Revisiting The Abandoned Ames In Wrightstown, NJ **Part 2: Inside Exploration**

Revisiting The Abandoned Ames In Wrightstown, NJ *Part 2: Inside Exploration* 4 years after my initial visit to this old Ames location, I recently took a weekend trip out to New Jersey and just had to revisit. Shortly after my original visit, part of the building collapsed. In this video we take another look inside and see how much more this old department store has deteriorated since our 2018 visit and since the store closed in 2002.
Here is our original video from 2018:
• Inside The Abandoned A...
Urban exploration can be very dangerous. Never explore alone like I did in this video. Be respectful. Do not vandalize. I do NOT condone it. Take nothing, leave nothing, but footprints. I simply explore and take my photos and video and leave the places I explore the way I found them.
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#abandoned #ames #wallieb26

[@Titanic19127]

Amazing still there after 20 years being abandoned

[@robertaviles8451]

I'm kinda surprised that nobody has salvaged that Forklift! I guess it's beyond repair maybe?

[@TCAPRecipes]

One of my first jobs was at ames. The one i worked at is a lowes now.

[@steveg5122]

the drywall you see there is from the only attempt to rent out the building around 2008. They built a Family Dollar into the abandoned store.

[@steveg5122]

This one closed with the chain in late 2003. we shopped the store closing sale there when i was a kid. You are 100% right on the layout. The section that collapsed had an arcade under Jamesway ownership.

[@AnotherTruth]

Wow - it’s really gone to Hades and that light is gone and some of the same junk is still there. You’ll need a hazmat suit for your next adventure when you get back there. I’m amazing anything is still operating on that lot. A restaurant? Next to the infectious building-wow!!! Great videos!! I loved Ames! I remember our Zayres were converted into Ames - I loved the change but it didn’t really last that long. I think our last Ames stores died out in the late nineties. I bought all of my furniture there for my first apartment including appliances, bedding, et al. Thank you for checking it out and I hope you were well protected from the elements!

[@teamtripledent31nextgentls94]

at least the merch room aint as bad compared to the one in Diamond point plaza which is now demolished.

[@zippymufo9765]

"Pallet jack" is usually called "forklift"

[@JRE2540]

Nice to see what it looks like today!!!

[@joematise8473]

This was a Jamesway for about 20 years only became an Ames 96 to closing. I was a District Mgr for Jamesway this store was in my District.

[@BastianSteele]

And there is probably people out there that still have stuff they bought from this very store, crazy. Awesome video, thanks for doing this. Probably the last we will see of this building, It is quite literally on the brink of collapsing, especially the whole front. That water is quickly rusting out the beams and such, and the weight of the water isn’t helping.

[@ConservativeCoinCollector]

Honestly, I'm surprised the building hasn't been torn down in the last few years. It's dangerous just to walk in. It also makes you wonder in what condition the Chinese restaurant is in.

[@knottheory79220]

Well someone has to pay to tear it down. The city might, but are there really that many people wandering into this property besides Wallie? I doubt that pavement is in very good shape either, odds are that whole site needs to be razed and that isn't cheap. The property/area can't be very useful or desirable or someone would have tried to buy it for salvaging it and repurposing it.

[@NJLIFEHACKER]

I used to live near the area 5..6 years ago. Its near me still. The whole town is run down and the area is just done. The base has changed everything. Crime has gone up. All this area really has is low income housing and its weird cause youd think LETS BUILD MORE apartment buildings! lol

[@ConservativeCoinCollector]

@@NJLIFEHACKER Wow, what a shame.

[@cynthiamarquez3244]

It’s actually just been torn down. They are building something there too

[@princessofledyard3899]

Hello I Miss Ames Department Stores and My Child Hood. I Would Love To Have my Childhood Again and Be Very Happy and Younger. I miss the CT Waterford one, Which Is a Lowes Store Now. I Really Miss Ames Stores. I Wish They Never Went Out Of Business. I Wonder Why They Close Down All of The Ames . I Miss Toys R Us Too. I Wish All These Store Could Come Back to business.

