Openings & Closings

Former KC area big-box retailer to become massive bargain outlet. Opening date set

Ollie’s Bargain Outlet will soon open another Kansas City area location.

The discount retailer, based in Pennsylvania, is opening its third area store in the metro in a former Independence Big Lots at 4201 S. Noland Road.

The chain announced in a press release Tuesday that it would celebrate the store’s grand opening April 9. Ollie’s sells food, books, clothing, home goods and more for up to 70% off, according to its website.

Its other area locations are at 8640 N. Madison Ave. and 11610 W. 95th St. in Overland Park.

Late last year, The Star reported that Big Lots was closing all its stores and leaving the Kansas City area. Its previous locations included 7408 Nieman Road in Shawnee, 603 U.S. Highway 40 in Blue Springs, 901 E. Langsford Road in Lee’s Summit, 4826 N. Oak Trafficway in the Northland and 140 S. Clairborne Road in Olathe.

This year, major national retailers Joann Fabrics and Forever 21 also announced complete shutdowns of their stores, both saying a challenging retail climate partially contributed to their downfall.

This story was originally published March 26, 2025 at 1:39 PM.

Jenna Thompson
The Kansas City Star
Jenna Thompson covers retail news for The Kansas City Star. A native of Lincoln, Nebraska, she previously reported for the Lincoln Journal Star and graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where she studied journalism and English.
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