A little more than a year ago, the famous Roses store on 94th Street in Ocean City, Maryland, which has been a mainstay for residents and visitors for more than 40 years, closed. The closure signaled the end of a period for a popular bargain department store and the beginning of a new phase in the growth of the neighborhood.
In Henderson, North Carolina, Paul Howard Rose launched a five-and-dime store in 1915, marking the beginning of the Roses brand’s illustrious history. The company developed over the years, growing from a basic variety store to a full-fledged department store with a presence throughout the Southeast United States. After opening in 1979, the Ocean City location soon gained popularity among locals and resort visitors.
Roses, which was located at the Ocean Plaza Mall, sold a wide range of products, including groceries, home furnishings, apparel, and beach necessities and souvenirs. Its straightforward, affordable strategy appealed to a broad spectrum of clients who valued the ease of having nearly everything they needed in one place. For many, a visit to the expansive store was a must-do while in Ocean City.
On May 11, 2024, the Ocean City Roses store shuttered for the last time after 45 years of operation. The 17-acre Ocean Plaza property was part of a larger redevelopment plan, which is why the closure was not an abrupt decision. The demolition of the Roses building was part of the preliminary subdivision plan approved by the Ocean City Planning Commission, but it hasn’t happened yet.
A significant redevelopment project will begin with the destruction of the Roses building. A combination of business and residential spaces are part of the site’s approved town plan. The building of a new, improved ACME supermarket will be the most noticeable alteration. The current, older ACME, which is also scheduled for removal, will be replaced by this new one. Townhouses will also be built on two nearby parcels as part of the redevelopment plan, resulting in a mixed-use property that will give the 94th Street neighborhood a new appearance and new purposes.
