FLEMINGTON, Pa. — Customers search the parking lot of Unkel Joe's Woodshed in Flemington for a spot. For some, it might be their last time stepping into the store. After 68 years, the store is closing its doors. The manager says it's due to changing spending habits. For 68 years, the store provided a little something for everyone.
"Christmas, especially this time of year, has always been big for us, but we have great sporting goods and fishing, and then we have a wonderful housewares department with all sorts of really nice items and then a gift department," said Ross Nevel, store manager at Unkel Joe's Woodshed.
Customers like Debra Baird and her family used to come to the store when she was younger to check out the Christmas decorations.
"And I just keep on shopping even though I've moved away, I keep on coming back; I was in the military, I always come back to visit my aunt and always come here; I love coming here," said Debra Baird, Williamsburg, Virginia.
Lynda Cridge and her sisters shared memories of coming to Unkel Joe's Woodshed with their Mother.
"This was a tradition that we come up here to, and through the years, they've had different products they offer, and they covered just about everything," said Lynda Cridge, Jersey Shore.
"It was an outing for all us girls or five of us to come, and they used to give pretzels, and you got the bags that had a number on them, a lucky number," said Margaret Harpster, Williamsport.
"And you drew a number when you were checking out to see if it matched your bag, and then you got a discount," said Cridge.
Store manager Ross Nevel says he'll always remember the friends and memories he's made while working here for almost 30 years.
"We're gonna miss out, you know, everybody, our employees camaraderie, and the customers, you know, that's basically what we're all going to miss," said Nevel.
All items in the store are currently 25%. Unkel Joe's Woodshed plans to stay open until the end of the year or when all merchandise is gone in Clinton County. Unkel Joe's Woodshed's second location in Altoona will remain open.