Exploring An Abandoned Ames - Shamokin, PA w/ Richard, Kara, and Journey_With_Jay

Abandoned Ames Shamokin, PA Exploring With Richard, Kara, and Journey_With_Jay. We explore q place together that had been at the top of my bucket list since I first started exploring and when I explored my local Ames in Baden, PA. This was quite the experience. Beyond grateful to check this one off my list and to have done so with 3 amazing people in my life.
Check out and subscribe to Journey_With_Jay here:
/ @journeywithjay
Richard Dremden Wolf:
/ @richarddremdenwolf
Kara Wolf:
/ @karawolf
If you enjoy my content and wish to help make my channel grow, become a Patron! You can make a contribution at / wallieb26 .
There is no obligation and I'm not asking you to! All proceeds go toward expenses involved in travelling to film for you guys. I do not make a profit. Thank you!

[@JPVideos81]

This was my very first Abandoned Ames that i filmed. Glad you got to check it out.

[@RTSoutdoor]

LOL! "everybody needs an abandoned Ames in their backyard"

[@SebastianSteele]

Hey Nate!!!

[@WallieB26]

We do! Jay got one, I got one, Anthony has 3. Lol

[@as6110]

@@WallieB26 well tell him to share the wealth 😜

[@studioa9728]

While you guys have a Ames, I got a Bradlees!

[@camhowe349]

Nate how many Ames you got in Ohio?

[@jqueen1380]

Congrats on the Ames Bag find! 👍🏻😊

[@W4ZFN]

Doing school work and saw this on my notifocation and had to watch it and still watching it rn

[@QuinnDickinson2610]

Wallie the Ames Distribution Center still exists. It is currently the Ashey Furniture Building. If you Google the address it'll still come up as Ames Way but it's been changed to Ashley Way. Until this video I never knew that it existed as an Ames Distribution Center. It's about 15 minutes from me behind Steve Moyer Subaru.

[@ScareFestTTV]

So Ames acquired the 32 store Big N chain in November of 1978. Never heard of them either. So cool! I thought I'd research it and post here to let everyone know 🤗

[@WallieB26]

Thanks! That had me so baffled. I had never heard of it and wondered. I know Ames built stand alone stores and others that were always Ames but I had read somewhere that this particular location was something else prior to Ames.

[@ScareFestTTV]

@@WallieB26 no problem! Keep up the awesome work with your channel 😁

[@TRJ2241987]

There was a brief period where Ames used the Big N logo and Ames logos simultaneously on the price tags. It was the Ames logo in an oval with a 'N' in the background underneath the Ames. I have a few vinyl records from 1979 that use this logo.

[@davideider]

Thank you for the excellent Ames videos.

[@kyriebates2997]

Big N Stood for Neisner Brothers Department stores (1978). in Penn.

[@WallieB26]

Thank you! I was wondering!

[@stevent9179]

Thank you, we had an Ames "big N" in Stroudsburg PA , I always wondered what that stood for.

[@MagpieMelon]

So cool! Anytime I see an abandoned building I think of you!

[@TheCRTProductions]

This kicks ass, that made me really happy when you found the plastic bag. That's one of the best things you can find in an old store if it's still in good shape since those things usually disintegrate after a few years. Great job documenting this Wallie, jealous of you, we don't have Ames around here unfortunately.

[@WallieB26]

That bag had me overly excited. Especially being an older red one. Ames changed their color from red to teal in the mid 90s.

[@jayardee6240]

So stoked for ya Wallie... Know how much you love Hills and ames stores... Killer video always enjoy! Stay safe and stay awesome brotha

[@ScareFestTTV]

That 45 Ames Way address is now 45 Ashley way for Ashley Home Furniture

[@owen4248]

Awesome that is a huge Ames kudos for finding that Ames bag. I have a few Ames garden tools I remember going to Ames many times. Very cool explore glad you made it there.

[@RTSoutdoor]

this is so awesome! dude the friggin toilet bowl!!!!!

[@jeremymalatt317]

Awesome video brother! I wish Ames was still around. I miss that place.

[@WallieB26]

Me too

[@Luvnlife880]

Awesome video wallie stay safe and keep going

[@as6110]

That is the most intact bathroom I've ever seen in an abandoned building.

[@WallieB26]

Right?!

[@as6110]

Kara made a similar remark in the video not long after I commented this lol. Something about the toilets not being smashed.

