Peter Pan Gift Shop and TR Bell in Moorestown Close: Report

Moorestown, NJ -- The Peter Pan Gift Shop and TR Bell are closing after 48 years in business in Moorestown, the Burlington County Times reports.

Store owner Melody Manning told the newspaper that the customers are very nice and always appreciative, but “business has really become an issue for small retailers” who have to compete with online sales.

Manning graduated from Long Island University, but gave up a career in psychology to set up shop with her late father.

Charles Manning founded the original Peter Pan Bakery on Chester Avenue in 1954, and moved it to Main Street 10 years later. As demand rose for healthier food, the bakery was closed and Manning expanded Peter Pan Gift Shop, bringing in more fashion and hipper accessories.

She also moved T.R. Bell from down the street.

She worked most days, and told Catherine Laughlin in a story that appeared on Patch in 2012, “I really enjoy my work. My father used to say that you should do what you love for 50 weeks of the year. And then, wish you were doing it during the two weeks you’re on vacation.”

The attached image is a Patch file photo