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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John Shalbey Jr. Proposes Office Building Behind Ro-Jo Car Wash-August 9, 1978
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South End Hardware: A Landmark Institution-July 5, 1978
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