412 Biden St, Scranton, PA 18503, USA
For generations of Pennsylvanians, particularly those in Northeastern PA, the name Boscov's evokes a sense of familiarity, value, and community. More than just a place to buy goods, Boscov's represents a cherished tradition of local retail, offering a comprehensive shopping experience that caters to a wide array of needs. In Scranton, Boscov's holds a particularly special place, proudly serving as a beacon of commerce and a symbol of resilience within The Marketplace at Steamtown. While the landscape of retail has constantly evolved, Boscov's has remained steadfast, offering quality products, consistent sales, and a commitment to customer service that makes every visit a pleasant one. This article aims to provide a detailed and engaging look at the Boscov's in Scranton, highlighting why it continues to be a go-to destination for locals and a vital part of the city's heritage.
Introduction / Overview
Boscov's in Scranton, PA, is far more than a typical department store; it's a living part of the city's history and a testament to enduring local retail. As the final anchor store of The Marketplace at Steamtown, it embodies a spirit of resilience and community support. Founded in Reading, PA, by Solomon Boscov, an immigrant with a vision, Boscov's has grown into America's largest family-owned department store chain, with a strong presence throughout Pennsylvania. The Scranton location upholds the company's core principles: offering a vast selection of quality merchandise, incredible pricing, and truly exceptional customer service.
This Boscov's store is a haven for Pennsylvanians seeking everything from fashion and footwear to home furnishings, jewelry, cosmetics, and small appliances. It prides itself on having departments that some other retailers have phased out, such as comprehensive toy sections and even candy counters with homemade fudge. For locals, it's not just about shopping; it's about an experience, a connection to Scranton's retail past, and a crucial component of its future. Whether you're looking for everyday essentials, a special gift, or simply want to support a business with deep local roots, Boscov's offers a welcoming environment and a vast array of options.
Location and Accessibility
The Boscov's in Scranton is ideally situated at 400 Lackawanna Ave, Scranton, PA 18503, USA. This prime address places it right in the heart of downtown Scranton, within The Marketplace at Steamtown. This central location makes it exceptionally convenient for residents not only in Scranton but also from surrounding communities across Northeastern Pennsylvania.
Downtown Scranton is a hub of activity, and Boscov's location benefits from excellent accessibility. For those driving, the store is easily reachable via major roads and highways that converge in the city center. Being an anchor in a mall, ample parking is typically available for shoppers, ensuring a stress-free visit. For Pennsylvanians who prefer public transportation, downtown Scranton is well-served by local bus routes, making it accessible even without a private vehicle. The unique aspect of this location is its integration into the revitalized downtown area. As noted by customers, it's just a short walk to local attractions like Buona Pizza for a classic slice, and a brief drive or scenic walk to Nay Aug Park with its waterfalls and trails. This connectivity enhances the shopping experience, allowing visitors to combine their retail therapy with cultural exploration or outdoor activities, truly making it a "perfect day in Scranton."
Services Offered
Boscov's in Scranton offers a comprehensive range of services, upholding its reputation as a full-service department store that goes beyond just merchandise:
- Extensive Product Categories: A vast selection of brand-name merchandise including men's, women's, and children's apparel; shoes; jewelry; cosmetics; housewares; small appliances; toys; stationery; and even patio furniture.
- Specialty Departments: Unlike many modern department stores, Boscov's maintains unique departments such as:
- Candy Counter: Featuring homemade fudge daily, a beloved classic.
- Boscov's Travel Agency: Offering expert travel planning, cruise packages, and destination wedding assistance.
- Boscov's Optical: Providing vision care services and a selection of eyewear.
- Boscov's Hearing Aid Center: For consultations and hearing solutions.
- The Salon: Offering hair, nail, and other beauty services (availability may vary).
- Wedding & Gift Registry: A convenient service for couples and gift-givers to manage wish lists for special occasions.
- Free Gift Wrapping: A complimentary service, often available year-round, adding a thoughtful touch to purchases.
- Community Support and Events: Boscov's actively engages with local communities by hosting various events, supporting charities through initiatives like "Friends Helping Friends," and offering space for local organizations.
- Returns and Exchanges: A customer-friendly return policy, allowing for hassle-free exchanges or refunds.
- Customer Service Assistance: Knowledgeable and cheerful employees who are trained to provide helpful and quick service, even assisting with finding items across different store locations if needed.
Features / Highlights
The Boscov's in Scranton shines with several distinctive features and highlights that make it a favorite among Pennsylvania locals:
- Consistent Sales and Value: A top highlight, as noted by customers, is that "everything is always on sale," offering "great sales" and "incredible pricing." This commitment to value ensures that shoppers can always find quality merchandise at competitive prices, making it a budget-friendly option.
