More shopping options on the way

By Denice Thibodeau

Published: August 3, 2008

More retailers are heading for Danville, with some targeting Coleman MarketPlace and others looking to locate elsewhere.

Ollie’s Bargain Outlet will have its official grand opening Wednesday, but the store was open Friday to give cashiers a chance to practice on the public.

“We’re just open for a few hours to practice with the registers,” store manager Angel Gerrells said, adding that finding the store open before Wednesday would be “hit or miss.”

Ollie’s carries close-out, surplus and irregular merchandise, and light-heartedly encourages its customers to join “Ollie’s Army” — “the few, the cheap, the proud” — to collect points toward special discounts. The store promises that “the bigger cheapskate you are, the more you save!”

Ollie’s Bargain Outlet is located at King’s Fairground Shopping Center on Piney Forest Road.

Another business is prepared to open at 126 Sandy Court, next to Schewel’s Furniture.

Harbor Freight Tools has placed a sign outside the business telling prospective employees to “inquire inside.”

Workers at the site said the store expected to be open by the beginning of September, but that could not be confirmed Friday through the company’s corporate headquarters.

The store advertises that it carries “quality tools at the lowest prices, guaranteed.”

During July, several companies obtained building permits for work in different units at Coleman MarketPlace, including Sally Beauty Supply, Rue 21 and Verizon Wireless.

Sources say the Sally Beauty Supply store will be relocated from its Piney Forest Road location to Coleman MarketPlace, but calls for confirmation from representatives at the company’s corporate headquarters in Denton, Texas, were not returned Friday.

Rue 21 is a clothing store that carries fashions that are “young, fresh and affordable,” according to its Web site (http://www.rue21.com).

The company’s Web site says the Coleman MarketPlace location is “coming soon,” but a company spokesperson could not be reached for details Friday.

Petco is the latest store to open at Coleman MarketPlace. They are currently open and planning a grand opening weekend from Friday through Sunday.

Events include a most photogenic feline contest on Friday, free pet caricatures on Saturday and several dog contests — biggest, smallest, best dressed and pet/owner look-alike — on Sunday.

Contact Denice Thibodeau at or (434) 791-7985.