Ollie’s to create approximately 175 jobs in Commerce

Ollie’s will locate its new Southeast distribution center in Commerce, creating approximately 175 new jobs and investing $14.56 million into the project over the next five years.

“Georgia has become a magnet for booming companies who require a strong logistics infrastructure,” Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal said. “This new facility is an example of how Georgia’s No.1 business climate can help innovative companies such as Ollie’s expand in the United States.”

The Ollie’s facility in Commerce will support the company’s plans to expand its footprint in the Southeast. As part of this growth plan, the company anticipates adding 30-40 stores in Georgia over a four-year period beginning in 2014. The first Ollie’s store was founded in Mechanicsburg, Pa., in 1982 and has grown to become one of America’s largest retailers of closeouts, excess inventory and salvage merchandise, with 154 stores in 14 states.

The 962,000-square-foot distribution center will be located in the 450-acre Commerce 85 Industrial Park, at the intersection of I-85 and GA Highway 98 in Commerce. Once in operation, the distribution facility will support Ollie’s retail expansion into Alabama, Georgia, Florida and Tennessee.

”We are delighted to expand our distribution operations into Commerce,” said Ollie’s Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer John Swygert. “Commerce is an ideal location for our business and Jackson County has received us with open arms. We look forward to bringing new jobs and opportunities to the area.”