[@marisam9803]

Your excitement at finding that unused Ames bag was hilarious😂

[@WallieB26]

LOL

[@TheRealArtTheBarber]

I’m the early 80’s My dad bought me a Star Wars Imperial Guard at that exact Ames... but it had a teal sign back then if I remember correctly

[@ScareFestTTV]

Love your channel wallie! I've been with you since you had less than 60 subs ❤

[@WallieB26]

Thank you so much, brother!

[@ScareFestTTV]

@@WallieB26😊

[@carsonhill5423]

Hey Wallie and Jay GREAT video

[@jerrysanders9101]

Classic- never saw this one🎉❤

[@danieljwilson7918]

Nice video Wallie Some cool stuff in there. Great video!!! Stay Awesome!!!

[@crazycatlady2271]

Great video everybody!🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗

[@Catmannj1]

It did not seem like a 34 minute video. It was a grand adventure and proper salute to Ames and saw the heart and friendship and fun among all of you (will check out Adventures with Jay too.) Glad you had friends with you and you got to achieve something on your bucket list. Hate the vandals wrecked the place, not as bad as the other Ames but still what happened to having a little respect. Don't they have better things to do. You are a better man than me to go up to that platform to check out the boxes. I get woozy on heights and even shake going up one step on a latter. Glad you were able to get some mementos of the store especially that awesome untouched Ames bag. I think the history channel or Discovery or National Geographic or some channel should have a weekly program on dead and dying retail, exploring the buildings. Hosts can rotate and have a few segments: Nate does this and you show your video on that and the Wolfs show this and Anthony explores this. Better than the junk on TV today because you come away learning something, appreciating what was and a little sad places like Ames are gone. Never got to an Ames or a HIlls. I need a Time Machine to go back.. even if I only buy a Pepsi. Keep those awesome videos coming.

[@WallieB26]

Thank you. Yeah, I dont watch much tv as it's not entertaining. I usually just watch sports if anything. I love going to these places, especially Ames, as that department store was something I grew up with. That and Hills. We had several of both department stores here in Pittsburgh. So anytime I go to an Ames, I want the full Ames experience. Glad you enjoyed the video. It was so much fun checking this one off my list. I'm sad this location is 4 hours from me because if it was closer, I'd go back a bunch of times to do other videos like a livestream or just doing something different kind of like what I did at my local Ames which is now completely sealed tight. Hence why I havent gone back to film there. I'll film the outside again soon but nothing beats getting inside and seeing that huge logo at the entrance inside still up.

[@hudsonmiller2409]

ames in macedon ny closed on last day of ames.....has old 50 s style handles on front doors......empty mc donalds 100 yards away and old chase bank 40 yards away

[@eaglesviper79]

absolutely great video. love all the little things you found in the store. plus putting in that you guys got spooked was a great touch. thank you sir

[@WallieB26]

I had to! We got spooked so badly when Jay and I saw that truck. And then when we peeked our heads outside and saw the guy standing there, we just made our way to our cars. Lol sorry I didnt get that on camera. The guy walking his dog, I dont think, even acknowledged us being there. Hes probably so used to it by now. Lol

[@ZeeMann_Retail]

Big N was associated with the Neisner Brother's chain, which Ames acquired in 1978.

[@northsidediva6465]

TWO GOOD BAGS?! Excellent!

[@matth3805]

Wallie theres an abandoned Ames right across Memphis Kiddie Park in Brooklyn Ohio. Manny Quacioua did a short video on it when I told him about it. There is also an abandoned Zayre on Northfield Road in Warrensville Hts OH been sitting there close to 30yrs empty. Also further Down on Miles Rd theres an abandoned 1970s styled Value City too still standing

[@retailarchiveseries2820]

Awesome!!! Great vid as usual!!!

[@kevinbaker4241]

I can't believe that the bathroom was in such excellent condition... and still had those intact 'Big N' signs after all these years! How the vandals didn't find and trash that, I'll never know...

[@patriciamorrow8927]

Wallie , thanks for responding on my comment , you're not stealing it's history & you collect these kind of things , receipts etc. It's been sitting for a long time , you deserve this. Like I said be careful & Thank you.

[@nikkireeexplores407]

Wow thats cool and i miss Ames so much.

[@joshbrown1980]

Awesome vid wallie. Glad ya got to check it out. If you ever make it to michigan we have tons to check out here

[@user-ci9ri4fl5pBuckeyeChessie]

Awesome!

[@lauratyler591]

Thanks for taking the time to visit the abandoned Ames stores in PA. Both my parents were from PA. My mom from Western PA and my dad from Eastern PA, but they ended up moving to sunny California

[@patriciamorrow8927]

Take the receipt anyway & scotch tape it back together . Be careful & safe. Thank you for this video.

