Part of Strawberry Square in Harrisburg.
A retail era is coming to a close in Harrisburg, as the Strawberry Patch Hallmark store is slated to close in January.
Owners Ed and Linda Baer have informed Harristown Enterprises that they plan to retire and so will not renew their lease after 36 years in business. The couple have operated their store in Strawberry Square since 1979, said Brad Jones, CEO of Harristown, which owns and manages the downtown, mixed-use complex.
“We are sorry to see them go, but understand that they wish to retire after all these years,” said Jones.
Jones acknowledged that retail has become increasingly challenging for brick-and-mortar stores, which must compete with online vendors. Nonetheless, he said that Harristown is seeking, but has not yet found, a new tenant for the large, prominent space on the main floor.
He also characterized the store’s departure as part of the ongoing evolution of Strawberry Square.
Built in the 1970s, Strawberry Square was designed as office and retail space to better compete with suburban malls, which then were in vogue. However, as that style of shopping has gone out of fashion, it has tried to change with the times, responding to new types of demand, he said.
For instance, Best Friends Day Care recently moved into another large retail space, one long occupied by apparel retailer Dressbarn. Also, a large swath of Strawberry Square along Market and 3rd streets is being converted from offices to 22 high-end apartments, the first residential units in the complex as interest in downtown living has grown. In addition, a Little Amps Coffee Roasters kiosk opened last week on the main floor, responding to the influx of 900 state workers into the former Verizon Tower building.
Harristown also said that about 200 employees with Deloitte Consulting and Deloitte Advisory soon will move into about 20,000 square feet of space at 30 N. 3rd St. And, recently, RGS Associates and Sellers Dorsey announced their intention to take space in Strawberry Square.
“We continue to adapt to the changes in the market,” said Jones.
The Hallmark store owners plan a retirement sale, said Jones, so shoppers should look for that in January.
Click here for more information about Strawberry Square.
