Skip Navigation

RFH 2010, Cover Stories, News

Parry/Initiative Deal Praised

Sun, Feb 06, 2011

Members of the village government are pleased with the decision by Bill Parry to move his store from 18-20 Utica Street to the former Grand Union building on 12B North, and for the Colgate-owned Hamilton Initiative to purchase Parry's building.

Mayor Sue McVaugh said:

"I was delighted when I got the call informing me of the upcoming move. The old Grand Union has been an eyesore for anyone entering the Village from the north. And knowing that the full resources of the Hamilton Initiative are behind attracting a new tenant – we hope a new retail business – to Utica Street is very encouraging. Both properties will remain on the tax rolls.

"Over the years I have heard a certain amount of complaining that “no one can run a successful business in a small community like Hamilton.” Bill Parry has proved this wrong. He and his staff have adapted to every change in our needs and every shift in the economy and has prospered enough to triple his retail space. We wish him well.

Trustee Margaret Miller, who is the board's representative to the Hamilton Business Alliance and the partnership for Community Development, said:

"I think it  is exciting and a huge plus for  the Village to have Parry's move to the former Grand Union building.  I look forward to the expansion of their general store as I like many still miss Ames. I also look forward to see how the  Hamilton Initiative will make use of their new space on Utica Street.Their current holdings have been an asset to our downtown." 

Trustee Jim Bona, who works at Colgate, said:

"It is just great that Parry's is moving to the Old Grand Union. I am sure he is going to do great with the (Colgate) Cruiser stopping there; once again, there will be lots of students visiting ... and, of course, every one in town can appreciate having a store that sells such a variety of stuff so they don't have to travel as far.

"And, best of all, parking will no longer be an issue as far as being able to make a quick stop for a purchase without having to work to find a spot that is close.

"I cant wait for the move!"

Trustee Russ Lura, who was out of town when he heard the news of the business change, said:

"I think it is a very good thing for the Village of Hamilton and the surrounding area. Parry's has proven to be a successful and reliable business, drawing customers from the surrounding area.  Parry's fills a definite need and does it well.  I'm sure they will be successful at the new site.

"It will also open up additional retail space in the Village center that I hope will be filled quickly with a store or stores that will meet residents' retail needs. 
 
"And, of course it is especially nice that Parry's will bring an end to the dismal vacant space on the Village's northern entrance.
 
"Good news, I'd say!"

In announcing the moves, Parry said his goal is to have a true local department store open in late summer. It will mean Parry's will grow from 9,000 square feet to some 25,000.

The purchase of Parry''s current location by the Hamilton Initiative made the move possible. The building will, like all Initiative properties, remain on the tax rolls.

 

Renovations will begin on the vacant former grocery store as soon thereafter as possible. Parry said he and his daughter Gwenn Werner have already been to several buying shows in search of merchandise for the new store.

To be included in the new Parry's will be:

  • a large sporting goods department with items for hunting,fishing and camping;
  • an expanded garden department including law mowers;
  • and an increased focus on housewares, including linens, drapes, lampshades and more.
Please login to post your comments.