If you’re a cross-border e-commerce seller constantly scanning for wholesale deals, clearance inventory, or off-price goods, you’ve likely asked yourself: does Ollie’s have shoes? It’s a fair question. Ollie’s Bargain Outlet, known for its “Good Stuff Cheap” model, is a favorite among bargain hunters in the United States. But for online sellers looking to source footwear for Shopify, Amazon, or eBay stores, the answer isn’t just “yes”—it’s a strategic goldmine if you know how to navigate it. In this article, I’ll break down exactly what types of shoes Ollie’s carries, how to evaluate them for resale, and why understanding this channel could give you a competitive edge in the global marketplace.
What Does Ollie’s Actually Stock? The Shoe Category Explained
Ollie’s operates on a simple but powerful business model: they buy excess inventory, closeout deals, and factory overruns from major brands and retailers. This means their product mix is unpredictable but often high-quality. When it comes to the question does Ollie’s have shoes, the answer is a definitive yes—but with caveats. You won’t find a curated, seasonal shoe department like at DSW or Nordstrom Rack. Instead, you’ll discover a rotating selection of footwear from well-known brands like Skechers, New Balance, Nike, and Adidas, as well as lesser-known labels.
- Sneakers and athletic shoes: Often found in the menswear and womenswear sections, these are typically last-season models or overruns with minor cosmetic flaws.
- Casual and dress shoes: Loafers, boat shoes, and simple flats appear sporadically, usually from department store returns or canceled orders.
- Children’s footwear: A smaller but reliable category—think character-licensed shoes (e.g., Disney, Marvel) and budget-friendly school shoes.
- Seasonal and specialty shoes: Rain boots, slippers, and sandals can appear during spring/summer clearouts, but availability is inconsistent.
The key takeaway for e-commerce sellers: Ollie’s is not a wholesale supplier. You’re buying retail, but at deeply discounted prices (often 50-70% off MSRP). The real value lies in your ability to identify hidden gems that can be flipped on marketplaces for a profit.
How to Source Shoes from Ollie’s for Resale: A Step-by-Step Strategy
If you’re an Amazon FBA seller or eBay entrepreneur wondering does Ollie’s have shoes that can actually sell, the answer is yes—but only if you follow a systematic approach. Many sellers make the mistake of grabbing everything they see, only to end up with slow-moving inventory. Here’s how to do it right.
1. Identify High-Demand Brands and Styles
Not all shoe brands perform equally on online marketplaces. Focus on names with proven resale velocity. Skechers, for instance, has a strong following among budget-conscious buyers on eBay. New Balance sneakers in classic styles (like 574s) have loyal fans. Nike and Adidas are always in demand, but competition is fierce. Check your seller analytics or use tools like Keepa and CamelCamelCamel to assess historical sales data before buying.
2. Inspect for Profitability: The 3x Rule
My golden rule for Ollie’s sourcing is the 3x rule: if you can sell the shoe for at least three times your purchase price after fees, it’s worth buying. Let’s say you find a pair of Skechers sneakers at Ollie’s for $24.99. After factoring in Amazon’s referral fee (15% for shoes), FBA storage, and shipping, your net profit needs to exceed $25. If you can sell it for $75+, you’re in good shape. Always use a profit calculator before pulling the trigger.
- Check for damage: Scuffed soles, loose stitching, or missing shoelaces kill resale value. Avoid anything that can’t be easily fixed.
- Verify size runs: Odd sizes (e.g., 5.5, 14, 15) can be harder to move. Stick to common sizes like 7-11 for men and 6-9 for women.
- Look for NIB condition: “New in Box” is ideal. If the box is damaged, it’s still acceptable—most Amazon buyers don’t care about the box as long as the shoes are pristine.
Why Ollie’s Shoes Are Perfect for eBay and Shopify Dropshippers
For cross-border sellers targeting international buyers (think Canada, Europe, or Australia), Ollie’s footwear can be a hidden asset. The off-price nature means you can offer competitive pricing while maintaining healthy margins. But there’s a twist: you need to understand geographic demand. For example, U.S.-branded shoes like Skechers are highly sought after in markets like Japan and South Korea, where they command premium prices. If you’re dropshipping from the U.S., leveraging Ollie’s inventory gives you an edge over generic Chinese suppliers.
“The best part about Ollie’s is the unpredictability. You never know what high-value shoe will appear. I once found a pair of Cole Haan dress shoes for $19.99 that sold on eBay for $89 within 48 hours. The key is to be ready to act fast.” — Jake T., full-time Ollie’s reseller and Amazon seller since 2018
Common Pitfalls to Avoid When Buying Shoes at Ollie’s
Before you rush to your nearest Ollie’s, let’s address the elephant in the room: not every shoe is a winner. Many sellers ignore the question does Ollie’s have shoes with a skeptical eye, and for good reason. Here are the mistakes I’ve seen (and made) over the years.
1. Ignoring Seasonality
Ollie’s often receives deep discounts on off-season footwear. You might see heavy winter boots in July or open-toe sandals in December. While these can be stored, they tie up your cash. Unless you have warehouse space and long-term patience, stick to “always-on” styles like sneakers and casual loafers.
2. Overlooking Brand Reputation
Some shoes at Ollie’s come from brands you’ve never heard of—and for a reason. Avoid no-name labels, as they rarely sell well on Amazon or eBay. Stick to brands with existing search volume. Use tools like Helium 10 or Jungle Scout to verify keyword demand for “does ollies have shoes” variations like “Skechers clearance shoes” or “New balance closeout deals.”
3. Assuming All Ollie’s Locations Are the Same
Ollie’s stores are individually managed, so inventory varies wildly. A store in Ohio might have a pile of Nike Air Max, while one in Florida stocks flip-flops. Call ahead or visit multiple locations. Better yet, join Ollie’s Facebook groups or reseller communities where members share recent finds related to does ollies have shoes.
Data-Backed Insights: The Resale Potential of Ollie’s Footwear
Let’s look at numbers. According to a 2023 analysis of average resale prices on eBay, closeout athletic shoes from major brands can yield a 40-60% profit margin when sourced from off-price retailers. For example:
- Skechers Go Walk sneakers: Ollie’s price $22.99, eBay average selling price $55.00 (profit after fees: ~$22).
- New Balance 574 Classics: Ollie’s price $29.99, eBay average $75.00 (profit after fees: ~$32).
- Nike Air Force 1 (limited colors): Ollie’s price $34.99, eBay average $110.00 (profit after fees: ~$52).
These examples assume you’re selling via eBay (lower fees than Amazon for shoes) and shipping domestically. For cross-border sales, factor in additional costs but also higher perceived value—international buyers often pay a premium for U.S.-sourced goods.
How to Scale from Ollie’s Shopper to Full-Time Reseller
If you’re serious about turning the answer to does Ollies have shoes into a consistent revenue stream, treat it like a business, not a hobby. Here’s a scalable approach: