Despite hardships, Groffs Country Store owner recalls wonderful experiences
Don’t miss your chance to discover the treasures of Groffs Country Store.
The Phoenixville business, now in its 48th year, will likely close its doors next spring, said owner Virginia Groff.
The store sells classic women’s apparel, including woven and knit tops, nightwear, sweatshirts, cotton-knit dresses and more. Accessories, candles and other gifts are also available.
“We are trying to get rid of everything,” said Groff, 87.
Merchandise on the first floor is marked up to 75 percent off and nothing in the basement is more than $30, she said.
The store offers time-honored clothing lines, including Geiger of Austria, Leon Levin, Foxcroft, David Brooks, Icelandic, Vera Bradley, Design Options, Nomadic and more. A full list of the brands and products is available on the business’s Web site, www.groffscountrystore.com.
Groff opened the business in 1962 with $300 borrowed from the late Ted Key, the famous cartoonist and creator of the “Hazel” cartoon and television show.
The store originally sold lamps and shades made by Groff and her husband, as well as penny candy and antiques.
When her husband passed away in 1964, Groff invested $1,000 and upgraded her selection to include more clothing items and name brands. She moved from her rented location to the current Starr Street property so she could be there when her three children came home from school.
But Groff soon got involved in a land-use debate with the borough and spent nine months working to get the property rezoned.
“When I first moved here, it was zoned residential, [but] there was an Acme behind me a few other stores,” she said. “Every Tuesday night, I’d go to those meetings and finally got the council to approve it.”
Nearly five decades after opening, Groffs Country Store is still working hard to give customers what they want.
“We try to give good service to everyone,” said the owner. “We cater to the customer, giving special attention to each order.”
Groff says she’ll likely be sad to see the store go.
“I love the public and met a lot of people. I love to find and buy interesting clothing,” she said. “Even though we’ve had a lot of hardships, it’s been wonderful over the years, and I’m sure I’ll miss it once it’s closed.”
The Phoenixville business, now in its 48th year, will likely close its doors next spring, said owner Virginia Groff.
The store sells classic women’s apparel, including woven and knit tops, nightwear, sweatshirts, cotton-knit dresses and more. Accessories, candles and other gifts are also available.
“We are trying to get rid of everything,” said Groff, 87.
Merchandise on the first floor is marked up to 75 percent off and nothing in the basement is more than $30, she said.
The store offers time-honored clothing lines, including Geiger of Austria, Leon Levin, Foxcroft, David Brooks, Icelandic, Vera Bradley, Design Options, Nomadic and more. A full list of the brands and products is available on the business’s Web site, www.groffscountrystore.com.
Groff opened the business in 1962 with $300 borrowed from the late Ted Key, the famous cartoonist and creator of the “Hazel” cartoon and television show.
The store originally sold lamps and shades made by Groff and her husband, as well as penny candy and antiques.
When her husband passed away in 1964, Groff invested $1,000 and upgraded her selection to include more clothing items and name brands. She moved from her rented location to the current Starr Street property so she could be there when her three children came home from school.
But Groff soon got involved in a land-use debate with the borough and spent nine months working to get the property rezoned.
“When I first moved here, it was zoned residential, [but] there was an Acme behind me a few other stores,” she said. “Every Tuesday night, I’d go to those meetings and finally got the council to approve it.”
Nearly five decades after opening, Groffs Country Store is still working hard to give customers what they want.
“We try to give good service to everyone,” said the owner. “We cater to the customer, giving special attention to each order.”
Groff says she’ll likely be sad to see the store go.
“I love the public and met a lot of people. I love to find and buy interesting clothing,” she said. “Even though we’ve had a lot of hardships, it’s been wonderful over the years, and I’m sure I’ll miss it once it’s closed.”