[@andypage9]

Amazing that the forklift and the cardboard baler were left behind. High dollar items.

[@irefusetoaskmydoctorifyour6401]

OH YEAH!! 💸💸💸🤑🤑🤑 I'll bet you anything that someONE, someWHERE at an equipment rental company spent a LOT of time walking around with a list of serial numbers on a clipboard looking high and low for that forklift. (edited for spelling)

[@jet34thehawk]

Wow 👌 awesome video

[@Mr23frd]

Great video. Thank you

[@MrIceman22]

Great Video :D

[@lindamikel7913]

Thanks Wallie and Kayla I Like Your Second Ames Video Hope You Guys are Doing Awesome Today!!!!

[@Hodaggium]

At the five minute mark, I can imagine you saying "Look in the back, where it says Ames real big".

[@paulfisher4573]

I grew up going to hills and Kmart with my sweet mother,some of my best memories, love your videos

[@jayodaman6361]

Love seeing explorations with no break-ins, straight up fun and loving people, always brings a smile these bring so many childhood memories back thank you guys for all you do and the memories of these stores 💯❤️🔥

[@WallieB26]

I'm glad you enjoyed the video. I'll never break into a place. If a door/window is open or there is enough deterioration that I can just walk right in and explore, I'll do it that way in a respectful manner. Leave the place the way you found it is what I always say.

[@jayodaman6361]

@@WallieB26 as always should be man glad to hear that 🙂🙏❤️ use to come here in the late 90s when i was 8

[@raresr4092]

Just wondering if you ever been to Zayre? Remember hills ames kmart and jamesway to. I cant recall what Zayre turned into though. I recall buying a bunch of ghostbuster figures from Zayre in the 80's.

[@BuffaloChicken]

Happy Birthday!

[@jennifergarrett6809]

Christmas at Ames!!!!! I started laughing. That was too good. Glad you got out safely.

[@PcLover81]

This store closed in 2002. The registers were where you mentioned. Over where the roof caved in was the electronics section when Ames closed up. Of course it was a Jamesway when i was a kid back in the 80's. They had a couple of arcade games up in that front corner where the roof caved in back then. My family and I shopped there a lot over the years.

[@bluesky8889]

I'm a bit older than you and I remember it being called Grants before Jamesway came along. The area where the roof caved in was actually a restaurant that was part of Grants at one time. If memory serves me correctly, it was named the Harvest House.

[@PcLover81]

@@bluesky8889 I was just going to mention Grants. They closed up a little before I was born so I had to confirm with my Mother on a phone conversation today. Heartbreaking to see that building in such bad shape. glad they saved the building next door that used to be Acme. That was a plumbing supply place last time I was over there.

[@Adam-xg7dw]

My mom worked there till the day it closed. So many memories the front part that is collapsed was Electronics. Bought my first cassette tape from there Metallic Reload. Was also a Jamesway before it was Ames. Btw I think it closed its doors in 2002. I know mom went to Walmart In Hamilton square market place and it was pretty new building still. This location was open from 1996-2002

[@ErikVince]

I miss Ames and hills myself time's gone by rest in peace Ames and hills

[@ChrisHarlow-yc7zy]

I'm hearing rumors and apparently has been confirmed that ames is returning.hopefully they will expand nationwide and perhaps come to Arkansas so I can experience it

[@theweakestlink2278]

It's crazy to think this location has been sitting empty for 20 years without even removing the Ames signage out front. That building is in terrible condition! I'll be surprised if the local government doesn't force the property owner to tear it down in the near future.

[@catnapped_]

Things work at a glacial pace in NJ. The derelict former Bradlees in Stratford that's been empty longer than this and in just as bad shape still sits boarded up with a giant X on the wall (first responders don't enter unless absolutely necessary)

[@theweakestlink2278]

That's crazy! That place is a death trap!

