McCrory's five and dime store was a staple on the first block of West Market Street throughout much of the 20th century. The first McCrory store was opened by John G. McCrorey in Scottsdale, Pennsylvania in 1892. The small chain grew, and in February 1896 a McCrory's store opened in York, selling such merchandise as dry goods, house furnishings, and kitchenware.

Promising "Nothing over ten cents," the store flourished in York, despite competition from other five and dime stores including F.W. Woolworth's, which opened near McCrory's in 1913, and G.C. Murphy, which opened a store on Continental Square in the early 1940s. During the Great Depression, many five and dime stores actually experienced substantial growth because of their low cost products.

By 1944, the McCrory chain had grown to over 200 stores. Dramatic growth in York led to construction of a new West Market Street building in 1941, creating five times the space of the original store. The multi-level store continued to enjoy great success. Soon, McCory's would have a different connection with York. In 1963, the headquarters of the discount chain relocated to Springettsbury Township. McCrory's grew through acquisition, eventually purchasing several competitors, including G.C. Murphy.

After the "mass exodus" of department stores from downtown York, McCrory's continued to serve the local residents, surviving on West Market Street until the 1990s. The chain had grown to 1300 stores, but began to shrink in the waning years of the 20th century. McCrory Stores permanently closed in 2001.







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