Albert Boscov, chairman of company, dies

Albert Boscov, chairman of the department store chain that bears his family name, died Friday in Reading, Pennsylvania, at age 87.

Boscov drove the growth of Boscov’s Department Stores since taking the reins of the family business begun by his father in 1914. Under his leadership, Boscov’s became the largest family-owned department store chain in the country, with sales in excess of $1 billion.

The company employs more than 7,500 workers. The chain has three stores in Delaware, at Concord Mall, Christiana Mall and Dover Mall. It has 50 locations in seven states from Connecticut to Maryland and into Ohio.

Boscov carried on his father's principles of hard work, honesty and treating customers fairly. He is known for treating all employees of the company with respect and enjoyed making shopping fun for his customers.

He was also a renowned philanthropist, making considerable donations of time and money in the Reading area and across the country.

“Albert Boscov was truly one of the giants in the retail industry," said Jim Boscov, chief executive officer and vice chairman. “He was a man of vision and passion, and he had a profound influence on the retail business community and the community at large. We are committed to continue on the strong foundation he has created and to carry on in the spirit and philosophy he’s instilled.

"Building on his legacy we will remain the largest family-owned department store in the country.”

Jim Boscov is the third generation of the Boscov family to head the company.

A little more than a week ago, Boscov sent a letter to all employees of Boscov's, telling them, “I have pancreatic cancer and there is no cure. I don’t have a lot of time.”

At the time, Jim Boscov, his nephew, said the chain would continue to operate as usual — and he said his uncle was still at work Wednesday morning, reviewing proposed advertisement layouts and copy.

STORY: Cecil County, Maryland, on verge of a job boom

Albert Boscov expressed confidence in the company’s leadership. He said other retailers have had losses and store closures, but Boscov’s last month announced plans to open two new stores.

He said he wanted this year to be “our best possible year” and wished his co-workers good luck, saying, “I love you all.”

After a 2008 bankruptcy threatened the company, Albert Boscov retook the reins and not only kept the chain alive, he made it thrive again. A Dec. 30, 2009, front-page article in the Allentown Morning Call reported that Boscov was taking a gamble to save the retail chain. The article quoted him as being optimistic that the chain would emerge intact, stating, "We're going to be OK because we have the capital behind us."

But it had something else. Even in his 80s, Albert Boscov had a sharp eye for bargain fashion that helped the chain maintain a loyal following.

Boscov knew how to appeal to his value-oriented shoppers.

The Boscov’s shopping experience is a far cry from the gleaming, carefully curated minimalization of many trendy stores.

Walking into a Boscov’s store can feel like walking into the department stores of the past, right down to the candy counter on the second floor featuring all kinds of chocolate and other confections that will make you yearn for a grandparent to treat you.

Well-marked sections are as thickly packed with circular racks and shelves of merchandise as the racks and shelves are packed with choices, as if a warehouse erupted on the floor. It is impossible to walk through without brushing against the solidly made merchandise on sale, often at budget-oriented prices that didn’t make you choose between a bra or panties.

In a March 2013 profile in the Harrisburg Patriot-News, Boscov said he believed that newspapers, troubled as they are, remain the best medium to do reach people. To tell a story. To convey information. To get customers through the door, ready to spend.

Boscov always credited his staff with keeping the company humming. He never made the mistake of cutting service, and it showed at his stores. He empowered every employee to do whatever they must to serve, assist and satisfy the customer.

“We have an awful lot of people working in our stores,” Albert Boscov told the Patriot-News. “I think that’s been one of our advantages – our people not only being there, but being helpful. Our people know they can do anything to help the customer. They aren’t chained to any one area. They set the atmosphere of a store.”

Up to his death, Boscov delighted in trying to lure customers through the door. He saw shopping as recreation. And he viewed advertising as communicating directly with customers. He tries to tell a story, share a joke, stoke a game. Whatever it takes.

STORY: As manufacturing declines in Delaware, so does pollution

STORY: International Petroleum case raises enforcement questions