State College business relocates, doubles in size

Harper’s has doubled in size in its effort to find the right fit.

The 91-year staple of downtown State College recently opened in a new location and hosted a grand opening Sept. 6 for about 250 people.

“I hope and I think people really like what we do and enjoy the experience at our store,” Harper’s co-owner Brian Cohen said. “The way it’s layout creates a really good experience.”

Harper’s decided it was time to expand the business by relocating after outgrowing the store’s previous location. The 6,000-square-foot space at 224 E. College Ave. began renovations in January 2017, though planning for an expansion started about three years ago.

“We had been in the same location for more than 90 years, and the business grew, so it was time to take it to the next level,” Cohen said. “I’ve been active here for more than 30 years, and we wanted to do more and offer more for our great customers.”

Additions for the retailer include adding a small woman’s boutique and a line to its popular Varsity Club. The store also expanded its tailoring services by featuring a larger designated space for custom fittings in which tailors may be watched as they work.

The store has more options for costumers, but the principles have remained the same.

“Other than it being a fresh, new, good-looking store, we still have great customer service,” Cohen said. “The product is secondary even with great products. We help people. We follow up with people. It’s about relationships, and that’s what people have always liked and that’s what has helped us grow.”

This story was originally published September 13, 2017 at 12:05 AM with the headline "State College business relocates, doubles in size."