to-school shopping periods in late summer. Books, magazines, and media items including DVDs and games appear sporadically based on available inventory. Pet supplies including toys, beds, and accessories are available at some locations. The specific product mix at any given Ollie's reflects what overstock and closeout merchandise the store has successfully purchased and received from distributors and manufacturers.

Product quality at Ollie's is generally consistent with the original retailer's standards since these items come from established manufacturers and recognized brands. Items are not defective or damaged unless specifically marked as such. Returned merchandise is inspected and priced accordingly. Some items are closeouts meaning the manufacturer is discontinuing that product, while others are simply overstock that didn't sell at traditional retailers within expected timeframes.

Practical takeaway: Browse Ollie's multiple departments to understand the variety of products available, keeping in mind that inventory changes frequently and seasonal merchandise appears and disappears throughout the year. Making a list of specific brands or product types you're seeking can help you shop more efficiently given the constantly changing selection.

Store Locations, Hours of Operation, and Shopping Environment Details

Ollie's Bargain Outlet operates stores across the United States, with the highest concentration in the Northeast and expanding presence in the Southeast, Midwest, and Mid-Atlantic regions. The company website includes a store locator feature where you can search by ZIP code or city name to find nearby locations, current store hours, and store phone numbers. Most Ollie's stores operate during extended hours, typically opening at 8 or 9 AM and closing between 8 and 10 PM on weekdays, with adjusted hours on Sundays. Store hours may vary seasonally and on holidays, so checking ahead prevents disappointing visits.

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The physical environment inside Ollie's stores reflects their warehouse-style, high-volume business model. Aisles are wide to accommodate high customer traffic, but merchandise displays emphasize density over aesthetic presentation. Products often appear on tables, in bins, on pallets, or stacked directly on shelves. This warehouse-style presentation contributes to lower overhead costs that make the discount pricing possible. Fluorescent lighting and concrete floors are common features. Dressing rooms may be limited compared to traditional department stores, and customer service desks are typically straightforward without elaborate checkout areas.

Shopping carts and hand baskets are available for customers to use. Parking lots at Ollie's locations are generally spacious since stores occupy large warehouse-style buildings. Many customers describe the shopping experience as a "treasure hunt" because the constantly changing inventory and warehouse-style presentation create an element of discovery. Some items may appear damaged or in opened packaging