[@melindaknight9851]

Love the video I watched the video that you did 4 years ago it's hard to believe it went downhill that fast 😢😢😢

[@snomans]

How has it not been torn down for safety reasons alone? It’s always great to see an Ames building, but this is just beyond shocking.

[@WallieB26]

I have no idea why the town wouldn't at least take matters into their own hands but maybe they're not permitted to. But you would think they would pressure the plaza owner to do something.

[@irefusetoaskmydoctorifyour6401]

Money. Generally a money reason. Either the property owner went bankrupt or died and / or the property is tied up in court proceedings and/or the owner(s) cannot be located to be served papers. The city / township has a limited amount of tax revenue (especially with commercial property sitting vacant / i.e. no one is paying taxes on abandoned property) they are going to be focused on issues like fixing potholes / streetlights, pay raises for teachers / police / firefighters etc. If no one is "raising a fuss" about some abandon shopping center it is going to fall to the bottom of the priority list.

[@irefusetoaskmydoctorifyour6401]

I've never been to Wrightstown, NJ, but I'm guessing this isn't in the better parts of town. Wallie says, "Kayla is in the car - WITH THE DOORS LOCKED" If this property was desirable - along the so-called 'main drag'-, someone for sure would have re-developed it somewhere along the course of TWENTY years! There's more to this than just an abandoned Ames - the whole rest of the shopping center is abandoned as well!

[@bluesky8889]

@@irefusetoaskmydoctorifyour6401 Sadly, this used to be a vibrant area. Part of the demise happened after 9/11. Fort Dix (now called JBMDL Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst) put a fence around the entire installation. The fence took away the ability for residents of neighboring towns to easily access Wrightstown. They started shopping elsewhere. Another problem was Fort Dix lost basic training and a lot of the permanent personnel and their families affiliated with it. Wrightstown is also located in an area that is considered rural for New Jersey.

[@irefusetoaskmydoctorifyour6401]

@@bluesky8889 Sounds like it was a 'prime' location for a store like Ames at the time it was built.

[@news89]

Thank you for showing the inside. It sure has changed since 2018. I'm glad you safely made it in and out there. I do remember going to Ames in Salem, OH and Hills in Calcutta, OH. The good old days. I'm still stunned it is still standing especially with that one section that fell down.

[@jasonstewart3333]

I just did a Google search that store closed it down in 1996

[@barryismygod]

No it didn’t. It closed in ‘02 or ‘03 ( the site was originally a Grant’s, Then A JamesWay (that closed in ‘95) than Ames came in and that was open till ‘02 maybe early ‘03 .

[@jasonstewart3333]

@@barryismygod what I read on Google I said Ames I was only going by what Google said another one where I live closed in like 98 possibly 97 I wish they were still around same with hills

[@paul-roblox5174]

I'm not going to lie with that much stuff in back room and being it so dark makes that abandoned Ames so creepy especially with that clown being there too makes it even more creepy.

[@claudespeed277]

Btw an update on the ames headquarters in rocky hills CT, the building is finally coming down to build a 213 apartment complex and some retail stores

[@lisafreeman4222]

That was a cool video

[@GuyTheGuardian]

12:54 That Looks Like The Same Cardbord Compacter at my work!

[@lisamarie406]

I use to shop at the ames here in up state n.y. I miss them I still have a blind and curtains I bought from ames

[@cathygiovanine5679]

Awesome video!!!

[@Truckguy1970]

One place you should visit is Vineland NJ in Cumberland County, there is a Drive in movie theater that's still open there!

[@jaimienichols5649]

Awesome Wallie

[@AmongTheUnknown]

With the roof like that, I'm surprised this building hasn't been torn down by now. Reminds me of the Kmart in Shalar. Definitely can hear the emotion in your voice at the end.

[@themaskedguy8543]

This place was empty longer than Amboy Cinemas

[@matthewcampbell7985]

Almost 44,000 subs.

