Roberts closed its doors in 1929, with Competitor J. B. Wells, Son & Co. buying out all its merchandise, fixtures, and delivery equipment for yet another expansion. Fraser's too went out of business in 1939, when Woolworth's purchased its location. Wells remained open until 1964, when it was forced to close. This trend reflected the overall decline of the department store during the 1920s-60s. They faced challenges from chain stores and a customer base that was moving away from cities to the suburbs.
The Boston Store
"As the city grew, the Boston Store kept pace, step by step." - Utica Observer-Dispatch, September 28, 1968
The Boston Store first opened in 1918 as the Leader Store, selling clothing, carpets, and other "dry goods." As their customer base grew, they expanded, buying a larger space in Franklin Square.
In 1941 they tore down the old Arcade Building and built a new 90,000 square feet store. There were identical storefronts on Genesee and Bleecker Streets, covered in white limestone and engraved with the store's name. New special features included a beauty salon, air conditioning, and illuminated display windows.
Boston Store exterior
19705571 & 19576447
c. 1941
19705571 & 19576447
c. 1941
In the 1960s, they expanded twice. With a new home furnishings center and 280 car-park, they became roughly five acres in size. Offering customer parking was typical during the 1950s, as more people owned cars and downtown parking became difficult.
The Boston Store closed in December 1976 when its parent company went bankrupt. The closing was also influenced by the increase in shopping malls and decrease in Utica's population around that time. The closure, however, was not permanent.
"Welcome to One-Thirty-One Boston Place, where Utica's future begins today." - Utica Daily Press, August 28, 1984
In August 1984, the store was reopened as One-Thirty-One Boston Place. However, by December it was closed once more. Explanations included poor management and financial planning, along with investor infighting. Investors had hoped that it would revitalize the declining downtown area, but the stand-alone department store was no match for the shopping mall.
Department stores had to undergo frequent redesigns to keep up with changes in taste. This mirrored glass exterior did just that. Some believed that this change was part of the "Place's" downfall, failing to appeal to a sense of nostalgia or old customer loyalty for the old "Store."