A shopper checks out the baking pans in the kitchen aisle at Ollie's Bargain Outlet in Oakwood, Ohio.
Chris Stephens/Cleveland.com
The Pennsylvania-based chain of discount stores signed a lease for a 36,000-square-foot space east of the Walmart store, according to real estate firm Mid-America. The plaza is located at 2321 Ellsworth Road, west of Hewitt Road.
The space — once occupied by a Busch’s Fresh Food Market and Sheena’s Marketplace — has been vacant for several years. Mid-America’s Susan Acciaioli, Tony Schmitt and Jack Uhazie represented Ollie’s in the transaction.
Founded in 1982, the eclectic Ollie’s Bargain Outlet chain operates more than 140 stores in 13 states, with plans to open about 20 to 30 stores per year, according to its website.
The warehouse-style stores typically display inventory on pallets and moveable fixtures, with caricatures and quirky signage separating the store into 19 categories. Departments include hardware, books and stationery, carpet, domestics, food, toys and seasonal goods.
“The merchandising team at Ollie’s has close relationships with a vast network of manufacturers and vendors, ensuring a constantly changing merchandise mix and plenty of name-brand products,” its website says.
The chain looks for real estate in regional or neighborhood centers anchored by big-box retailers or dominant grocery stores.
The Roundtree Plaza shopping center is anchored by a Walmart store on its west end. In May, Ypsilanti Township’s Planning Commission unanimously approved Walmart’s plans for a 38,000-square-foot addition that will primarily make room for a full grocery section.
The $4 million construction project is expected to begin in August and is targeted for completion within 120 days.
A representative with Ollie’s Bargain Outlet could not immediately be reached for comment, but the company’s website says it plans to open the Ypsilanti Township store on July 31.
Lizzy Alfs is a business reporter for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at 734-623-2584 or email her at lizzyalfs@annarbor.com. Follow her on Twitter at http://twitter.com/lizzyalfs.