Business Buzz
By Rich Baehrle
In a day and age when competition is so intense that some major retail chains have gone out of business, we have a local family business, The Hub Work and Leisure Stores, that is doing very well.
With two locations, one in Somers Point (Point Plaza 259 New Road) and one at 6167 Harding Highway Mays Landing, they exemplify the essence of what it means to provide friendliness and knowledgeable service to every customer.
There are no self-checkout lines like in the big-box stores. Instead, you are greeted by owners who care about their customers. This relationship is the primary reason why customers are loyal to The Hub and vice versa.
The history of The Hub dates to Pleasantville where it was founded in 1954. It was affectionately named “The Hub,” as it was at the center of the most popular shopping district in the area at that time.
Originally it was an Army/Navy store opened by Richard and Pearl Lichten who were well-known pillars of the community. Richard was known for catering to his customers with the motto, “Regular, Big and Tall, We Fit Them All.” It was the premier place where men and boys could find a wide selection of work and leisure wear appropriate for casual or dress.
In late 1981 Fred Dodd and his beloved wife Carol purchased The Hub. They continued living up to the reputation established by the Lichtens by providing exceptional service.
The business was moved in 1985 to the Somers Point Shopping Center, where once again it was The Hub of the shopping district in Somers Point. The original location in Pleasantville is no longer open, but the Dodd Family continues to proudly operate a business that has been a staple of the area for nearly 60 years.
The second location in Mays Landing has nicely complemented Somers Point since 2008, providing easier access for customers in the western part of the county. Both stores offer extensive lines of work and leisure clothes and boots, with popular brands including Carhartt clothes, boots and accessories; Dickies clothes, boots and accessories; Timberland boots and accessories, and Wolverine boots and accessories. Where else can you find over 150 styles of boots in stock?
Today there are three generations of the Dodd Family who are proudly serving their loyal customers: Mom Carol Dodd along with her daughter Karen Jones and her son Jay.
The Hub’s success is an example that hard work and dedication pay off. Stop in and treat yourself to nice quality merchandise and very fair prices or go online at https://the-hub-clothing.myshopify.com.
Remember to shop locally and support small businesses.
Rich Baehrle, of Berkshire Hathaway Fox and Roach, can be reached at 609-266-6680
or 609-641-0011. Email richardbaehrle@gmail.com or see www.getrichinrealestateSJ.com
