Ross Jewelers Relocates to New Scranton Storefront
Owners of independent retailers should note how this move integrates retail and residential use to optimize foot traffic.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Openings & Closings
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Ross Jewelers officially relocated to 517 Lackawanna Avenue in Scranton on October 5, 2026. The move shifts the business into a newly renovated building that integrates ground-floor retail with residential units.
Why it matters
The relocation highlights how independent retailers are repositioning for better foot traffic and parking access while modernizing their real estate footprint. Owners often pursue these moves when previous property owners pivot their own development plans.
The business operated at its previous 211 North Washington Avenue location for 40 years before finalizing this transition. The project includes five total residential units across the property.
The players
Ross Jewelers
An independent local retailer with over four decades of history in the Scranton jewelry market.
John Basalyga
A local developer responsible for the renovation and construction of mixed-use properties in Scranton.
Wayne Evans
The previous owner of the property at 517 Lackawanna Avenue.
The details
Owner-occupied or small-retail developments frequently utilize mixed-use structures to maximize revenue per square foot, as seen in the construction of two apartments on each of the two upper floors at the new site. Additionally, a fifth apartment was built on the ground floor behind the retail space to optimize the building footprint. Developer John Basalyga facilitated this change by purchasing the former Scranton Hobby Center building from Wayne Evans, effectively aligning the jewelry store with other retail neighbors.
Timeline
August 1981: Ross Jewelers was established in the Hotel Jermyn building.
June 1986: The business moved to 211 North Washington Avenue.
October 5, 2026: The business officially moved to 517 Lackawanna Avenue.
Market Landscape
This move reflects a broader trend of retail clustering in Scranton, as evidenced by recent activity near 515 Lackawanna Avenue. The development follows the reopening of Coney Island Lunch in September 2026, signaling a potential shift in corridor foot traffic.
Operators should monitor how mixing residential density with storefronts impacts their own rent structures and parking requirements. Reviewing local development patterns, like those on Lackawanna Avenue, can help identify which corridors offer the best visibility for long-term growth.
The takeaway
Retailers facing lease expiration should evaluate whether relocating to mixed-use developments provides a competitive edge in accessibility. Track local zoning changes and property sales in your specific corridor to anticipate potential neighbors that could increase your foot traffic.
Further reading
For more on shifts in local retail footprints, visit Scranton Openings & Closings.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Scranton Times-Tribune.
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