SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA CO. (WOLF) — A vacant storefront in Scranton is getting a second life, this time as a family-run business with a deeply personal mission. A former Rite Aid on Main Avenue is being transformed into a new hardware store, set to open its doors in just a few weeks.
What used to be a place to pick up prescriptions will soon be a one-stop shop for everything from power tools, yard equipment, and contractor supplies.
Adam’s Hardware Store is the vision of brothers Chris and Justin Taffera, along with their nephew, Adam, a project rooted in both opportunity and remembrance.
The store is named in honor of their late brother, Adam, who passed away three years ago.
“Mine and Chris’s brother, Adam, passed away three years ago. Little Adam’s father. He was a part of this with us, so just something that we can name after him has been such a good thing for us all,” said Justin Taffera. “We’re really excited to be able to have his name on the building.”
After the closure of Rite Aid locations nationwide last year, many buildings like this one have remained empty. But for the Taffera family, it was the perfect chance to bring something new and needed to the community.
The brothers, who have experience flipping homes, spent the last three months gutting and rebuilding the space.
“We came in and just had to start ripping everything out.,” said Justin. “We had people stopping by after we took ownership and still looking of flu shots and people trying to pick up prescriptions. Everybody over in this neighborhood has been great to us so far. They really welcomed us with open arms and we’re really excited to help and serve the community.”
Now, instead of medicine counters, the shelves will be stocked with hardware essentials and even offer job site delivery for contractors.
And in a city with limited options for hardware supplies, they say the location couldn’t be better.
“Over in this section, there’s not many other hardware stores. From here to downtown to over the south, I don’t think there’s many that are truly in Scranton. I think this is probably the most central location for a hardware store,” said Justin.
Finding a building big enough, and available, was no easy task.
“It took us about 3 years to find a building of this size. There’s nothing. When you start looking around, you realize quickly how many buildings of this size aren’t up for sale, or just nobody will even talk to you if you’re not a major corporation,” said Justin.
But now, after years of searching and months of hard work, the family is just weeks away from opening their doors. Adam’s Hardware Store is set to hold its grand opening on May 15th.