One of the anchors of Jim Thorpe, the Treasure Shop, has been in business since 1982. Originally conceived by Tom & Betty Lou McBride, now operated by Peggy McBride Dart, this beautifully renovated building in its prime location on Broadway entices visitors to step in and browse or shop and specializes in items imported from Ireland and Made in USA.
It was 1981 and the town had a handful of retail businesses: Leonardis News, Mauch Chunk 5&10, Four Seasons Sporting Goods, Two Brothers Pizza, Dugan’s Store, a pharmacy, the bank, and the Library. The other buildings were mostly empty storefronts or sewing factories, all in need of restoration.
Tom McBride found a building, called the realtor, but she replied, “you really don’t want to buy that building.” He had to talk her into selling it to them. The building’s roof had been leaking for years, all the ceilings were falling down, the first floor had severe termite damage, the bay window was sagging, and the cast iron gutters inside the walls were clogged and cracked so the water from the roof was running down the interior wall. The McBrides restored this building to its former beauty with the help of local architect, Dan Poncavage, Contractor Manny DeCosta, and Ed Nonnemacher who painted the four story building standing on a ladder!
Treasures
When the Treasure Shop opened 36 years ago, it was just a “basic” gift shop carrying items like stuffed animals and trinkets. On a buying trip to a gift show, Peggy’s mother, Betty McBride, came across beautiful Shawls made in Ireland. At the time, there were only a handful of businesses in downtown Jim Thorpe, and out-of-town visitors were not every-day customers. Thinking “a $50 shawl would never sell in their shop,” Mr Branigan suggested that she buy a dozen and if they sell, pay him, if they do not, then return them. A dozen of the shawls were purchased – they all sold. The Treasure Shop still carries the Branigan Weavers line of gorgeous shawls and capes.
The Treasure Shop today has a wide variety of items at all price ranges including nationality Christmas Balls, T-shirts & Sweatshirts, Irish Sweaters, Ladies & Men’s Irish Hats, Claddagh and Celtic Jewelry, and Jim Thorpe Souvenirs including postcards. Visitors often have commented that they “ love how we squeeze in so much without it becoming cluttered”.
Supporting the Community
This community friendly store prides itself on friendly customer service, browsers are always welcome, and they strive to be open 361 days/year. Peggy States: “We have the nicest customers. It is exciting to have customers from all over the world, but local customers are especially important to us because they support us all year. We try to support our community by donating to local fundraisers as often as financially possible. We receive about a request a week for a donation for a fundraiser for groups like PTAs, sports teams, and churches. By supporting our community, we hope when someone is in need of a gift, that he or she will remember to shop at the Treasure Shop. Many times we have special items where a portion of the sale is donated to a cause. Currently we have dog sun-catchers and pet t-shirts and a $1 from each item sold is donated to our local animal shelter. We also have t-shirts “I Stand because they Stood for Us” and a portion of the sale will be donated to a local Veteran’s organization. A new line of dog treats “Duke’s Delights” is made in Allentown, PA by employees with Autism and Developmental Disabilities.” They have an everyday special: 10% off Cash purchase of $25 or more.
A True Family Business
Peggy Dart, the second generation at the Treasure Shop, has the privilege of being able to bring her two sons to work. Both Blaine and Blake have been sitting behind the counter since they were born. Blaine is now 15 and Blake is 10 and can often be found today waiting on customers. Shoppers are very surprised when Blake can check them out, process a credit card transaction, or make change.
Peggy loves all the wonderful customers: “It is always special to have any customer come through our door, but it is extra special when it is a familiar face. Many of our customers have been shopping with us since we opened. We have many who have become friends and just stop in whenever they are in town just to say hello.” So if you have not been to the Treasure shop, or if it has been a while since you have stopped by, make it a point to say hello and shop in one of the iconic businesses of Jim Thorpe.
Visit peggystreasureshop.com
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