When Ollie’s Bargain Outlet opens its doors Oct. 2 in Meridian Village Plaza just west of the intersection of U.S. 31 and 136th Street, shoppers are likely to be amazed at the low prices.
John Santora, Ollie’s store operating coordinator, describes the business as a retailer specializing in “real brands at real bargains.” Shoppers can expect to find a wide variety of brand-name products for sale at prices 50 to 70 percent lower than typical retail. People are sure to scramble to grab $5 bottles of Tide detergent, $4 hardcover books or $2 boxes of cereal. Unlike other discount retailers, Ollie’s doesn’t require bulk purchases to receive a discount. All its products can be purchased one at a time.
“Every time you visit Ollie’s you’re going to have a different buying experience,” Santora said.
That’s because the store never carries the same products from week to week. It purchases severely discounted brand name items through store buyouts, liquidators, bankruptcies and manufacturing overruns.
Santora said the approach keeps the store fresh, but warns customers, “When it’s gone, it’s gone.”
The opening comes none too soon for neighboring businesses who are concerned about how the construction of a roundabout to the south of the plaza will affect foot traffic. Santora said he’s not fazed by the construction.
“When people want to find a good deal, they are going to find a good deal,” he said. “That’s why we’re here, to give them a good deal.”
