River Edge's Long-Standing Mainstay Storefronts

Change is inevitable. But the fact is that over the last few years our town has seen some long time businesses go away.

A few weeks back, we took a look at some of the businesses that are still fondly recalled though .

We’re among those who still tend to refer to the Foodtown or even the A&P building (not Total Wines). Just across the way, that empty weeding lot is still fondly recalled as the site of Huffman-Koos or to those who can remember Huffman & Boyle or even as the Cherry Hill Shopping Center. ’s new spot is still affectionately referred to by many as “The Madison”.

We used to have a couple of super markets, and full-line bakeries, and hometown pharmacies. Now there are none (unless you count the specialized Asian Market and bagel shops). Similarly, while we once we were once served by some 13 different service stations, there are today three.

With all these businesses once fixtures now gone, we got to thinking about River Edge’s longest operating storefront business these days.

Some long-time stalwarts include which dates back to the 1960’s. has been there for a long time (though its owners have changed). ’s neon sign can still be seen on the outside of their location at Main Street and Kinderkamack (though the original Mr. Bob from Topps Cleaners is long gone). at the north end of town has been there a long time, as well. And, it’s now been almost 50 years since came to town (Though it has been remodeled a few times over from its original classic golden arches).

The , they tell us over there, first set up shop in the early 1940’s. They too, have remodeled and modernized over the years (Some great pictures over one of the makeovers can be found as you walk in).

We’ve already shared with you the story of , and how they took up shop back in 1956 when the vacated for their then new site on Fifth Avenue near the high school.

Other long-timers include and , both realtors, and just north of River Edge Road. has been there on the east side of Kinderkamack near Midland for a long time too.

There are a couple of long-time liquor stores that were here long before Total Wines and Liquors.

We even came across a dark horse candidate that most folks would never even consider. It’s the old “Telephone Building” at the border with Oradell. It now has a Verizon sign on its front and does not do any walk-in business per se, but it has been there since the days of New Jersey Bell – back when River Edge’s telephone numbers started with the likes of CO (Colfax), DI (Diamond) and HU (Hubbard). As we were unable to ascertain when the building actually went up, we are unable to determine if it is, in fact, the oldest continuous business “storefront” in our midst.

Therefore, from our most unscientific survey, we find that the title of longest running business belongs to .  We were able to establish that they first opened in 1928-29. Today they are still going strong as a neighborhood store in an era of national chains. Local fixtures like Manor Pharmacy, and the Variety Bake Shop are gone, but Palmer’s endures – even in the face of Home Depot and a new Lowe’s on Route 4 in Paramus.

They might not be as big as their competitors, but Palmers offers a hometown touch and human scale hard to find at the big stores.

As importantly, they’re still here. And something must be said for such staying power in itself.