[@mikegraham6260]

Great video as always!! I have fond memories of going to Hills/Ames in West Mifflin and picking up NASCAR toy cars with my dad. I can still remember the smell of the Hills snack bar anytime I go into the Big Lots there. I miss those days for sure.

[@nicolemacpherson3908]

Wow! That's crazy! You "inquired" the thrift store staff to "aquire" the shopping carts!

[@GameDjeenie]

I'm obssessed with old, abandoned and empty commercial buildings... I always wonder when was the last time a customer used or touched anything you see... Something about it fascinate me...

[@christiangonzales7429]

You're a brave man, Wallie!!

[@Rwalt61]

One part of me says explore this Ames more and the other part says get the hell out of there especially when the building creeks and booms.

[@trish2179]

The first boom was the building, i didnt hear the second boom on this end, but you are right off of JB: MDL and they have bombing runs and all sorts of stuff going on. I can usually hear them at my house about 20 minutes west of wrightstown.

[@virginia12671]

I remember Ames.

[@mikeahl4285]

Is that the one that was full of things , 4 years ago. All kinds of merchandise and a few vintage cars?

[@Oldsvito2999]

That'll be one in Kentucky

[@susanboatman7913]

I wonder how long before the rest of the building collapses.

[@gradymcclintock3766]

It's weird how that bathroom was in good condition

[@crystalscan2002]

if this the think i it is this has new led lighting from 4 years ago ? it looked nice

[@alanlough638]

The building is in horrible condition! You're a very brave soul going in the building. Thanks for the great exploration video! Have an Ameslicious Day!

[@jeee1074]

Swap out shopping carts, sure give me just 10 minutes. 'Takes a pickup to the nearby Walmart' 🤫

[@danestegman155]

Great video! Thank You! for going inside this place! It sure is in really sad, sad shape! It should be torn down, someone could get hurt going inside! I would have been scared out of my wits hearing those loud noises in there! I am glad you wore a mask! Did you have boots on too?

[@WallieB26]

Yes I wore my work boots which ate waterproof and steel toed.

[@jameshebert5430]

Another great video, no afeance but I hope by the looks of that place that it either falls or is torn down. Thanks for the awesome video it hurts to see such a fine place look like this!

[@2themoon863]

Makes one wonder what’s in those trailers at the rear, on both sides of the building…it’s surprising that there hasn’t been some kind of condemnation order placed on the largest part of this center?

[@shelbychurchisbeautiful614]

I Love It When Wallie Dose An Inside Exploration Video. Wallieb26's Channel Is Awesome.

[@patlk]

I think this ames is gone now st view in August of 2022 the $ tree was being guided

[@Oldsvito2999]

1st my dad just subbed to you after watching the Berea depot video and the heb store tour do more on Texas and Mexico

[@chuckbrown2854]

You need to take the sign off the front of the building

[@WallieB26]

I wish I could!

[@Oldsvito2999]

I was about 3 when closed

[@gman2015z]

Always love ur vids. I'm from Florida n whenever I went up north, it was too late cuz all the Ames stores were prob closed down. Hate how Kmart n these old stores have buildings still up but the companies won't come back.

[@ericheld4382]

My Ames was originally a Zyare, then Ames, the Value City, now Rose's

[@703am]

wow 20 years being closed, it's really something that it hasn't been torn down, the building sure isn't worth anything, the property sure should have value...anyway glad you did do this video...really sad the voice at the end almost seems like the lady was about to cry...

[@ErikVince]

Yeah I heard that noise it's probably just building itself I don't think anyone else is in there

[@anthonycoach4551]

Boy would I love to take couple thoes leather office chairs and them plush computer chairs and some them others just to keep them around for memorys..

[@karma_03]

You are brave I would never be able to check that out alone! Especially in the back where it's total blackout dark haven't you ever watched scary movies lol.

