Endicott Store Evokes Memories of Phila. Sales – Without Popcorn

Many people who are visiting a new Endicott business are finding themselves nostalgic - recalling the days when the place was a Philadelphia Sales store.

Northern Thrift has set up shop at 225 Harrison Avenue. The building once was billed as the "Endicott Shopping Center" when it was home to "Phillies."

The Philadelphia Sales Company store opened at the site in March 1966, selling a wide array of heavily-discounted and "slightly irregular" merchandise. Shoppers were attracted by the bargains and the distinct aroma of Phillies popcorn that wafted throughout the place until it closed in 1997.

The property was acquired by Harrison Avenue Realty LLC of Central Islip, Long Island for $1.3 million in June 2023.

The new owners renovated the building's main floor and its basement. The Northern Thrift store occupies the lower level with about 31,000 square feet of space.

The store bills itself as a "go-to destination for unique affordable treasures."

Managers of the business told WNBF News they were pleased with the enthusiastic response from those who've checked out the place in recent days. They say many have mentioned shopping there when it was Phillies.

And while more than a few people have asked for popcorn, Northern Thrift has no plans to start selling salty snacks.

The store has clothing for men, women and children. It also features a few things that may be tough to find these days, including record albums and blank audio cassettes.

Northern Thrift is open Monday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: email bob@wnbf.com or call (607) 545-2250. For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.