New retailer at Iowa City Marketplace confirmed by mall owner

Hunter
01/10/23

The Iowa City Marketplace has officially confirmed that a new national retailer will be moving in to the former Lucky’s Market location this year.

The Gazette reports that Ollie’s Bargain Outlet bills itself as the country’s largest retailer of closeout merchandise. They sell an ever-changing inventory consisting of items like  housewares, electronics, home improvement items, books and toys.

Ollie’s has 467 stores in 29 states, and the Iowa City location would be the first one in the state.

Ben Hamd is the founder of Brookwood Capital Advisors, who owns the Marketplace after purchasing it last year. He told the Gazette that the addition of Ollie’s will give the mall a “busy” feeling it hasn’t had since Lucky’s closed in early March 2019.

The Marketplace already features a Planet Fitness, Joann Fabrics & Crafts, Marcus Theatres, Panera Bread, McDonald’s, Mexico Lindo and Oyama Sushi.

Hamd says that Ollie’s will bring at least 30 new jobs to the city, and project annual revenues of about $10 million. They hope to open by late summer or early fall.

KCJJ reported in late December that a Facebook post from the Iowa City Marketplace announced the addition, but the post was taken down quickly.