The development: Ollie’s Bargain Outlet has acquired more than 60 Big Lots stores following the latter's bankruptcy—showing how retail closures create opportunities for competitors.

• Ollie’s said the acquired outlets have below-market rents and are located in solid trade corridors.
• CEO Eric van der Valk said during this month’s earnings call that retail store closures and bankruptcies had left “a considerable number of abandoned customers, merchandise, real estate, and talent” available that can benefit Ollie’s.