The uptown shopping district is slated for a major retail transformation by the Christmas holiday season as Kline’s Department Store, located at 678 Washington Street, undertakes a comprehensive expansion and renovation project absorbing the adjacent former Woolworth’s building.
Retail Expansion and Renovation Timeline
According to Kline’s manager Norman Treckman, F.W. Woolworth Co. will close its doors on September 14, and Kline’s is scheduled to take formal possession of the space under a lease arrangement on October 1. Renovations will commence immediately, expanding existing retail departments and completely remodeling the building’s exterior to feature a striking new main entrance and modern facade. Treckman expressed hope that the transformed store will be fully operational by Thanksgiving.
Having operated in Norwood since 1973, Treckman noted that the local business climate has been exceptionally strong, with steady customer growth. While acknowledging that undertaking major construction right before the busy holiday shopping season is unconventional, he emphasized that snapping up the adjoining Woolworth’s space was essential to accommodate growing demand. The expanded store will maintain its single-shopping-floor layout, offering the same trusted merchandise and personalized customer service that distinguishes it from newer mall-based retail giants.
Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger
More Norwood Business History
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The Closing of Stop & Shop in Norwood, Massachusetts – July 18, 1983
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Kline’s Department Store Marks Ten Years in Downtown Norwood-July 11, 1983
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In Memoriam: Louis Orent, 94, Founder of Orent Brothers Clothing Store-May 15, 1983
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Neighbors Demand McDonald’s Shutdown Following Brutal Assault-September 4, 1981
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Sidewalk Sale in Norwood-July 24, 1981
Dozens of Downtown Norwood Businesses took part on a sidewalk sale.
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Conservation Commission Approves Proposed Auto Body Shop Near Hawes Brook-August 22, 1979
Despite angry protests from South Norwood residents over flooding and pollution risks near Hawes Brook, the Conservation Commission approved strict environmental conditions for a new auto body shop.
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Proposed Papa Gino’s to be Dry-August 21, 1979
Facing a neighborhood petition and skeptical selectmen led by Joseph F. Curran and Mary J. Fox, Papa Gino’s application for a beer and wine license on Nahatan Street appears unlikely to pass.
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Gertrude’s Pastry Shop Owner Bernie Osborne Wins State Award for Maine Maple Pastry and Cherishes Small-Town Family Business-August 19, 1979
Bernie Osborne, owner of Gertrude’s Pastry Shop in Norwood Center, won top honors at the Massachusetts Retail Bakers Association contest with his signature Maine Maple pastry judged by Julia Child.
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