From a big-dollar shopping mall makeover in West Manchester Township to new independent merchants making their mark downtown, York County businesses made plenty of news this year. In a memorable 2014, these are the developments the York Daily Record/Sunday News business staff felt most changed the face of York County’s business community.
1. West Manchester Town Center
Developers reformatted the struggling West Manchester Mall as an open-air town center, and in September, they announced the retailers signed on at the location, including DSW, Ann Taylor Loft, Kirkland’s, Petco and Charming Charlie. The news was clouded somewhat by the sudden closure of Macy’s, leaving some experts wondering if the location will have anchors strong enough to draw shoppers.
2. Royal Square’s rise
The openings of Redeux and 56 Urban Provisions and other businesses represent efforts by Royal Square Development and merchants to turn Royal Square — the blocks bordered by King, Duke, Queen and Princess streets — into a hip, happening district. More is on the way with the upcoming openings of The Bond wedding venue and traffic black, a new store featuring sleek wood and metal furniture designed in York.
3. Market District growth
Numerous small businesses opened this year on Beaver, West Philadelphia and West Market streets. Clothing boutiques Indigo Bleu and Elizabeth West Fashion House, Clay Path Studio, Foster’s Flower Shop and York City Pretzel Company are among the newly-opened businesses breathing life into downtown storefronts. Other businesses have expanded, with Sunrise Soap Company producing soaps for a D.C. entrepreneur and Arthur Daughters developing a custom-fit, made-in-York clothing line.
4. Craft breweries
Craft beer has never been more popular, with craft brews making up 17 percent of 2013 U.S. beer sales according to the Brewers’ Association. York County has gotten in on the craze, with nearly a dozen craft breweries. This year, Black Cap Brewing Company opened in Red Lion, South County Brewing Company in Fawn Grove more than tripled its brewing capacity and expanded its markets, and Wyndridge Farm in Dallastown developed two craft beers to complement its cider.
5. Gas prices
York County gas prices reached $3.79 a gallon in the spring, which makes their sharp, recent drop all the more welcome to drivers.
In the days before Christmas, several stations were selling unleaded for $2.39 a gallon. The falling price means consumers don’t have to dig into their pockets as deeply to fill their gas tanks, leaving them with more money to spend on other things.
One consequence — experts are forecasting 2014 will be the best holiday shopping season in years. Holiday sales are expected to rise 4.1 percent this year.
6. New Bon-Ton Stores CEO
The Springettsbury Township department store operator looked outside the company for a successor to Brendan Hoffman as CEO.
Kathryn Bufano, a veteran retailer, joined Bon-Ton from Belk Inc., where she was president and chief merchandising officer.
At Belk, the Charlotte, N.C.-based department store chain, Bufano was known for keeping the merchandise up-to-date, increasing sales and developing good relationships with Belk’s vendors.
At Bon-Ton, she’s tasked with taking on national retailers like Macy’s, spearheading Bon-Ton’s efforts to boost online sales and overseeing a chain that operates stores under a host of different names, including Bon-Ton, Boston Store and Carson’s.
7. Wyndridge Farm
Owners Steve and Julie Groff have developed a following for their Wyndridge craft ciders, beers and sodas, made at the couple’s Wyndridge Farm in Dallastown.
Tourism officials see Wyndridge Farm, which opened earlier this year, as primed for becoming a major draw for York County as it includes a venue for holding weddings and special events, and a tasting room where visitors can sample Wyndridge Farm beverages and dine on a small-plates menu.
Related news
Stubbornly high gas prices causing some motorists to cut back on other things
Dallastown couple opening wedding and special events venue on 77-acre farm
New twist on general store retail concept coming to Royal Square
As Macy’s prepares to close, experts weigh in on West Manchester Town Center
Arthur Daughters launches made-in-York tailored clothing line
Sunrise Soap in York partners with D.C. designer for signature product line
South County Brewing Co. has major expansion on tap
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