I recently embarked on my very first shopping trip to Ollie’s Bargain Outlet, a national discount chain that operates under the memorable motto, “Good stuff cheap,” and I quickly realized there was much more to the experience than I anticipated. What immediately struck me was how significantly the prices undercut those found at large competitors such as Walmart and Target, particularly in everyday categories most households rely on: groceries, toiletries, and children’s toys. For shoppers closely monitoring their budgets, the contrast was unmistakable, as Ollie’s consistently offered tangible savings.
Yet beyond the appealing price points, the atmosphere of the store proved equally noteworthy. While the layout initially seemed somewhat disordered—merchandise stacked in shipping cartons, aisles cluttered with discounted stock, and handwritten signs that replaced the polished uniformity of mass-market retailers—the seeming chaos possessed its own undeniable charm. Far from sterile or impersonal, Ollie’s radiated an eccentric personality, emphasized by cartoon drawings of its iconic mascot and playful signage such as “Caution: bargains ahead.” The effect was not that of a conventional big-box chain but more akin to a treasure hunt through a quirky warehouse of surprises.
Interestingly, prior to my visit, Ollie’s had barely registered on my radar. In fact, I only became aware of the brand in early 2025 after learning it had acquired dozens of former Big Lots storefronts, including several in Wisconsin, where I live. While I may have been unfamiliar with Ollie’s, many of my East Coast–based colleagues reacted with unrestrained enthusiasm when I mentioned my plan to explore it, exclaiming some variation of, “I love Ollie’s!” Their fervor hinted at a cultlike fan base cultivated across regions where Ollie’s has a longer history. Founded in Pennsylvania in 1982, the company has steadily expanded, celebrated its 100th store in 2011, entered the stock market in 2015, and today, remarkably, continues to grow at a pace contrary to widespread predictions of physical retail decline.
Ollie’s recent trajectory underscores this resilience. At a time when countless brick-and-mortar stores are scaling back or shuttering completely, Ollie’s remains firmly in growth mode, with nearly 30 new store openings in 2025 alone and sales increases of more than 17% year-over-year in the second quarter. Industry observers highlight this as evidence of the enduring draw of discount shopping, particularly as impending tariffs threaten to push up consumer prices on categories like food, electronics, and home goods. In such an environment, bargain-driven retailers occupy a critical niche.
During my own in-person exploration of Ollie’s, I began by walking through the “Deal Zone,” a front-and-center section dedicated to impulse-friendly products priced under five dollars. These included seasonal items like summer-themed cups and beach towels, reminiscent of the discounted “Bullseye’s Playground” selections at Target. The difference lay in the presentation: handwritten sale tags, cartoon mascots, and merchandise often piled in bins. Though rough around the edges, the experience felt more engaging, encouraging shoppers to sift through assortment in search of rare finds.
A major surprise came in discovering a substantial book section near the store entrance. Unlike typical big-box retailers that prioritize bestsellers, Ollie’s leaned heavily into eclectic selections—graphic novels, oversized coffee-table publications, religious study materials, and children’s picture books. The price points were extremely low, with eye-catching titles like a massive illustrated atlas of baseball stadiums priced under eight dollars. Such unexpected finds underscored the chain’s emphasis on both variety and affordability, expanding the definition of “bargain” beyond pantry staples.
The grocery aisles, by contrast, illustrated Ollie’s utilitarian style. Many goods, from soup to cereals, sat directly in cardboard cartons, reflecting both cost-saving measures and efficient stocking practices. While to some shoppers this could resemble evidence of understaffing or even resemble the trappings of retail decline, here the consistent box-styled organization suggested intentionality, much like the approach pioneered by cost-conscious companies such as Aldi or Costco. Once again, the savings justified the aesthetic: a box of Cheerios that cost nearly double at Target and significantly more at Walmart was available at Ollie’s for just under two dollars. Similarly, a can of Campbell’s Chunky Soup carried the lowest price of the three retailers.
The bargains extended notably into toiletries as well. Shoppers could expect to find a three-pack of Crest toothpaste at nearly half the price charged elsewhere, or limited-edition body washes from Dove that had disappeared from conventional retailers’ shelves but surfaced here at a fraction of their original cost. This reinforced Ollie’s core business model of sourcing overstocks, discontinued lines, and closeouts, then passing along the savings.
Even in major appliances and home essentials, Ollie’s differentiated itself by offering both new and certified refurbished items. For instance, I saw toaster ovens, air fryers, and window air conditioners priced well under market value, sometimes representing prior models no longer available in mainstream retail. In the housewares section, one could purchase not only décor items like rugs but also flooring materials priced dramatically lower than in specialized stores like Menard’s. For families, toys such as Barbie dolls were marked down to nearly half their cost at Target, a point of special relevance given the possibility of sharp price increases due to international tariff policies.
As I wrapped up my visit, I reflected on the essence of Ollie’s appeal. While I wouldn’t rely on it as my primary store for specific brands or predictable weekly grocery lists, its serendipitous inventory created a sense of exploration that infused shopping with excitement. The comic-style graphics and over-the-top bargain slogans added levity, while the real-world savings offered tangible incentive to return. Especially in an era where tariffs and inflationary pressures loom large, sourcing “good stuff cheap” becomes something more than a catchy slogan—it becomes a practical necessity.
In short, Ollie’s Bargain Outlet succeeds not only in capturing a devoted following but also in substantiating its reputation as a retailer where value-seeking consumers can unearth exceptional deals across diverse categories, from basic groceries to big-ticket home goods. Should economic conditions continue tightening, it is difficult to imagine shoppers resisting the lure of such a store, particularly when both the hunt and the humor help transform budget shopping into something enjoyable.
Sourse: https://www.businessinsider.com/ollies-bargain-outlet-prices-shopping-2025-5
