Is Local Retail Icon Planning To Return? It's Complicated!

Can a Boyertown icon from days gone by make a comeback?

According to various media sources, Ames discount department stores has announced its intention to reopen stores.

But is it true?

Other reports are suggesting the story is a hoax.

Based in Connecticut, the chain of stores began doing business in 1958 and eventually became America’s fourth biggest discount retailer with a network of 700 stores in 20 states. One of those stores was located in the Boyertown Shopping Center, formerly called Town Plaza. It was a convenient location for local shoppers to purchase a wide array of items ranging from clothing to office and craft supplies to inexpensive furniture.

Ames ceased doing business in 2002, but sources are reporting that several weeks ago the www.amesstores.comwebsite proclaimed, “Ames Department Stores, Inc. is returning in Spring 2023. Please keep an eye on this website for announcements on which locations are opening first!”

However, other sources say that when they attempted to follow up with the contact information provided at the website, they hit a stonewall with phone busy signals and bounced back emails.

According to NorthcentralPA.com, a digital news site based in the Williamsport, PA area, “The chain reportedly will open several locations in Pennsylvania, New York, and Connecticut. Store locations will be revealed in February.”

Available information says the Ames name is owned by a British entity, but the company will be based in New York State. The same company owns Bradlees Department Stores, PLC— another locally familiar name because of the Bradlees store at the Coventry Mall decades ago.

“Ames’ original business strategy brought discounting to the smaller towns and rural areas of the Northeast. The company’s success in serving a largely rural customer base in smaller less competitive markets resulted in consistently strong financial performance and steady growth… through the late 1980s,” according to Wikipedia. But ultimately, unwise acquisitions of other financially troubled stores and declines in sales forced Ames to cease operations. In attempting a comeback, the chain will face newer tough competitors like Wal-Mart.

If the rumored return of Ames is true, there is no reason to assume it would attempt to return to Boyertown, so for now, those who have fond memories of this bargain paradise, will just have to wait and see.

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