Ollie’s Bargain Outlet to open new St. Joseph store in former Big Lots building

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- More than a year after the departure of Big Lots in St. Joseph, plans are in motion to bring a popular new discount store to the Belt Highway.

Renovations are currently underway at the former Big Lots building at 1417 N. Belt Highway in preparation for a new Ollie's Bargain Discount store. A large poster now hangs on the property informing residents of the upcoming business.

The move comes after city officials gave the green light in October for a building permit to kickstart renovations, which have now shifted inside following weeks of exterior repairs.

With more than 640 stores, Ollie's is one of the largest discount retailers in the U.S. stocking the shelves with everything from clothing and books to cleaning products, electronics, lawn/garden items and more.

Opened in 1982, Ollie's is also one of the fastest growing discount chains. The store recently announced it would be opening nine new U.S. locations in October -- many in former Big Lots stores -- including new stores in Washington, Missouri and Springfield, Missouri.

According to reporting from USA Today, Ollie's acquired more than 40 Big Lots stores last year via auction after the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

The store will be located at the Northgate Shopping Center on the North Belt Highway, next to Hobby Lobby and Dollar General. Ollie's currently operates two stores in the Kansas City area.

A timeline for completion has yet to be confirmed.