'A Treasure Hunt' of Good Value

After leaving the corporate world -- and not for the first time -- Kevin Bannon is trying his hand at a very different kind of business endeavor.

Bannon, an East Cobb resident, opened Overstock Warehouse on Saturday at the Stonewood Village Shopping Center, describing it as "a treasure hunt type of a store."

A wide array of goods -- from clothing and housewares to electronics and non-perishables -- is on sale from 20 to 50 percent below retail, and he buys from a number of major retailers. 

"This is the most logical place for me," he says about his bootstrapped venture, "because I enjoy finding good value."

While the discount retail market is strong in East Cobb, there aren't many independent shops. Overstock Warehouse is located next to the vacant U.S. Golf space, and just a few doors down from both Ritter's and Hong Kong Star.

He said his independence gives him an advantage in negotiating resell prices with retailers.

"I'm autonomous," Bannon said. "I don't have to answer to a corporate office."

The store is very simply laid out, with clothing in the front and the electronics and large furnishings in the back. 

Store shelves are gradually filling up with non-perishable food items, paper towels, shoes and other everyday goods Bannon hopes will be a regular drawing card for his business. 

Bannon, who previously ran a day care center in Alpharetta with his wife, Cynthia, said he extensively researched the overstock retail segment as an equity analyst and also works with a consultant with a track record in the business.

Bannon began prepping for the opening in April, and for now is getting out the word mainly through word of mouth and social media. Updates on sales and what's coming to the store will be posted on its Facebook page. 

"If you like what's on the shelf, snap it up," he advises. "You don't know how long it's going to last and you don't know when it's going to come back."

Overstock Warehouse
Address: 4719 Lower Roswell Road
Phone: 770-509-0732
Website: www.theoverstockwarehouse.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheOverstockWarehouse/info
Hours: Monday-Friday 10-7; Saturday 10-6; Closed Sunday.