Ollie’s Bargain Outlet

Back in the day, it was Welles Dept Store then it sat vacant for years on end, becane Marion, Ohip’s first Meijer then it was a PharMor for about a year. After that, it housed the Cable-​Fulfillment Corporation (magazine orders) and rumors flew about an Olive Garden moving in there.
Instead, we got «Ollies Bargain Barn.» You know, «Good Stuff Cheap.»
They buy out shipments from train wrecks, etc that the insurance companies acquire and need to get rid of.
BOTTOM LINE: It’s like a Big Lots but without the odor, quiet, peaceful.
They’ve got GREAT prices and a helpful and friendly staff.
What They Sell: Toys, a great array of books of every genre, grooming items; baby stuff, hanicap and mobilty assistance like grab bars, tub benches; kitchen utensils, cookware by Rachel Ray, Buddy the cake guy, Farberware, Paula Deen, etc. Small appliances, huge bolts of carpet, vinyl flooring, Pergo etc. We’re talking enough to provide new flooring for your entire home. Vacuums, etc.
Nonperishable food, huge amounts of K cups, olive oil, candy, anything you can imagine in the way off food that can sit on a shelf without refrigeration.
Clothes (mainly mens), pet supplies, sporting goods (no guns or ammo), no alcohol (thought I would throw that in there right beside the weapons), paint, plumbing, electrical, automotive, hardware, suitcases, every kind of household linens, pillows, curtains, comforter sets, and even some electronics (up at the cash registers under lock and key). Summer furniture, grills, greeting cards, paper plates and party goods. Okay, I know I’m going to realize I forgot something after I post this.
When you go to the checkout you’re asked, «Are you an Ollies Rewards member?» I give them my phone number because I don’t carry extra cards in my wallet.
What Rewards Membership Is: First of all its free, you dont need a membership to shop there, and several times a year they mail you a post card you can present for a good percentage off your total purchase. The card is good for about 6 months. At one time my wife was carrying 5 or 6 in her purse.
They take cash, checks, debit or credit.
It’s at the plaza, plenty of parking, free help yourself coffee and public restrooms that the granddaughter has to christen each time because she loves public bathrooms. Go figure.
CONS: Okay, this is my only complaint – EVERY time you check out, they ask, «Would you like to donate to the Cal Ripkin Fund?» To my understanding, Cal Ripkin is or was; a personal friend of the founder of Ollies. By now, he may very well be a billionaire because their walls are covered with the baseball player’s donation card with the names of those who’ve donated.
I go at least once a week. Why? Because it seriously is «good stuff cheap» as quoted by their elderly looking cross between Albert Einstein and Alfred E Neuman.
I love that place. It really helps my money stretch. If they ever leave, I’ll be seriously angry.

First impression (**): this place looks like a trash heap from outside, I think it used to be an old movie theater or something I’m not even sure.
Actual impression (****): There are some amazing deals inside this place with a lot of useful trinkets from clothing to tools. There’s some great stuff here that you could use hiking or camping too.
Lasting impression (*****): this place is always there and I always forget about it, but every time I go I remember why I like being there.