Ollie's Bargain Outlet Is Opening at Westgate Mall in Baxter

Baxter's retail scene is getting a new anchor this month. Ollie's Bargain Outlet is set to open at Westgate Mall on October 28, 2026, taking a major section on the mall's east end next to Ashley Furniture. It is the discount chain's second Minnesota store, after its first in Austin, and its arrival is one more sign of how quickly the Baxter side of the Brainerd Lakes Area is filling in with everyday retail.

What Is Opening and When

Ollie's Bargain Outlet opens October 28, 2026 at Westgate Mall in Baxter. The store will occupy a major section on the mall's east end, next to Ashley Furniture, mirroring the west end where Harbor Freight and Dunham's sit. Ollie's sells closeout and surplus goods across home goods, furniture, food, and more, and this will be only its second Minnesota location.

Why Westgate Matters to Baxter

Westgate Mall sits in Baxter, not Brainerd, at 14136 Baxter Drive, and it is the region's main indoor shopping anchor. Adding a national discount retailer to the east end fills a space that had been empty and gives shoppers another reason to make the trip. For a city already growing along Highway 371 and 210, it is the kind of retail that serves year-round residents, not just summer visitors.

What It Means for Homeowners

**Convenience close to home:** a discount department store is the kind of everyday amenity that makes a town feel complete, especially for year-round residents and empty nesters.

**A healthy retail corridor supports values:** active malls and retail keep a community feeling vibrant, and retail confidence tends to track with residential demand.

**More reasons for out-of-area buyers:** visitors and second-home buyers notice when a town has real shopping options, which supports the area's broader appeal.

The Bottom Line

Ollie's is one store, but it fills a big empty space at the region's main mall, and that matters. Baxter's growth has been driven by housing, dining, and now retail, and each new anchor makes the town a more complete place to live year-round. For buyers, it is one more check in the everything is close column.

Curious how Baxter's growth affects the market? Start with our Baxter community guide, catch up on the Highway 371 corridor story, or schedule a call. Cheers!