After Chapter 11 bankruptcy closures, retail rival saves some stores
The cult-favorite chain will operate the about-to-close, or closed stores under its famous name.
Very few retail chains build a following so devoted that every new store opening counts as an event.
In fact, it's hard to think of any non-fast-food chains where fans line up ahead of the opening, making it a massive event. Chick-fil-A and maybe In-N-Out Burger have managed to pull this off, but it's something you very rarely see.
Related: Popular mall anchor chain closing dozens more stores
Ollie's Bargain Outlet might have the most devoted fanbase in all of retail. The chain has even named its fans, calling them "Ollie's Army," and they're superfans who travel to new stores to make sure that the opening draws a crowd.
Retailers literally can't buy this kind of publicity. Yes, you can pay to advertise a new store opening, but that does not create the level of enthusiasm that Ollie's (OLLI) Army brings.
