Pickleball Club, Ollie’s Bargain Outlet Move Into Empty Storefronts in Danvers, Fitchburg

Two Massachusetts retail sites previously occupied by bankrupt retailers — Bed Bath & Beyond and Big Lots — are welcoming new tenants: a pickleball complex and Ollie's Bargain Outlet.

In Danvers, a former Bed Bath & Beyond store across from Liberty Tree Mall is being transformed into The Picklr. This 36,000-square-foot pickleball club will feature 12 indoor courts, a pro shop, and private event space. Its opening is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 18.

"Our members will enjoy a best-in-class indoor experience designed for all ages and skill levels, with state-of-the-art courts, all-inclusive memberships, and unmatched programming that makes everyone feel welcome, supported, and inspired," The Picklr Danvers co-founder James Maguire said in a statement shared with WBZ-TV CBS News Boston.

In Fitchburg, Ollie's Bargain Outlet is opening in the former Big Lots location in Wallace Plaza. A grand opening took place on Wednesday, Oct. 15. Ollie's claims it offers prices "as much as 70% cheaper than 'the fancy stores,'" according to CBS News Boston.

The Fitchburg Ollie's is the sixth store in Massachusetts to open by the Pennsylvania-based retailer. Ollie's also has stores in New Bedford, Pittsfield, Plymouth, Seekonk, and Worcester.

According to CBS News Boston, former Bed Bath & Beyond locations in Massachusetts have been taken over by retailers such as Burlington and Ocean State Job Lot. Big Lots closed all its Massachusetts and New Hampshire stores last year due to financial challenges.