Closeout chain sets sights on Carmel: ‘Everybody likes to save a buck’

The growing Ollie’s Bargain Outlet retail chain has set its sights on Indiana, with plans to open five stores in the state this year.

Pennsylvania-based Ollie’s has signed leases for locations in Carmel, Anderson, Kokomo and Fort Wayne, said Jerry Atland, the firm’s vice president of real estate. It is still looking for a site in Indianapolis—likely on the south or east side, Atland said.

It now operates more than 140 stores in 13 states.

Founded in 1982, the company says it is one of the country’s largest sellers of closeout and salvage inventory. Think Big Lots with an emphasis on brand-name merchandise.

Ollie’s product mix varies from week to week, Altand said, giving customers a reason to visit often. He said the stores’ flooring and book selections are particularly popular.

The Carmel location, at 13670-13672 N. Meridian St., is expected to open in October. The 25,000-square-foot space (formerly home to a clearance furniture store) is undergoing some interior remodeling.

Altand said Ollie’s is drawn to “good sites on busy roads” like Meridian/U.S. 31. The “value-oriented” retailer was not deterred by Carmel’s upscale demographics.

“Today, everybody likes to save a buck,” he said.

Ollie’s typically hires 40-50 employees to work at a store, Altand said.