[@karma_03]

Oh my I didn't even make it to the creepy noise part before I commented. After the first big thunder sound it sounded to me like someone clearing their throat. I'd have ran away like a scared little girl lmao

[@abandonedmass2333]

Is this the Ames at the beginning of the intro

[@Oldsvito2999]

The one in the intros in Pennsylvania watch his early videos

[@davidsquires154]

That building needs to be torn down, before it falls down. In, the Detroit area, there was Arlans, Shoppers Fair, and Yankee Department Stores all went out of business. And, don't forget about Kmart Stores.

[@2themoon863]

You had an Arlans too? We had one at Colorado Springs until the mid-to late 1970’s…

[@davidsquires154]

@@2themoon863 I, remember Arlans Department Stores 🏬 from the 1960's and the 1970's.

[@jazbell7]

All I can say is "that was really good". You got to see what's left of your memories.

[@mattmaverick703]

Man I miss Ames too Wallie

[@roxannelamar7834]

Im big fan of your channel i love your humor i love abandoned buildings they need to tear it down its too dangerous or tear down the roof and keep body of building

[@williamdevries2496]

I'm Glad your OK I seen Bigfoot LoL

[@marionmitchell261]

So brave of you to risk so much for our entertainment....thank you. Stay safe.

[@ryanclifton7033]

That building just needs to be torn down

[@abandonedmass2333]

You what what makes more creepy that freaking clown

[@crystalscan2002]

i am sure they turned power off after the side fell down, for safety

[@crystalscan2002]

where they going use that thing, i thought that has full power at one point

[@ericbechler9903]

I have been to a few abandoned places that were close to collapse 😃

[@robertmailhos8159]

That's such waste of a perfectly good building 😭now some one is going to make a decision on tearing it down

[@cheaplaughkennedy2318]

Got to give it to you going alone Wallie . 👍

[@ErikVince]

Clowns just remind me of the movie it

[@catnapped_]

From what I could dig up, this store lasted till the end of the company.

[@knottheory79220]

My dude, invest in a legit hard hat. They're not that expensive, and it'd be a good thing to have in a place like this.

[@WallieB26]

For sure. I don't normally explore places this bad that often but it would definitely help just in case.

[@erinsulvan1783]

Wallie, I know you love Ames. But with a building that is lacking structural integrity and has severe black mold. You should of stayed outside. Your life is worth more than that unsafe building. Drone footage was more than enough.

[@Mrcruisefever1]

Also : RIP , rental movie stores ( Blockbuster video ) , KB Toys , FAO toy stores , Disney stores in mall / WB toy stores , Toys R US , Kmarts - Sears and other Stores - Businesses RIP. I was born in November 1984

[@Oldsvito2999]

What's wb toy store

[@Mrcruisefever1]

@@Oldsvito2999 , Warner Brothers toy store - Back in 1990’s. ( like similar to Disney store in malls)

[@coltongoff456]

This building will surely have to be demolished

[@joetaylorchristmastree2866]

Nice's 👍😍😘 videos

[@russellsloan242]

Wally: that was me that was me too :Me lol. 17:20

[@Oldsvito2999]

That'll be dollar general

[@brandongaming1049]

bring back ames in Wrightstown NJ in 2026!

[@benjaminmendenhall3104]

Wow that place looks a lot bad then 4 years ago

[@gablings]

6:18 | Looks like that came from Target

[@sjtalksandlife]

Please be careful, your life is more important than doing a video..❤🙏🏾

[@rogeresmithjr.youtubechann3153]

Any real Yorky Takitaki one for you one for your wife that’s all you’re talking so you OK why are you OK that’s how you talk to people on the radio you need walkie-talkie Walmart you have to pay for for for yourself and for you suffer wife

[@CarlyCatharsis]

THAT Bathroom🚻 IS STILL ALOT CLEANER Then MOST #OlliesOutlet's & #ROSES Discount Stores... I NEVER Use #DollarTree Ones, So I Just Assume They're Alike?