A department store once though long dead is reportedly making a comeback, but details are scarce and confirmation can’t be made.
On Monday, a few publications reported that Ames was reopening after closing for good in 2002.
But, we posted about the possibility back in 2022 and again this past January.
However, there are several signs that the return of Ames is a hoax.
Messages sent to the posted email have gone unanswered and a phone number provided keeps ringing with no answer.
Amesstores.com had a message on it that said, “Silver Knight Group, Inc, the parent company of Ames Department Stores, Inc, has released a new reopening date.”
A visit to Silver Knight Group’s website only says, “We're currently working on a brand-new design for our website” and encourages people to visit their social pages.
A visit to their “X” page shows the last post on January 8 and only 84 followers. They also don’t have any posts on Instagram.
The Ames Facebook page hasn't posted anything new since July 2023. If you were planning a big return, you'd likely provide more information.
If Ames is making a legitimate comeback, they’re making is very hard to get details.
A message on the website says brick & mortar stores will begin opening in June 2026 with 35 openings planned through April 2027.
Started in Southbridge, Massachusetts in 1958, Ames went out of business in 2002.
Many blamed the liquidation on the rise of Walmart.
22 stores were operating in southwestern Pennsylvania, including locations in Butler, Cranberry, Robinson Township, Irwin, McKeesport and other areas, employing nearly 1,000 people when the chain went out of business.
No other details are available at this time.
Department stores like Ames and Hills have a special place in the memory of many around Pittsburgh.
If Ames is coming back, it will make some shoppers happy, but it’s possible the announcement may not be legit.
Bloomberg says Silver Knight Group invests mainly in bars and nightclubs, something that Ames is not.
Some former Ames employees share memories on a Facebook page called Ames Stores Alumni.