Good-Bye Lingerie, Hello Meat Market

The old cliché, “when one door closes another door opens” could have been written about Hatboro’s downtown. 

, a long-time regular retailer in the northern end of the borough’s downtown shopping district, abruptly closed its doors about a week ago. While the property owner is still looking for a new renter for the 1,000-square-foot space, literally doors away, new merchants are on the horizon, said.

On May 1, the former site of Hatboro Vac-Sew, at 210 N. York Road, will become Felucca Meat Market, Barth said.

“It’s going to be a Halal international grocery and meat and seafood place,” Barth said. “I’ve never seen any of it: Lamb, veal and a lot of different kind of meat that aren’t available around here.”

Residents had been clamoring for a property at the other end of town. Beginning May 1, construction and extensive renovations will instead . Felucca, like the Trader Joe's grocery chain, would fill the void of not having a grocer within the borough’s confines.

“As you can see Hatboro’s revival is still growing,” Barth said.

, which had opened in the Red Barn Mall in early 2011, has since relocated to Huntingdon Valley. The store’s space is now being eyed for a medical office, which Barth said would be a “good fit there.”

And while it will remain open, Barth said is now under new ownership.

“They’re kind of one of those legacy places,” Barth said.

Modifications are planned for the eatery’s décor, he said. , situated across the street and also owned by the Lochel family, is not part of the transaction, according to Barth.

Recent new additions include Richard Sauder Architect and counselor Joseph Fonash. Rina’s Rocks, a retailer specializing in crystals, fossils, jewelry and gifts, is expected to open later this week at 31 S. York Road, Barth said.

In addition, lease agreements are pending for three York Road properties, as well as a site on Jacksonville Road, he said.

“It’s an evolution,” Barth said. “It would be nice to have everybody stay, but people leave for different reasons. I always see it as opportunity.”