Brainerd may have lost Big Lots, but it is getting Ollie's Bargain Outlet.
A unit of the "good stuff cheap" chain will open at Brainerd Village on Feb. 11.
It will be in the prior location of Office Depot.
Ollie's has locations in Knoxville and Maryville.
According to the firm's website, Ollie’s Bargain Outlet "is one of America’s largest retailers of closeouts, excess inventory, and salvage merchandise. Our 130 'semi-lovely' stores sell merchandise of all descriptions and some beyond description.
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You’ll find lots of famous brand name goods in every department, like housewares from Rubbermaid, Mirro, Ekco, and Anchor Hocking, toys from Mattel, or sporting goods from Igloo. Ollie’s buyers scour the world looking for closeouts, overstocks, package changes, manufacturer refurbs, and irregulars.
"Much of the merchandise comes direct from the finest manufacturers in the country and abroad. For instance, if a manufacturer makes too much of an item, or changes their packaging — Ollie’s will buy the discontinued or overstock items. So you will always find famous brand name products at Ollie’s...but it could be last year’s color or pattern that traditional retailers won’t sell.
"We also work with insurance companies to buy salvage merchandise. If a store in your neighborhood has a fire, Ollie’s may purchase the inventory and put it in our stores at drastically reduced prices! Yes there may be a little smoke on the stuff, but it’ll be so cheap that you won’t mind!
"Ollie’s has also liquidated major retail centers, working very closely with financial institutions. When companies liquidate, the bank will often dispose of the remaining inventory and turn it in to cash. Ollie’s brings the goods back to our stores, or runs the liquidation sale on site.
"Folks, everything you buy at Ollie’s is covered by our 30-day “No Hard Time” Guarantee. If for any reason you are not completely satisfied with your purchase — return it within 30 days for a full refund (with sales receipt)."