By Jennifer Lyng
Special to Inside
When the hardware store across the street from Lincoln Park Market closed a few months ago, people began to wander into the grocery store asking where they might find a wrench, screws or other assorted items. Bruce Longanecker, owner of Lincoln Park Market, 2500 N. Clark St., seized the opportunity and now offers an entire aisle of hardware related items and general merchandise.
Open since 1982, Lincoln Park Market originally differentiated itself from the larger grocery chains by offering more services, such as delivery and banking. As the chains began to expand their services, Longanecker realized that he would need to expand his offerings to stay competitive and better serve the community.
A Postal substation was added eight years ago, greatly applauded by the neighborhood. LPM Catering was recently launched, providing everything from full breakfast buffets to hors d’oeuvres. The quality of the general merchandise offered, such as can openers and measuring cups, has all been upgraded to the quality found in specialty stores, not your typical grocery store offerings.
The latest hardware addition includes a full 16' light bulb section, replacing a 3' rack at the end of the aisle. A new key cutting machine allows residential and commercial keys to be made on site. Longanecker plans to soon offer tools for homeowners for do-it-yourself plumbing, electrical and carpentry projects, painting supplies, phone accessories and cables.
A new Web site will also be on-line in the next few months. LincolnParkMarket.com will allow customers to view weekly sales and see the full listing of services available, which are likely to continue to expand. Longanecker explains that “the Lincoln Park Market has been a neighborhood grocery store in the past, but is now more of a general store to better meet the needs of the community.” |
