Ollie's Bargain Outlet: Coming to Minnesota?

Minnesota is home to some huge retail brands like Target and Best Buy. While neither of those made this particular list, a brand that currently has zero locations in the state is absolutely booming in other parts of the country.

Yelp recently released data ranking the top 50 fastest-growing brands. There are several brands on this list with a strong presence in Minnesota, such as Dollar Tree, which secured the number two spot, and HomeGoods, placing third. However, the brand at number one is nowhere to be found in Minnesota – at least not yet.

Ollie's Bargain Outlet: A Closer Look

Currently, this rapidly expanding chain of discount stores boasts 558 locations across 31 states. According to Yelp, Ollie's Bargain Outlet has experienced a remarkable +212% change in consumer interest compared to 2024. To put that in perspective, Dollar Tree saw a respectable +24% change, illustrating the immense growth Ollie's is experiencing.

Get our free mobile app

What Makes Ollie's So Popular?

Ollie's Bargain Outlet, founded in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, in 1982, is renowned for its fun, quirky marketing and its ability to sell popular brand-name items at significantly discounted prices.

Ollies.com

Ollie's prides itself on selling "closeouts, overstocks, package changes, manufacturer-refurbished goods, and irregulars from the finest manufacturers in the world." Shoppers can discover a wide variety of products, ranging from cleaning supplies and health and beauty products to toys and electronics.

Unfortunately for Minnesotans, a trip is currently required to experience an Ollie's Bargain Outlet. The closest locations can be found in Wisconsin or Iowa.

Future Expansion Plans for Minnesota

However, there's good news for Minnesota shoppers! It appears Ollie's does have plans to expand into the state. On their website, they have a section for real estate suggestions for upcoming stores, and Minnesota is explicitly listed under "we're looking." With plans to expand their store count by 10% each year, a Minnesota location for Ollie's Bargain Outlet could become a reality very soon.

Minnesota's Best Restaurants You Can Boat Up To

Minnesota, as the Land of 10,000 Lakes, has a lot of great restaurants and bars right on the water. While there are many with beautiful lakeside views, not everyone has the option to boat up to enjoy some time at the establishment.

While this is by no means a complete list of every bar and restaurant you can boat up to in Minnesota, these are the top-rated ones according to online reviews.

NOTE: These are in no particular order.

Gallery Credit: Nick Cooper - TSM Duluth

Tour Minnesota's Fanciest Mini Golf Course - The Centennial Lakes Putting Course

While they won't call it a mini golf course, it kind of is. This 18-hole course boasts all real grass playing surfaces, natural obstacles like sand traps, boulders, and water, just like a real golf course.

The whole course looks and feels like a shrunken golf course, and it plays like one, too! The holes are long! The shortest hole is 57 feet, the longest is 125 feet, and the whole 18-hole course plays 1,662 feet.

This is no ordinary mini golf course!

Take a tour.

Gallery Credit: Nick Cooper