Mattress storein Albany, GA

The prices range from $1.00 to $5.00 for items, which aligns with their slogan “Good Stuff Cheap.”

ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) - Ollie’s Bargain Outlet is known for setting up shop in vacant buildings. Here in Albany, they’ve moved into the old Toys R Us building.

A crowd of people were seen on Wednesday waiting to get into Ollie’s.

The prices range from $1.00 to $5.00 for items, which aligns with their slogan “Good Stuff Cheap.”

“I’ve shopped at Ollies’ stores before at different locations, and when I heard they were opening one here, I got really excited. I needed to come here to get some household things that are very reasonable, and some items for my grandson who is in college,” said Cassie Hale, an Albany resident and Ollie’s shopper.

Ollies will not only offer customers ways to save but will offer a service for more retail shopping in northwest Albany.

“What we look for are areas that have been vacant for a while or buildings that have been open for a little while in a well-populated area. The location that we’ve got here in Albany is fantastic. Right next to the mall and we there are lots of other retail organizations,” said Tom Sizemore, Ollie’s district team leader.

One resident says in the past, she has had to travel to other locations to get hot commodity items that you may not find elsewhere.

“I’ve been wanting an Ollie’s in Albany for like five-six years now. I’ve been going to Tifton, Cordele, Thomasville. So, it’s great to have one in Albany, Georgia, where we reside at,” said Qwajalien May, Albany resident and Ollie’s shopper.

Sizemore tells WALB that they have received tremendous support already with lines out the door. They say they have a business plan to stay successful and relevant, despite the closures of other stores in Albany.

“Basically what keeps people coming is deals. That’s what we are known for. We find products that either the packaging is changing, or that other retailers no longer want to carry. We get it at very low prices, and we are able to present name brand products to our customers at up to sometimes 70% off what they would find it at what we call big box stores,” said Sizemore.

15% of workers in Albany are in retail, according to the city’s five-year consolidated plan. And with Ollie’s bringing at least 50-60 new jobs to the area, residents now have another option for work and play.

Sizemore says that what keeps the customers coming back are the deals and the clean environment for customers to shop.

“So excited to be here today. Albany, what a great town the foot traffic today. The welcome by the customer is more than we could have ever hoped for. We counted well over 200 people waiting in line to get in the doors for the first time at 9 a.m. this morning,” He said.

WALB reached out to the Albany-Dougherty County Economic Development Commission as well as the Albany Chamber of Commerce about how Ollie’s fits into a larger forecast of retailers in the area. They haven’t gotten back to me. However, the city’s five-year consolidated plan notes that, “Many large corporations have left the city over the last 30 years. Many smaller businesses did not survive the pandemic. Programs are necessary for those businesses to restart.”

Sizemore says he is happy to be part of a positive trend when it comes to filling vacant buildings in Albany and keeping shoppers closer to home.

“It’s definitely self-gratifying to know that we can close those gaps and that we have a loyal customer base that is willing to drive 35-45 minutes away. And now, they can drive 10-15 minutes to their local Ollie’s here in Albany, Georgia.”

Copyright 2023 WALB. All rights reserved.

Statistics state Georgia ranks in the top 20 percent to start a small business.

ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) - Starting a business in a small town has challenges, but what about the success rate?

According to reports, Albany is ranked number one for starting a business in Georgia.

“Albany is just such a beautiful place with a rich, beautiful culture. They have a beautiful downtown, it’s like a blank canvas. So, it gives you the opportunity to create, so that’s why we chose this place,” Stanley Franklin, owner of Cornerstone Coffee, said.

Statistics state Georgia ranks in the top 20 percent to start a small business. Many business owners say that having more foot traffic will increase sales.

Corner Stone Coffee Co-Owner Anastasia Franklin says coming back to Albany has been a good move for her business. The coffee shop is located downtown.

“When you get out of the place that you are from and you see more, you are able to bring back things to your community and really offer something great,” Franklin said.

With a population of 70,000, an outside source ranked Albany number one for starting a small business. That report encompasses all factors including business costs, business climate, financial accessibility, economy and workforce.

The Perfect Collar has been open for only a few months now off of Ledo Road. The owner says building relationships with the people in Albany has been the best part of the opening process.

“We opened in May, we’re still brand new. The wonderful thing about this area is the community support. So, we have had a lot of support from our church family, from our friends, from other business owners it’s really been incredible,” Shellie Collier, owner of The Perfect Collar, said.

“You have to be willing to talk with people, you have to be willing to collaborate. You just don’t up and do by yourself. There is a lot of working with city leaders and community officials,” Franklin said.

Even though statistics say that Georgia ranks in the top 20% to start a small business, the 2022 economic outlook from the University of Georgia indicates the opposite. It states that Albany is behind the pace of the entire state.