- Friendly and Cheerful Employees: The staff is consistently praised for being "helpful and cheerful," providing "great service" with a smile. Examples like "Estrella (Star)" who was "incredible" and "so kind and helpful" underscore the personalized and positive customer interactions that define the Boscov's experience.
- Wide and Decent Selection: While not necessarily "high end," the store offers a "decent selection" across all departments, ensuring adequacy for various needs without being overwhelming. Customers appreciate the range of items they can find.
- Historic and Local Significance: Located in the heart of downtown Scranton and serving as the final anchor store of The Marketplace at Steamtown, Boscov's is seen as a "symbol of resilience, local heritage, and community." It offers a "living memory of Scranton’s retail golden era" and fosters a "connection" to the city's past.
- Family-Owned Ethos: As America's largest family-owned department store, Boscov's maintains a unique culture that prioritizes community, customer service, and a diverse product offering, distinguishing it from larger corporate chains.
- Convenient Integrated Services: The presence of in-store services like Boscov's Travel, Optical, and Hearing Aid Centers means customers can accomplish multiple tasks during one visit, adding a layer of convenience often missing in other department stores.
- Atmosphere of Tradition and Comfort: For many, visiting Boscov's is an "experience" that evokes nostalgia and a sense of comfort, a reminder of classic department store shopping.
Promotions or Special Offers
Boscov's is practically synonymous with "sales," and the Scranton location consistently offers a wide array of promotions and special offers throughout the year. This is a core part of their appeal to Pennsylvanian shoppers looking for value.
Common promotions and savings opportunities you can expect to find at Boscov's include:
- Storewide Sales Events: Boscov's frequently runs major sales events, often with percentage-off discounts across various departments, making it feel like "everything is always on sale," as noted by customers.
- **"Friends Helping Friends" Events:** These are popular annual charity events where customers can purchase a shopping pass for a small donation, with proceeds benefiting local non-profit organizations. In return, shoppers receive significant discounts. This showcases Boscov's strong community involvement.
- Daily and Weekly Specials: Regular markdowns and limited-time offers on specific items or categories keep the inventory fresh and encourage frequent visits.
- Coupons and Discounts: Boscov's often distributes coupons through mailers, online, or in their circulars, providing additional savings on top of sale prices.
- Clearance and Red Tag Deals: Dedicated clearance sections offer deeply discounted items, with prices often reduced even further during special events.
- Boscov's Credit Card Benefits: Cardholders may receive exclusive discounts, early access to sales, and special financing options.
- Department-Specific Promotions: Sales often target particular departments, such as "Beauty Days," "Home Event," or "Apparel Savings."
Given the frequent nature of their sales, Pennsylvanians planning a visit to Boscov's in Scranton should always check their website or in-store signage for the latest deals to maximize their savings.
Contact Information
For Pennsylvanians looking to get in touch with Boscov's in Scranton, here is the essential contact information:
- Address: 400 Lackawanna Ave, Scranton, PA 18503, USA
- Phone: (570) 342-7860
- Mobile Phone: +1 570-342-7860
Feel free to use these numbers to inquire about specific product availability, store hours, current promotions, or any other questions you may have before visiting this iconic Scranton department store.
Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals
Boscov's in Scranton is more than suitable; it's an indispensable cornerstone for locals across Northeastern Pennsylvania. Its deep roots in the community and its commitment to a traditional, full-service department store experience resonate strongly with regional values. For Pennsylvanians, Boscov's offers an accessible and reliable shopping destination where quality meets value. The consistent "great sales" and the wide "decent selection" mean that families can reliably find everything from everyday apparel to specialized home goods without breaking the bank. This focus on affordability combined with a broad inventory makes it a practical choice for diverse household needs.
Beyond the products, the human element truly makes Boscov's stand out. The highly praised "helpful and cheerful employees," exemplified by interactions like the one with "Estrella (Star)," create a welcoming and efficient shopping environment that distinguishes it from many modern retail experiences. This personalized service, where staff go the extra mile to assist customers (even calling other stores to locate items, as seen in reviews), fosters a sense of loyalty and community. Its location within The Marketplace at Steamtown also ties it directly into Scranton's fabric, offering a sense of place and supporting the downtown revitalization. For Pennsylvanians, Boscov's isn't just a store; it’s a trusted institution, a provider of good value, and a vibrant part of their local heritage, making it a truly meaningful stop for shopping and connection. To "honor it" and "protect it" as one customer aptly put it, is to recognize its vital role in the community.