Shopping Centers Today is the news magazine of the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC)
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70 S C T / A P R I L 2 0 1 7 N E W S M A K E R S A lbert Robert Boscov, the longtime head of the venerable Boscov's department store chain and a noted philanthropist, died in February. He was 87. Over the course of some six decades, Boscov transformed the now century-old business that his father, Solomon, had started as a single store in downtown Reading, Pa., into one of the country's largest and most successful regional department store chains. Today few such chains remain, and even some national chains are challenged in a shifting retail landscape. And yet, privately held Boscov's has not only survived but has even continued to grow. Still based in Reading, the chain has opened one store per year for the past six years and now operates nearly 50 stores. In 2013 its sales exceeded $1 billion. Albert Boscov was chairman. His nephew, Jim, who joined the company in the 1970s and is now vice chairman and CEO, has described his uncle as a man of vision and passion. "Albert Boscov was truly one of the giants in the retail industry," Jim Boscov told a local newspaper. "He had a profound influence on the retail business Al Boscov is remembered for his skill, humor and compassion By Anna Robaton Man of many gifts community and the community at large. We are committed to continue on the strong foundation he has created." Albert Boscov joined the family business in 1954, right after serving in the Navy during the Korean War. He made an immediate impact on the business through his knack for adver- tising. The chain's newspaper ads were enlarged and enlivened (one mem- orable tagline: Did You Boscov Today?). As the business expanded, Albert's talent for promotion, his playful approach to retailing and his emphasis on commu- nity outreach served the company well. The funny, charismatic Albert left an impression on those who turned out for these gatherings. "Onto that stage would twirl a bounding Al Boscov, throwing out sales pitches and one-lin- ers, his retail ballet ending in a smooth and light arabesque," said his obituary in the Scranton Times. Yet Albert Boscov was much more than a good showman. His company has stood the test of time in part be- cause he helped embody a strong com- mitment to customers and employees alike and to the many communities the stores serve, say some who knew him. Among his charitable endeavors was his founding of Our City Reading, Inc., a nonprofit organization that has helped revitalize the city's downtown, bringing new businesses and industries to Reading and helping families restore and purchase abandoned homes. In 2005 the organization opened one of the country's largest community arts centers, GoggleWorks Center for the Arts, in a former eyeglass factory in downtown Reading. In the early 1980s, Boscov's purchased one of the last remaining downtown department store sites in Wilkes-Barre and opened its first multifloor store in that space. Last year the company completed a $1 million renovation of the store. "Albert was an extraordinary human being inside and outside of the office," said Daniel B. Hurwitz, who worked for Boscov's from 1991 to 1999. He was senior vice president and director of real estate and corporate development. Today Hurwitz is CEO of New York City– based Raider Hill Advisors, a real estate and investment advisory firm. "He cared for his employees, customers and community like no other executive I've ever witnessed," Hurwitz said. "He was extraordinarily charismatic [and] had a wonderful sense of humor and great empathy and compassion for his employees and customers, which bred a high level of loyalty." Indeed, one of the things that dis- tinguish Boscov's from other retailers is its comparatively low rate of employee turnover, not only at the senior-man- agement level, but at every other level as well. The company has a manage- ment-training program for college graduates and for existing employees who demonstrate potential. "Aside from running an outstand- ing company, even in an environment with significant headwinds, Albert was loyal to his employees and generous to the communities in which his stores were located," said Hurwitz. "His philanthropy was really unmatched." n