You know that feeling when you walk into a store and the price tags actually make sense? It's rare. Most "discount" shops these days are just overstock outlets selling the same junk for five dollars less than MSRP. But Going Going Gone North Olmsted is a different beast entirely. It’s basically the clearance engine for Dick’s Sporting Goods, and if you haven't been to the Great Northern Plaza location lately, you’re probably overpaying for your sneakers.
The place is massive.
Seriously, it’s huge.
Walking in can be overwhelming because it isn't curated like a high-end boutique. It’s a hunt. If you’re looking for the latest Nike Alphaflys that just dropped last week, you’re in the wrong place. But if you want a solid pair of Pegasus running shoes or some Under Armour turf gear without draining your savings account, this is the spot.
The Reality of Shopping at Going Going Gone North Olmsted
Most people assume "clearance" means "broken" or "ugly." That’s the first thing everyone gets wrong about this North Olmsted staple. The inventory here isn't just the stuff nobody wanted; it’s the result of the ruthless seasonal cycle of big-box retail. When Dick’s Sporting Goods needs room for winter parkas, the summer golf shirts have to go somewhere. That "somewhere" is the racks at Going Going Gone.
The strategy here is simple: velocity. They want the gear out the door. You’ll see brands like Adidas, Reebok, and Columbia marked down 50%, 60%, or sometimes even 70% off the original ticket price.
I’ve seen parents in there scoring entire sets of baseball cleats and batting gloves for less than the price of a single jersey at a standard retail store. It’s a lifesaver for families with kids who outgrow their shoes every three months. Honestly, buying full-price cleats for a ten-year-old is basically a form of financial masochism, and this store is the cure for that.
How the Inventory Actually Works
Everything arrives in waves. You can’t really go in with a specific "shopping list" and expect to find exactly what you need in every color. It’s more about the category. You go because you need a pair of hiking boots, not necessarily the specific Merrell Moab 3 in "Earth" brown.
- Footwear is the crown jewel: The back wall is usually a sea of orange and blue boxes. It’s organized by size, which is a godsend. You just find your row and start digging.
- Apparel is hit or miss: You’ll find racks of high-quality fleece next to some very questionable neon spandex from three seasons ago. You’ve gotta have a discerning eye.
- Hard goods are the wild card: Occasionally, they’ll have bags, some golf clubs, or fitness equipment. These are the items that fly off the shelves the fastest.
Why North Olmsted specifically?
Location matters. The Going Going Gone North Olmsted branch benefits from being in a high-traffic retail corridor. Because it’s surrounded by other major shopping hubs in the Great Northern area, the turnover is incredibly high. High turnover means the "stale" stuff doesn't sit for long, and fresh pallets are coming in from the regional distribution centers constantly.
It’s located at 4954 Great Northern Blvd. It’s easy to get to, right off I-480.
A lot of people confuse this place with a standard Dick's Warehouse Sale. While they are owned by the same parent company, Going Going Gone feels a bit more permanent and structured. It isn't just a pop-up in an old Sears building. It’s a dedicated hub for value.
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The Secret to Finding the Best Deals
If you show up on a Saturday afternoon, be prepared for chaos. It’s loud, the racks might be a little messy from the lunchtime rush, and the best shoe sizes (looking at you, Men’s 10 and Women’s 8) might be picked over.
Go on a Tuesday morning if you can.
Most of the restocking happens during the early part of the week. This is when you find the "hidden gems"—the Patagonia leftovers or the high-end Yeti accessories that somehow ended up in a clearance bin. Also, pay attention to the additional percentage-off signs. Often, the price on the tag isn't the final price. The store frequently runs "take an extra 25% off the lowest marked price" events, which can turn a $40 pair of shoes into a $15 steal.
A Quick Reality Check on Quality
Is everything perfect? No. Sometimes a box is crushed. Sometimes a shirt has a tiny pull in the thread. That’s the trade-off. You’re trading the "premium" experience of a shiny mall store for the raw utility of a warehouse. If you can handle a slightly disorganized rack, the savings are legitimate.
I’ve spoken to shoppers who drive from as far as Elyria or even over the border from Pennsylvania just to hit this specific location. They aren't doing that for the ambiance. They’re doing it because the math works.
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Navigating the Store Without Losing Your Mind
If you’re a first-timer, start at the back. The footwear section is the most logical place to begin because it’s the most organized. Once you’ve checked the shoes, move to the perimeter walls for the heavy-duty apparel like jackets and hoodies. The center aisles are usually the "grab bag" areas where you’ll find socks, hats, and random sports accessories.
- Check the "Last Chance" racks first.
- Inspect every item for stains or tears before heading to the register.
- Understand the return policy—it’s often more restrictive than a standard retail store.
The staff at Going Going Gone North Olmsted are generally pretty chill, but they are often busy processing mountains of new arrivals. They aren't there to give you a personalized fitting for your marathon shoes. They are there to keep the machine moving.
Is it worth the hype?
In a word: Yes.
But only if you enjoy the hunt. If you hate digging through racks or if you need the absolute latest fashion, you’ll hate it here. But for the rest of us—the people who just want a decent pair of gym shorts or a warm coat for the Cleveland winters—it’s a gold mine.
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It’s about being pragmatic. The sports industry tries to convince us that we need to spend $200 to be "athletic." Going Going Gone North Olmsted proves that’s a lie. You can get the same technology, the same fabrics, and the same brands for a fraction of the cost.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
- Check the hours: They typically open at 10:00 AM. Being there when the doors open is the only way to beat the crowds.
- Download the Dick’s Sporting Goods app: Sometimes your ScoreCard points can be used here, and it’s worth having your loyalty info ready at the register to stack even more savings.
- Dress for the occasion: The fitting rooms can have lines. If you’re buying a jacket, wear a thin t-shirt so you can just try it on over your clothes in the aisle.
- Bring a list of sizes: If you’re shopping for your family, have everyone’s current shoe and waist sizes written down in your phone notes. You won’t want to be calling home while you’re standing in a crowded aisle trying to remember if your son is a size 5 or 6.
- Look for the "Yellow Tags": These are usually the final markdowns. If you see a yellow tag, that’s likely as cheap as that item is ever going to get.
Stop paying the "new arrival" tax. The gear you want is probably sitting in North Olmsted right now, just waiting for someone to find it.