One store is closing, but another is opening.
Stage Stores Inc. is closing the Gordmans department store in Village Center at 1505 E. Tipton St., Seymour, and Ollie’s Bargain Outlet, a discount department store, is opening up next door.
Gordmans opened its 23,000-square-foot store in August 2018, just months after Goody’s, also owned by Stage Stores Inc., closed in that same location.
Requests for comment from the corporate office as to when Gordmans’ final day will be or where employees will go have gone unanswered, but Gordmans has “Store Closing” signs in its windows.
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"The closing sales have already begun," said Alicia Nymann, manager of Gordmans. "Currently, store hours are Monday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday noon to 5 p.m."
On the Stage Stores Inc. website, President and Chief Executive Officer Michael Glazer said despite all of their efforts, they have been unable to obtain necessary financing to continue operating as an independent business.
Therefore, Stage Stores Inc. has filed voluntary petitions under Chapter 11 and has begun to wind down operations at certain locations, including Seymour.
Glazer said they expect to honor existing customer programs, including gift cards and returns, for the first 30 days after the store’s reopening date of May 15.
Gordmans may be closing, but Ollie’s Bargain Outlet is expected to open its doors in the near future. Ollie’s is moving into the store space between Gordmans and Harbor Freight in Seymour.
Requests for comment to the corporate office as to when Ollie’s will be opening in Seymour have remained unanswered, but the banner on front of the building says, "Coming soon, Ollie’s. Apply online at ollies.us."
According to its website, Ollie’s is now one of America’s largest retailers of closeout merchandise and excess inventory. The chain currently operates 363 stores in 25 states with plans to open more this year.
There are currently 13 Ollie’s stores in Indiana.
The bargain outlet carries brand-name items at bargain prices in every department, from housewares to sporting goods to flooring, food and more.
Ollie’s buyers scour the world looking for closeouts, overstocks, package changes, manufacturer refurbished goods and irregulars, according to the website.
A lot of the merchandise comes direct from manufacturers in the United States and also some countries abroad.
Ollie’s also has liquidated major retail centers, working very closely with financial institutions.
When companies liquidate, the banks often will dispose of remaining inventories and turn them into cash. Ollie’s brings the goods back to its stores and passes the savings to the customer.
According to the website, Ollie’s Army is the store’s customer loyalty program. Membership is free, and customers can join at any time.
Members of Ollie’s Army will receive special discounts in the mail throughout the year and receive emails with the latest fliers and deals.
One point is earned for every dollar spent at Ollie’s. Once 250 points have been accumulated, a 10% off reward certificate will be issued in the mail.
There is an opportunity to move up the ranks to earn even more discounts and receive special offers.