Penn Fruit Vanity License Plate
12" × 6"
$17.99
Sale price
$17.99
Regular price
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Bring a recognizable piece of Philadelphia retail history to your display with this Penn Fruit vanity plate. The company opened its first produce shop at 52nd and Market streets in 1927 and grew into a supermarket chain known for broad arch-roof buildings. Its reach extended through greater Philadelphia and New Jersey, with later ventures into discount grocery formats. A distinctive collectible for regional history enthusiasts, supermarket fans, and anyone who remembers the Penn Fruit name.
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 Vanity License Plate
$17.99
Sale price
$17.99
Regular price
Bring a recognizable piece of Philadelphia retail history to your display with this Penn Fruit vanity plate. The company opened its first produce shop at 52nd and Market streets in 1927 and grew into a supermarket chain known for broad arch-roof buildings. Its reach extended through greater Philadelphia and New Jersey, with later ventures into discount grocery formats. A distinctive collectible for regional history enthusiasts, supermarket fans, and anyone who remembers the Penn Fruit name.
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.
| 12" × 6" | |
| Width, in | 12.00 |
| Height , in | 6.00 |
Product features
- Durable 100% aluminum construction with silver backing
- High-definition, vibrant color printing on white front
- Standard size 12" × 6" (30.5 × 15.2 cm)
- Four pre-drilled holes for easy hanging or mounting
- Assembled in the USA from globally sourced parts (mounting hardware not included)
Care instructions
- Wipe with a damp cloth, air dry or use a soft, non-abrasive cloth