The first of six former 99 Cents Only stores planned to become Ollie’s Bargain Outlet locations has opened in Rosenberg. The store, located at 2516 Avenue H, Rosenberg, TX 77471, is one of 11 purchased by the Pennsylvania-based outlet chain. Ollie’s had their eyes on Texas ever since the downfall of Toys ‘R Us when they were rumored to be eyeing many leases throughout the Lone Star state. Ultimately, Ollie’s took a slower approach, opting to open in a few smaller towns before heading to bigger cities. The downfall of competition like Dirt Cheap, and to a lesser extent Big Lots, has opened up a space in the otherwise densely packed discount market. The other Houston area locations are in various states of readiness, with the North Oaks location fully stocked but not yet open. The converted locations have removed the fresh grocery fixtures but otherwise reused as much as possible from the old stores. Some stickers from the old store can still be found on shelf ends, and the 99 Cents Only logo is covered by tape on the checkstand lights. The remaining stores are mostly set to become Dollar Tree locations, with two in Houston set to become Burlington.
I see they also have former Ross carts at this store. I’m guessing they upgraded another store’s fleet and needed to find another place for these ones. It is interesting to see them instead of the uninteresting red plastic ones with the Ollie’s branding they have been ordering for the past three years.