Ollie's Bargain Outlet to Open Eight New Stores

The discount retail chain will expand its national footprint with new locations across seven states in October 2026.

Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Retail

Isometric editorial illustration showing modular retail building blocks arranged in an orderly, growing formation. — Ollie's Bargain Outlet plans to open eight new stores across seven states in October 2026, advancing its national retail expansion strategy. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Ollie's Bargain Outlet plans to open eight new retail stores throughout October 2026. These upcoming locations will be spread across Illinois, Maine, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, and Ohio.

Why it matters

This expansion represents a significant step in the company's long-term strategy to reach its target of over 900 total storefronts nationwide. The brand continues to capitalize on its growth plan by utilizing real estate assets previously occupied by competitors.

The retailer currently operates 650 locations across the country and has set a goal to grow to over 900 storefronts. The eight new openings in October mark the latest phase of this growth strategy.

The players

Ollie's Bargain Outlet

This American discount retailer specializes in selling closeout merchandise and excess inventory at significantly reduced prices.

Big Lots

This national discount retailer filed for bankruptcy, leading to the availability of numerous retail properties across the United States.

The details

Ollie's Bargain Outlet is accelerating its retail presence by converting former Big Lots properties into its own discount outlets following the competitor's bankruptcy filing. The new stores are set to begin operations in various regions throughout the final week of October.

October 21, 2026: New stores open in Newark, Cleveland, Mattoon, and Wilkesboro.
October 22, 2026: A new store opens in Asheboro, North Carolina.
October 28, 2026: A new store opens in Baxter, Minnesota.
October 29, 2026: New stores open in Dover, New Jersey and Waterville, Maine.

Market Landscape

This move follows the 2024 Big Lots bankruptcy filing, which created opportunities for competitors to acquire prime retail real estate. By converting these vacant properties, the chain is rapidly scaling its market share against other discount retail rivals.

Customers in the affected regions can expect new local access to the chain's discount inventory starting in late October 2026. This expansion may provide shoppers with additional budget-friendly options as the company replaces former Big Lots sites.

The takeaway

The chain's strategic pivot to utilize vacated retail space demonstrates an efficient approach to physical store growth in a competitive discount market. Consumers can look forward to new shopping options as the company continues its march toward a 900-store footprint.