The Shands have maintained that magnificent century-old building as a cornerstone of this community during good times and bad. We all have benefitted. Now the retailing torch is being passed. The name of these stores will be changed to The Bon-Ton, probably next autumn. The merchandise, especially lines of clothing, will change.
Some jobs are likely to be lost during consolidation.
Other employees will have their duties altered. No one can say whether The Bon-Ton will keep the downtown store open indefinitely, but everyone can say that this turn of events must be taken as a challenge to spur downtown revitalization. Lancastrians have responded to such challenges in the past, notably when the urban renewal project in the second block of North Queen Street fell apart and Armstrong World Industries and Hamilton Bank moved new facilities into that area. Such challenges can become positive opportunities. Instituting the Downtown Investment District is the current opportunity.