Penn Fruit Double-Sided Keychain Charm
3.15" x 1.57"
$4.99
Sale price
$4.99
Regular price
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GhostCorp Apparel - resurrecting iconic corporate ghosts.
Penn Fruit’s story started at 52nd and Market streets in 1927 and grew alongside the modern supermarket in the Philadelphia region. This double-sided keychain charm makes a compact keepsake for anyone interested in the chain’s produce-store beginnings, its larger self-service markets, or its later discount ventures, Dale’s and Consumers Warehouse Markets. It celebrates a local retail name whose changing stores reflect decades of competition and growth across Philadelphia and beyond.
Founded in Philadelphia in 1927 by Morris Kaplan, Isaac Kaplan, and Samuel Cooke, Penn Fruit began as a produce store at 52nd and Market streets. Low prices and heavy promotions helped the first shop grow quickly, and by the early 1930s the company had six stores. Competition led it to add groceries and develop larger self-service supermarkets. During the 1930s and 1940s, Penn Fruit expanded across greater Philadelphia and New Jersey, adding fresh meat and floral departments. After World War II, it opened stores in New York and Baltimore, though those distant markets proved less successful. Its 1950s supermarkets became known for broad arch roofs. In the 1960s, the company diversified into garden, drug, convenience-food, and toy retailing, and introduced discount formats Dale’s in 1964 and Consumers Warehouse Markets in 1967, often by rebranding existing stores. By 1971, it had nearly 80 stores and sales of $370 million. A 1973 price war with Acme’s Philadelphia-area stores strained its warehouse business. Penn Fruit filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy after nearly two years, sold most non-supermarket holdings, and disposed of stores. In 1975, 17 remaining stores went to Food Fair. Penn Fruit continued as a Pantry Pride division until that company also filed for bankruptcy in 1977; its units were then absorbed by various competitors. The chain operated from 1927 to 1979.
Penn Fruit Double-Sided Keychain Charm
$4.99
Sale price
$4.99
Regular price
Penn Fruit’s story started at 52nd and Market streets in 1927 and grew alongside the modern supermarket in the Philadelphia region. This double-sided keychain charm makes a compact keepsake for anyone interested in the chain’s produce-store beginnings, its larger self-service markets, or its later discount ventures, Dale’s and Consumers Warehouse Markets. It celebrates a local retail name whose changing stores reflect decades of competition and growth across Philadelphia and beyond.
Founded in Philadelphia in 1927 by Morris Kaplan, Isaac Kaplan, and Samuel Cooke, Penn Fruit began as a produce store at 52nd and Market streets. Low prices and heavy promotions helped the first shop grow quickly, and by the early 1930s the company had six stores. Competition led it to add groceries and develop larger self-service supermarkets. During the 1930s and 1940s, Penn Fruit expanded across greater Philadelphia and New Jersey, adding fresh meat and floral departments. After World War II, it opened stores in New York and Baltimore, though those distant markets proved less successful. Its 1950s supermarkets became known for broad arch roofs. In the 1960s, the company diversified into garden, drug, convenience-food, and toy retailing, and introduced discount formats Dale’s in 1964 and Consumers Warehouse Markets in 1967, often by rebranding existing stores. By 1971, it had nearly 80 stores and sales of $370 million. A 1973 price war with Acme’s Philadelphia-area stores strained its warehouse business. Penn Fruit filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy after nearly two years, sold most non-supermarket holdings, and disposed of stores. In 1975, 17 remaining stores went to Food Fair. Penn Fruit continued as a Pantry Pride division until that company also filed for bankruptcy in 1977; its units were then absorbed by various competitors. The chain operated from 1927 to 1979.
Product features
- Acrylic construction with white base and double-sided print
- Compact size ~3.15" x 1.57" (8 x 4 cm); measurements may vary up to 1"
- Includes metal ring and short chain for secure attachment
- Durable, lightweight—made for everyday carry
- Manufactured product sourced from China; intended for adult use
Care instructions
- Clean with a soft, damp cloth. Avoid any chemicals.