Ollie’s Bargain Outlet Holdings has opened its 500th store in Iowa City, IA, the retailer’s first store in the state. Ollie’s also held a topping out ceremony in Princeton, IL, at what will be its first Midwest distribution center when it opens next year.
The entrance into Iowa also brings the total number of states in which Harrisburg, PA-based Ollie’s operates to 30. The company said it plans to open 50 to 55 locations annually until it reaches its goal of 1,050 stores in operation.
In the topping out ceremony for the Midwest distribution center in Illinois, a signed steel beam was placed on the roof of the facility. The Ollie’s ceremony signaled the next construction phase at the 615,000-square-foot distribution center. Ollie’s characterized the new center as a crucial element in meeting consumer demand in the Midwest. It will service between 150 and 175 stores, including the new Iowa location, the company noted.
“It’s a very exciting week for Ollie’s as we open our 500th store in Iowa, our 30th state, and we are grateful to our team members and customers who have helped us reach this important milestone,” said John Swygert, Ollie’s president and CEO. “As we continue our journey to open more than 1,050 stores, building a distribution center strategically located in Illinois allows us to efficiently meet demand and deliver outstanding deals to our customers at the lowest possible prices while we expand our national footprint.”
