Ollie's Bargain Outlet is an American discount store chain. It was founded in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, in 1982 by Morton Bernstein, Mark Butler, Harry Coverman, and Oliver "Ollie" Rosenberg, the company's namesake. As of September 2025, the chain has 618 locations in 34 states. Its selection of merchandise comprises a variety of discounted items, mostly overstock or closeout merchandise that is purchased in bulk from other retailers and sold at discounted prices. Ollie's Bargain Outlet stores feature advertisements and signage with caricatures of Rosenberg, and the chain's slogan "good stuff cheap."
History
Ollie's Bargain Outlet was founded in 1982 in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. Merchandiser Mort Bernstein owned a lumber yard called Lawrence Millwork,[4] but was proving unsuccessful due to an unfavorable economy. While in Boston, Massachusetts, Bernstein visited Building 19, a local surplus store chain, and decided to create a similar store of his own. Through connections with local business owners Harry Coverman and Mark Butler, Bernstein presented his concept to business owner Oliver "Ollie" Rosenberg, who also visited Building 19 for himself and agreed to assist the others in the venture.[4] He financed the opening of the first store and served as its namesake.