Some of the resources that the city offers to new businesses include assistance from the downtown manager’s office and grant funding, but staying relevant in the community is mostly up to the business owner.

“In a town like Albany, it’s important to focus on building strong relationships with the local community and all of your customers. Recommend engage in community events, support various local causes, and that helps foster a loyal customer base,” Don Gray, immediate past chairman for Albany Chamber of Commerce, said.

A part of the process that surprised one business owner during their opening was the amount of time and effort it took to get up and going.

“We didn’t know how long and tedious the process would actually be. We wish we would have been able to plan better our opening date planning ahead because we didn’t know until we were in the middle of it,” Collier said.

Another aspect that can help businesses thrive in Albany is being open to change and help from others.

“I think the main thing is to continuously adapt to changing needs and preferences. Explore any other opportunities you might have to collaborate with other local businesses. Don’t try to do it with yourself, when one business succeeds it should help other businesses succeed,” Gray said.

Copyright 2023 WALB. All rights reserved.

ALBANY — The question, posed by concerned callers was a legitimate one: If the city of Albany just spent $11 million-plus on a transportation center, why are bus riders waiting out in the hot sun for buses to arrive?

The answer is a lesson in the current state of business.

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Albany residents said the aquatic weeds have been growing out of control for two years.

ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) - Residents are raising concerns about overgrown vegetation along the Flint River, specifically along the Lake Worth area. They said the overgrowth has created safety issues and is blocking up main river channels.

“One of my biggest fears is kids come out and ski out here and they’re going to get tangled up in this stuff,” said Robert Hubbard, one concerned Albany resident.

The overgrown aquatic weeds are around the Lovers Lane and River Pointe neighborhoods. Along the river banks are overgrown greenery engulfing some parts of boat docks, ramps and properties.

“It’s just really multiplying,” said Harry Prisant, another concerned Albany resident.

Ronnie Skates, another Albany resident, said the overgrowth also raises hazard concerns as some residents aren’t able to easily boat or fish anymore.

“You can’t even get in and out of their dock and it keeps getting bigger and bigger and bigger,” Skates said.

WALB News 10′s Lenah Allen reached out to the Flint Riverkeeper for answers.

“Georgia Power is required by law to maintain the channel, whatever that is to them, because of their operating permit,” said David Dixon, president of the Flint Riverkeeper Board.

Georgia Power officials said they sprayed weed treatments back in June and will reevaluate the area in the coming days.

Residents said the problem is that the department isn’t spraying regularly, resulting in a build-up of weeds that ultimately block river channels.

“That’s all we’re asking. A little help to do that again before it really gets out of hand. It’s bad enough now, but you know, what if somebody were to fall in and drown? You know, well this could have been prevented.”

Until Georgia Power comes back out to inspect these concerns, they advise residents to do things like clean plant fragments off boats and avoid dumping grass clippings and store-bought herbicides into the river to reduce the spread of invasive aquatic plants.

Copyright 2023 WALB. All rights reserved.

ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) - The Albany-Dougherty Economic Development Commission, the Albany Convention and Visitors Bureau and Faithstep Films announced a partnership with the Kendrick Brothers to film a movie in Dougherty County.

The Kendricks produced movies such as Flywheel, Fireproof, Facing the Giants and The War Room and have decided to keep the production for their upcoming film in Albany.

“Albany is where our filmmaking journey began. We love our hometown and are excited about partnering with the great people in our city, many of the local businesses, and the vibrant church community,” Stephen Kendrick said.

According to the release, the title and plot details of the movie are not being released at this time. The Kendricks hope to deliver their trademark passion for live-changing stories filled with humor and heart in a film that will inspire audiences everywhere.

“While we are ecstatic to have The Kendrick Brothers bring their film home, the true benefit is the inclusion of our businesses and local talent,” Executive Director of the Albany Convention and Visitors Bureau, Rashelle Minix said. “From local hotels to Downtown restaurants, construction set builders, film students, attractions, and facilities their investment in our community will have lasting economic benefits "

The film is scheduled to be released in the third quarter of 2024 and will be released nationwide with the support of AFFIRM Films, a Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) company, and Provident Films.

“We are fortunate to have such talented hometown filmmakers and are delighted that Kendrick Brothers will be filming their next full-length motion picture here in Albany,” Mayor Bo Dorough said. “I would like to recognize Jana Dyke and her staff at the Economic Development Commission, for their hard work in securing this commitment from Kendrick Brothers. We, as a community, will also be working to establish the necessary infrastructure to attract more projects, so that Albany and Southwest Georgia may benefit from what has emerged as one of the state’s major industries in the last decade.”

Copyright 2023 WALB. All rights reserved.