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Rhoads Hallmark and Gift Shop has been owned by Dave and Jeanne Lutz for 49 years. After purchasing the only independent pharmacy in Hummelstown from the Rhoads family in 1973, Dave continued to operate the pharmacy and expand the business with a gift shop. In recent years the expansion of national pharmacy franchises became more popular, Dave sold the pharmacy business to CVS. In 2018 Dave and Jeanne determined not to retire after selling the pharmacy and continued with the Hallmark gift shop for another 4 years. Over the course of their decade’s long business, Dave and Jeanne more than doubled the square footage of 17 W Main Street with five major expansions which included the purchase of the historic Nisley Building next door. Starting from 6,000 square feet to 15,000 square feet, Dave considered his business “five shops under one roof” offering a different retail experience in each expansion, making it an exclusive one stop shop in Hummelstown. In 2012 Dave renovated the second floor adding an elevator, converting apartments and his office into a home décor gallery, featuring furniture, tables, and lamps. At the age of retirement, Dave and Jeanne decided to close the long-standing Rhoads Hallmark & Gift Shop. The boutique and Hallmark store was the most successful of their business, Dave citing mostly lifestyle changes, COVID-19 and inflation were the deciding factors to end of their 49 year business. The positive sale of the building to Toys on the Square in Hummelstown is considered an asset to the community, according to Dave. When 17 W Main St became available to purchase, Grafton Stine saw it as the perfect opportunity for his business. Grafton Stine, owner of Toys on the Square, has been operating his family friendly toy store since 1985. He purchased the historic 15,000 square foot building with plans to expand his business. Art Campbell and Jessica Gasper of Campbell Commercial Real Estate, Inc. represented both parties in the sale transaction. |
January 18, 2023
