GM: Low customer numbers leads to Unkel Joe’s closure
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FLEMINGTON -- A continuously lower number of transactions at its Flemington location has led to the closure of Unkel Joe's Woodshed.
A staple in the community for nearly 70 years, Unkel Joe's announced on their Facebook page they were closing their doors.
The business, located at 536 High St., was founded by “Unkel” Joe Anderson and “Unkel” Bob Baker in 1956, and sold a variety of items such as housewares, collectibles, hobbies, hunting and fishing gear and seasonal/Christmas items.
Tim Baker, General Manager of Unkel Joe's Woodshed and grandson of “Unkel” Bob Baker, spoke with The Express about the reasoning behind the closure.
According to Baker, the Board of Directors made their decision based on a few things -- the most important of which was the change in the way people in the area are shopping.
"The pandemic changed the way everything was done. There's a lot of people that are shopping online now. We have people from Mill Hall, Lock Haven and Renovo ordering stuff. Those are all people that could be shopping in the store, but they don't take the time to do it because it’s convenient to have stuff show up at your door," said Baker.
Baker said the most shocking information he found was the decrease in customer traffic over the last couple of years. He shared statistics of customer transactions from Jan. 1 to Sept. 30 for 2022, 2023 and 2024.
"In 2022, Lock Haven had 15,666 transactions. In 2023, it was only 13,004 which is a 17 percent decrease from 2022. In 2024, it's only 11,624 which is another 11 percent drop over the already lowered numbers. It's hard with these numbers to say that the community is supporting us. It doesn't make sense to keep the location open if nobody is going to shop there," said Baker.
On the Facebook post announcing the store closing sale, employee Patty Shoemaker commented a heartfelt goodbye.
"I have been working at Unkel Joe’s for the past two years and loved every minute of it… All of us were heartbroken when we were told that they were closing our store and also concerned about how this was going to affect all our loyal customers. This community stood by us last year when we didn’t have any heat and you came and shopped and supported us under such uncomfortable conditions because you love this store. I am going to miss my coworkers who have made it such an amazing place to work and above all, our customers!" said Shoemaker.
Many others commented similar thoughts, over 140 comments and counting regaling memories of their childhoods, their experiences in the store and praises for the shop and those who worked there.
"It was a very difficult decision to make. We've operated in Lock Haven (for years). I would have been happy staying for another 60 plus years," said Baker.
Joe Fulmer, grandson of Unkel Joe Anderson, commented on the same post and noted, "(Anderson) was a visionary, incredible entrepreneur and inspiration for the community. And, for me, a great playmate as a kid. Unkel Joe's (had) an amazing run, outlasting Woolworth, Kmart and so many more."
Though the original location will be closing, the Altoona location is not.
"(The Altoona location) is going strong. Unkel Joe's Woodshed is going to continue to operate for (a long time,)" said Baker.
The store closing sale is 25 percent off the entire store at the Flemington location only. There will be no discounts on Pennsylvania Hunting and Fishing privileges and all sales are final.
The sale began on Friday, Oct. 4.