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RFH 2010, Cover Stories

Parry's Moving to Former Grand Union; Initiative Buying Existing Parry's Property

Thu, Feb 03, 2011

Hamilton's modern day general store is moving into bigger quarters and the Hamilton Initiative buys Parry's storefront.

In what may be the most significant development in the village's business community in many years, Parry's today announced it will move from its current location on Utica Street in the downtown and into the former Grand Union store on Rte. 12B North. The goal is to have a true local department store open in late summer.

Owner Bill Parry issued a statement today that said he had been searching for about two years for a new location in which to expand. The move will almost triple in size what Parry calls "Hamilton's modern day general store." The current store is 9,000 square feet and the new one will have 25,500 square feet.

The Hamilton Initiative, which is owned by the Colgate Board of Trustees, is purchasing the current Parry's location at 18-20 Utica St. Like all other Initiative properties, it will remain on the tax rolls.

"We have finally reached a purchase agreement with the owners of the former Grand Union building and hope to close the real estate deal in early March," said Parry.

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.

"We do not want to be a big box store," said Werner. "We are looking for items that will make us unique, yet we will carry merchandise that we know our customers want."

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.

"Parry's is a cornerstone business in Hamilton and we are very interested in helping them make their expansion dream become a reality," said Hamilton Initiative President Roger Bauman. "An expanded Parry's within the Village of Hamilton is a huge benefit to the community. In addition, they are relocating to a large vacant building that was becoming a white elephant for the community."

Bauman said the Initiative, as of yet, has not identified a new use for the property at 18-20 Utica St.

"Identifying an appropriate use will be a top priority over the next several months, and we welcome ideas from the community," said Bauman.

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