Retail Forever

Giant #6548, located at 106 Willow Valley Square in Willow Street, Pennsylvania opened in 2018 in a space formerly occupied by Darrenkamp's, which opened in 1998.  Unless you're from or have visited Lancaster County, PA you're likely not familiar with Darrenkamp's, so here's a quick history. In 1932, George Darrenkamp opened a small store at 719 Union Street in downtown Lancaster. The store was named "The General Store". In 1948, needing more floor space, George and his children (Dick & Jerry) relocated their store to 713 Union Street, and reopened under the name, "G. Darrenkamp & Sons". The business continued to grow, and in 1985; they purchased Dagen's Market in Willow Street, PA. In 1997, the first traditional Darrenkamp's opened in Mount Joy, PA. In 1998, a second location joined it in Willow Street, PA (the location this blog post is about) In 1999, the Union Street store was closed in favor of the new, larger, and more tradi...

Pet Valu #5142, located at 1024 Lititz Pike in Lititz, Pennsylvania opened in 2013 or 2014, replacing a Wine & Spirits Shoppe in the Shoppes at Kissel Village (which relocated to a former Fashion Bug store a few doors down). It closed in January 2021 and was converted to Pet Supplies Plus #4403, which held its grand opening on May 22 & May 23.  Interior of Pet Valu. The flooring and fixtures have been held over to PSP, although the emphasis on pet food and treats has changed with the new store. (Photo from businessyab.com) Pet Valu #5142 (businessyab.com) In all, it's nice to see a new store opening, especially in an era where so many closing or going out of business entirely. Quick Information: Opened: Around 2013 / 2021 Address:  1024 Lititz Pike Photographed: May 2021

Save A Lot #60058, located at 222 S. Queen Street in Lancaster, Pennsylvania opened on March 16, 1952, as one of ACME's "Tower" stores. That closed in 1982 when ACME exited the area. I'm unsure when it reopened as a Save A Lot, although it was likely in the 1980s or the early 1990s. This is the only Save A Lot store in Lancaster County. The next closest is in York . Quick Information: Opened: Unknown Address: 222 S. Queen Street Photographed: February 2021

For more background on the story, check out this previous blog post from March 26. Stauffers opened on May 19. Quick Information: Opened: 2021 Address: 945 E. Main St Photographed: May 2021

Aldi's first Lancaster store (known as Store #1 in the Lancaster area and #2667 across the chain) originally opened at 1300 Lititz Pike in 2008 in a space formerly occupied by Hills & Ames. The space was actually originally planned to be a Price Rite supermarket. In May 2019, Aldi relocated to 1890 Fruitville Pike in part of a space formerly occupied by Kmart (the rest of the building became At Home). Although this store is new (having only opened in 2019), it has kept the store number from its original location, the first in Lancaster County. The current location, at 1890 Fruitville Pike The old location after closure. Aldi's logo was not removed. Google Maps imagery The original location while it was still operating Google Maps imagery Quick Information: Opened: Around 2008 / 2018 Address: 1300 Lititz Pike / 1890 Fruitville Pike Photographed: January 2021