Today is the grand opening of Ollie’s Bargain Outlet, located at 1340 SR 60 in Lake Wales.
I arrived at the Ollie’s parking lot about 9:15 am. The parking lot was definitely full, something most are not accustomed to seeing here. There are other retailers in this plaza, so this definitely adds to the amount of cars. Being that this is a grand opening, I expect the number of vehicles to be a little less in the future.
I was able to park at the far end of the lot, and maneuvered through puddles on foot to the front of the store. Upon walking up to the entrance today, you have the option of either walking in directly to shop, or completing an electronic profile with the help of customer representatives; a kiosk was set up outside.
After 15 minutes, when I made it to the front of the line, I was able to give some basic information and signed up for a rewards card. In return, I received a branded tote bag and a T-shirt for my efforts. I was informed that for every dollar spent, I would receive a point. I was not advised as to how their reward program works, or what said points would eventually do for me.
The store is completely full of merchandise. Shelving is stocked floor to ceiling throughout the store, and there are several pallets stacked in the aisles, but there is still plenty of room to walk around. Despite the parking lot being full, the aisles are not overloaded with people, or stuff. Shopping was not too crowded. Clever signage dons the store’s walls, explaining how closeouts and bankruptcies help to stock store shelves and bring bargains to consumers.
As expected, one side of the store was predominantly grocery. Everything from cans to bottles of all kinds. Snacks. Drinks. Canned veggies. Cereals. Dry goods. And much more that can be noted. Boxes of K-cups were set on a pallet. In addition to grocery, there’s also paper goods, laundry and kitchen items, small appliances, and household goods.
Square orange stickers denote the price of goods.
As I looped around the store, I encountered quite a variety of items. There was a camping and outdoor area with tents, Coleman sleeping bags and lanterns.
The toy department is spread out over a couple of aisles. A variety of toys and games for children of all ages was available.
The Christmas section had decorations, floor mats, tree skirts and wrapping materials.
There is even a book area, holding racks and racks of cookbooks, novels, children’s activity books, and more than I can specify here.
The thing to remember is that their stock will rotate and change as new shipments come in. If you bought a particular brand of soda last week, it may not be there next week.
Even though I arrive fairly close to the opening time, the checkout line was very responsive. Every cashier station was staffed with two people, one to help with bagging. It made the process very quick. I bought three books, a huge Crayola coloring roll, some chocolates for the holidays, and an item for baking for a total of $30.52. My newly received rewards card got the same amount of points.
My items were bagged, I was thanked for my business, and headed out the door. And the sun was shining.
Ollie’s is open from 9 AM to 9 PM.
