Hens and Kelly

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Hens and Kelly, established in 1892, was a chain of department stores based in Buffalo, New York.[1]

It was known for its use of "green stamps" as a way of saving money and ensuring a customer's return. With each purchase, the customer would receive stamps redeemable for merchandise or money off their next purchase.[citation needed]

Most of its stores are now but a memory. One location is closed but intact as it was originally designed. The Hens and Kelly South Shore branch on Southwestern Blvd. (Rte. 20) in Hamburg, New York still stands as it was built by entrepreneur Roxie Gian in 1960. Half of the original sign is still up on this building, a part of a plaza which housed other western New York favorite retail spots as Schiffs, David's Bridal, Your Host restaurants, and Loblaws markets. This plaza, a testament to local retail history, has its days numbered by locally infamous Benderson Development and Wal Mart. It is planned to have the entire plaza, including the last example of Hens and Kelly stores, razed to make room for a Wal-Mart Supercenter.[citation needed]

Other Hens and Kelly locations included Downtown, Apple Tree Mall(formerly Como Mall), Abbot Rd., East Aurora, Northtown, Transittown, and the Summit Park Mall.[citation needed]

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