Even as its rivals are disappearing, Boscov’s, the largest family-owned department store company in America, is preparing to open its 50th store, writes Kevin Riordan for The Philadelphia Inquirer. 

Boscov’s, which operates a Chester County location in the Exton Square Mall, preserves an image that is a  throwback to the days when malls were all the rage and department stores were dominant. Some of its older stores still feature lots of mirrors, bright lights, and plenty of neon signage. 

But even with obvious throwbacks to the old times, the department store is popular not just with the older generations but also with many TikTokers who keep making some of the store’s items go viral, which boosts their sales significantly. 

“The trick is to evolve but not give up the core of what works and makes us successful,” said CEO Jim Boscov. “We have to keep learning and changing.” 

Boscov’s also makes sure to follow the tenets set by its founder, Solomon Boscov, who started the company with a store in Reading in 1918. 

“My grandfather earned a reputation as honest and kind, and for providing good merchandise at a great price,” said Boscov. “These continue to be our core values.” 

Read more about Boscov’s in The Philadelphia Inquirer. 

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