One retailer’s sunset is another’s sunrise — which is exactly what’s happening in parts of the discount retail world right now. As former Big Lots locations continue to sit empty across the country after the company filed for bankruptcy, Ollie’s Bargain Outlet is continuing to move in.
The Pennsylvania-based discount chain is opening another round of stores this month, continuing an expansion that gained momentum after the collapse of Big Lots.
According to Ollie’s News & Events page, six new locations are scheduled to open in March, bringing the bargain retailer to more cities across the U.S.
Where Is Ollie’s Bargain Outlet Opening New Stores?
Here’s the full list of all six new Ollie’s Bargain Outlet locations:
- 2500 Jacksboro Pike, Ste. 1, Jacksboro, Tennessee — opening March 12
- 3200 S Airport Rd., Traverse City, Michigan — opening March 18
- 150 E Oak St., Ste 1, Conway, Arkansas — opening March 19
- 1802 Decatur Pike, Athens, Tennessee — opening March 19
- 3960 Mormon Coulee Rd., La Crosse, Wisconsin — opening March 25
- 8400 East Fwy., Fort Worth, Texas — opening March 25
Where Has Ollie’s Already Opened New Stores in 2026?
It’s been a busy year for Ollie’s, as the chain opened nine stores already this year.
- 5659 S 27th St., Milwaukee, Wisconsin — opened February 11
- 120 Henderson Crossing Plaza, Hendersonville, North Carolina — opened February 12
- 1401 N Belt Hwy. Ste A, St. Joseph, Missouri — opened February 18
- 3619 E Main St., St. Charles, Illinois — opened February 25
- 5103 E 21 St. Ste. B, Tulsa, Oklahoma — opened February 25
- 1209 18th Ave. NW, Austin, Minnesota — opened March 5
- 2080 Jefferson St., Huntington, Indiana — opened March 11
- 1139 W Broadway, Centralia, Illinois — opened March 11
- 1825 Wisconsin Ave., Grafton, Wisconsin — opened March 11
Why Is Ollie’s Expanding So Fast?
Ollie’s has built its reputation on selling closeout merchandise, overstocks, and surplus goods from major brands at steep discounts. Shoppers can find everything from snacks and books to furniture and home goods, often at prices well below traditional retail.
And with many Americans feeling the squeeze of the economy right now, discount chains like Ollie’s are finding plenty of customers looking for deals.
Part of Ollie’s expansion traces back to the bankruptcy of Big Lots in 2024, which left dozens of storefronts vacant across the country. Ollie’s stepped in and purchased about 40 former Big Lots locations at auction, turning many of them into new discount stores. Having access to those empty big-box spaces has helped Ollie’s grow quickly while bringing new life to stores that might otherwise sit vacant.
