Norwich B.I.D. honors McLaughlin's Department Store
The McLaughlin family standing in front of the plaque honoring their years of service to the community. The Norwich McLaughlin's Department Store was first opened in 1975, and served as a staple in the community for 46 years. (Photo by Sarah Genter)
NORWICH — On Friday, October 1, the Norwich B.I.D. held a dedication ceremony for McLaughlin's Department Store, who recently closed their doors after 46 years of service to the community.
In attendance were several members of the McLaughlin family, Commerce Chenango CEO and President Kerri Green, several local politicians including aldermen, town supervisors, and mayoral candidates, members of the Norwich B.I.D., and more.
"Thank you all for joining us in recognizing the McLaughlin's Department Store ... and the entire McLaughlin's family, for their many years of service to the community, not only with the store, but for being active with the many different community events and organizations that make Norwich a great place to live," said B.I.D. Administrator Tracy Chawgo.
McLaughlin's Department Store first opened it's doors in 1975. Founder Spencer McLaughlin started the family business with his father, Clifford Sr., and brother, Clifford Jr., in 1955.
The trio began by buying several movie theaters in the Waterville area, and eventually expanding to encompass other commercial retailers. It was through this expansion that McLaughlin's Department Store was born.
Several McLaughlin's stores were in business throughout Central New York, but the Norwich branch was the only store still in operation until their closure earlier this year.
"It was a really hard decision for them to say, you know, if we close where will people go? Well it was just a lot of factors that we made the decision to close," said Scott McLaughlin, son of founder Spencer McLaughlin, and current owner of McLaughlin's Department Store.
Norwich B.I.D. Board of Directors member, and longtime McLaughlin's supporter and family friend, Luke Murphy, said a few words during the ceremony.
"I think one thing, outside of what McLaughlin's provided just in terms of clothing, and coats, and shoes, and jewelry, was a sense of family, and a sense of commitment, and a sense of pride. Always a warm smile and a thank you, whether you walked out with many bags in your hand, one bag in your hand, or none," said Murphy.
The B.I.D. also presented the family with a plaque honoring the store, placed on the street sign for American Avenue, located on the corner in front of McLaughlin's.
Scott McLaughlin thanked attendees for coming to the event, and for their years of supporting the business.
"We'd like to thank everyone who came out today to support us, and thank you very much for the community who has supported this family, this store, for the 46 years that we've been in business. I know it's been a pleasure for our family to help and to build and grow this community," he said.
In attendance were several members of the McLaughlin family, Commerce Chenango CEO and President Kerri Green, several local politicians including aldermen, town supervisors, and mayoral candidates, members of the Norwich B.I.D., and more.
"Thank you all for joining us in recognizing the McLaughlin's Department Store ... and the entire McLaughlin's family, for their many years of service to the community, not only with the store, but for being active with the many different community events and organizations that make Norwich a great place to live," said B.I.D. Administrator Tracy Chawgo.
McLaughlin's Department Store first opened it's doors in 1975. Founder Spencer McLaughlin started the family business with his father, Clifford Sr., and brother, Clifford Jr., in 1955.
The trio began by buying several movie theaters in the Waterville area, and eventually expanding to encompass other commercial retailers. It was through this expansion that McLaughlin's Department Store was born.
Several McLaughlin's stores were in business throughout Central New York, but the Norwich branch was the only store still in operation until their closure earlier this year.
"It was a really hard decision for them to say, you know, if we close where will people go? Well it was just a lot of factors that we made the decision to close," said Scott McLaughlin, son of founder Spencer McLaughlin, and current owner of McLaughlin's Department Store.
Norwich B.I.D. Board of Directors member, and longtime McLaughlin's supporter and family friend, Luke Murphy, said a few words during the ceremony.
"I think one thing, outside of what McLaughlin's provided just in terms of clothing, and coats, and shoes, and jewelry, was a sense of family, and a sense of commitment, and a sense of pride. Always a warm smile and a thank you, whether you walked out with many bags in your hand, one bag in your hand, or none," said Murphy.
The B.I.D. also presented the family with a plaque honoring the store, placed on the street sign for American Avenue, located on the corner in front of McLaughlin's.
Scott McLaughlin thanked attendees for coming to the event, and for their years of supporting the business.
"We'd like to thank everyone who came out today to support us, and thank you very much for the community who has supported this family, this store, for the 46 years that we've been in business. I know it's been a pleasure for our family to help and to build and grow this community," he said.
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