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GhostCorp Apparel - resurrecting iconic corporate ghosts.
Penn Fruit’s path from a produce shop at 52nd and Market streets to a broad regional chain reflects how shopping changed around Philadelphia. This foldable mobile phone display stand brings that history to a useful everyday setting, with a nod to the supermarkets, promotional spirit, and discount formats that defined the company’s growth. It suits local-history enthusiasts and former shoppers who appreciate a small reminder of a once-familiar grocery name and its changing retail landscape.
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 Foldable Mobile Phone Display Stand
$15.99
Sale price
$15.99
Regular price
Penn Fruit’s path from a produce shop at 52nd and Market streets to a broad regional chain reflects how shopping changed around Philadelphia. This foldable mobile phone display stand brings that history to a useful everyday setting, with a nod to the supermarkets, promotional spirit, and discount formats that defined the company’s growth. It suits local-history enthusiasts and former shoppers who appreciate a small reminder of a once-familiar grocery name and its changing retail landscape.
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.
| 2.8" x 5.9" | |
| Width, in | 2.76 |
| Height, in | 5.87 |
| Depth, in | 0.24 |
Product features
- Vibrant, high-resolution one-sided print
- Hardboard front panel with clear plastic leg
- Two-piece snap-together construction for simple assembly
- Glossy finish for a bright, polished look
- Compact footprint suited for desk or nightstand
Care instructions
- Wipe the dust or any dirt off gently with a clean, dry cloth.