38 Facts About Ollie’s Bargain Outlet

Ollie's Bargain Outlet: A Treasure Trove of Deals

Ollie's Bargain Outlet is a haven for bargain hunters. With a quirky mascot and a promise of "Good Stuff Cheap," it has become a favorite for many. Let's dive into some fascinating facts about this retail gem.

The Origins of Ollie's Bargain Outlet

Understanding where Ollie's came from gives insight into its unique charm.

1. Founded in 1982: Ollie's Bargain Outlet was founded in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, by Morton Bernstein, Mark Butler, Harry Coverman, and Oliver "Ollie" Rosenberg.
2. Named After Ollie: The store's name and mascot come from co-founder Oliver Rosenberg, who was known for his larger-than-life personality.
3. First Store: The first Ollie's store opened in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, in July 1982.
4. Rapid Expansion: By 2004, Ollie's had grown to 34 stores across multiple states.

The Unique Shopping Experience

Ollie's offers a shopping experience unlike any other, filled with surprises and deals.

5. No-Frills Stores: Ollie's stores are known for their no-frills, warehouse-style layout, which helps keep costs low.
6. Treasure Hunt Atmosphere: Shoppers never know what they might find, making each visit an adventure.
7. Wide Range of Products: From books to housewares, Ollie's offers a diverse array of products.
8. Closeout Merchandise: Many items at Ollie's come from closeouts, excess inventory, and salvage merchandise.

Ollie's Army: The Loyal Customer Base

Ollie's has a dedicated following known as Ollie's Army.

9. Ollie's Army Membership: Customers can join Ollie's Army to receive special discounts and offers.
10. Exclusive Sales: Members of Ollie's Army get access to exclusive sales and promotions.
11. Birthday Discounts: Ollie's Army members receive a special discount during their birthday month.
12. Email Alerts: Members get email alerts about new arrivals and special deals.

Financial Success and Growth

Ollie's has seen impressive financial growth over the years.

13. Publicly Traded: Ollie's went public in 2015, trading on the NASDAQ under the ticker symbol OLLI.
14. Consistent Growth: The company has consistently reported strong financial performance.
15. Over 400 Stores: As of 2023, Ollie's operates over 400 stores across 29 states.
16. Annual Revenue: Ollie's generates over $1 billion in annual revenue.

Community and Culture

Ollie's is more than just a store; it's a part of the community.

17. Charitable Giving: Ollie's supports various charitable organizations, including Toys for Tots and Feeding America.
18. Local Hiring: The company prides itself on hiring locally for its stores.
19. Employee Benefits: Ollie's offers competitive benefits to its employees, including health insurance and retirement plans.
20. Fun Work Environment: Employees often describe the work environment as fun and engaging.

Marketing and Mascot

Ollie's marketing strategies and mascot play a big role in its brand identity.

21. Ollie the Mascot: The cartoon version of Oliver Rosenberg, with his wild hair and mustache, is the store's mascot.
22. Catchy Slogans: Slogans like "Good Stuff Cheap" and "Get Your Bargain On" are synonymous with Ollie's.
23. Humorous Ads: Ollie's uses humor in its advertising to attract customers.
24. Social Media Presence: The company actively engages with customers on social media platforms.

Interesting Tidbits

Here are some lesser-known facts that add to Ollie's charm.

25. Book Selection: Ollie's has one of the largest selections of discounted books among discount retailers.
26. Seasonal Items: The store offers a wide range of seasonal items, from holiday decorations to gardening supplies.
27. Customer Reviews: Many customers rave about the unique finds and great deals they get at Ollie's.
28. Store Layout: Each store's layout is designed to maximize the treasure hunt experience.

Fun Facts About Ollie's

Some fun and quirky facts that make Ollie's stand out.

29. Mascot's Voice: The voice of Ollie in commercials is done by a professional voice actor.
30. Unique Finds: Customers have reported finding everything from high-end electronics to rare collectibles.
31. Store Events: Ollie's hosts special events, like grand openings and holiday sales, that draw large crowds.
32. Customer Loyalty: Some customers travel long distances just to shop at Ollie's.

Ollie's Impact on Retail

Ollie's has made a significant impact on the retail industry.

33. Disruptive Model: Ollie's business model has disrupted traditional retail by offering high-quality goods at low prices.
34. Competitor Influence: Other retailers have tried to emulate Ollie's success by adopting similar strategies.
35. Customer Satisfaction: High customer satisfaction rates contribute to Ollie's continued growth.
36. Economic Impact: The company has created thousands of jobs and contributed to local economies.

Future of Ollie's Bargain Outlet

What lies ahead for this beloved discount retailer?

37. Expansion Plans: Ollie's plans to continue expanding, with new stores opening each year.
38. Innovation: The company is exploring new ways to enhance the shopping experience, including potential online sales.

The Final Word on Ollie's Bargain Outlet

Ollie's Bargain Outlet is a treasure chest of deals and surprises. From its humble beginnings in Pennsylvania to becoming a nationwide sensation, Ollie's has carved out a unique spot in the retail world. Shoppers love the thrill of finding unexpected bargains on everything from books to home goods. The quirky store atmosphere, complete with Ollie’s iconic caricature, adds to the fun shopping experience. Whether you're hunting for a specific item or just browsing, Ollie's offers something for everyone. The store's commitment to offering great deals while maintaining a lighthearted vibe keeps customers coming back. Next time you see that familiar red and yellow sign, pop in and see what treasures you can find. Happy bargain hunting!