[@yrly59e]

Closest store to me was a Neisner’s converted to a Big N converted to an Ames. My dad was the shoe dept manager of it when it was Big N in the 1970s. It was an Ames up until the entire chain liquidated. Was also a really large store for an Ames.

[@witherdragontv1536]

My local spirit Halloween has a hills cart ' when it closes I'm trying to get the cart

[@WallieB26]

NICE!

[@scottlillis4849]

Excellent video Wallie.

[@JJMCB26]

So cool you found that tiny Ames carrier bag, you should frame it.

[@WallieB26]

I plan on it!

[@c00pster88]

HOLY SHIP THE SIGN IS STILL UP AAAAAA

[@crystalscan2002]

That bui;ding is in decent shape considering how long it been abandoned

[@WallieB26]

Agreed. Little worse than the Baden, PA one I filmed last year near my home but not bad considering it's been sitting dead since 2002.

[@shawnsr8459]

awesome video!!👍👍😎😎 way cool!!

[@stevenlarabee3439]

Those seling till are in good nick considering that is been abandoned since I was a baby

[@as6110]

Oh look, an intact toilet in an abandoned store.

[@W4ZFN]

In rocky hill connecuit there is a abandoned ames to if you want to head over to that one

[@WallieB26]

Is it the corporate office building? It's on my bucket list big time.

[@W4ZFN]

@@WallieB26 yep your right and you should be able to get in unless they boarded it again

[@WallieB26]

Well, we did it!

[@djlunatic2]

FYI Guys, that Ames Distribution Center in Leesport PA became a warehouse for Ashley Furniture Stores

[@michaelchynes]

Great job wallyb26 and frienda

[@carlavision6143]

Wallie, awesome video!

[@Truckguy1970]

There's an empty Ames that was repurposed as a thrift store that recently closed at the Cranberry Plaza in Pennsville N.J., It still sits empty today and a few miles down the road from there, there's an abandoned movie theater.

[@matthewcampbell7985]

Ashley furniture store now owns Ames shamokin.

[@WallieB26]

Are you sure you dont mean the distribution center in Leesport? They bought that building.

[@matthewcampbell7985]

Very sure.

[@camhowe349]

Wait Ashley Furniture you saying bought this building that Wallie is in rn would make sense as the sales floor walls are all painted in white..

[@WallieB26]

They must have just purchased this building then because last I heard it was still in lingo over ownership etc.

[@camhowe349]

WallieB26 Yeah they must of purchased it not long after you made the video.. I know Ashely Furniture has stores across the USA I know a handful of them are up here in Massachusetts & New Hampshire (basically up North towards Boston MA) At least when this building does start its construction it wont just be left more to rot it will actually be fixed up which i can anticipate will be a long process as theres alot of work that has to be done to make it into the Ashley Furniture store..

[@frozendragonsfan9298]

I think this location used to be an Ames all its life there's a bike flags container there, oh my God an old ames shopping bag

[@alexgaddis23]

Apparently big n was a discount chain went of business in the 1980s. As for Ames I they were briefly in my area after the bought zayre but ended up closing.

[@levidykes2850]

the is beyond awesome bro the great days of retail thank you bro

[@thamasdunlsp6560]

Cool video

[@stevent9179]

Ames? Sheesh, I thought they were long gone, used to have one long ago in Chambersburg PA and Stroudsburg PA. 😥😥😥 Love your content Wallie, onward to 30,000 subs!

[@timothyleigeber7847]

Awesome video man never heard of a ames out here in Detroit Michigan. But we have plenty of abandoned stuff around here love watching your videos keep it up man

[@coltongoff456]

Big N is Neisner’s a department store chain that Ames acquired in 1978.

[@Lego.3000]

My ames Had that same red a on the wall's inside. Around the sales floor

[@snakeboren4814]

COOL VIDEO WALLIE!!!

[@snakeboren4814]

THX. WALLIE!! U 🎸..ROCK!!

[@bronzechicken4437]

I'd love to have one of those Ames bags, just watching

[@BrianWilliams-cq3ys]

That's awesome inside of a Ames department store where I'm from in Oklahoma I don't believe we've ever had a Ames department store here in Oklahoma so I'm not too familiar with that department store chain we did have a chain of department stores called TG&Y stores that have been gone for a very long time I am a big collector of TG&Y collectibles and I also like to collect Montgomery Ward's stores collectibles and I also like to collect Montgomery Ward's powr Kraft tools your friend Brian Williams Guthrie Oklahoma and like you always say stay awesome and have a nice day and thank you so much for what you do because I enjoy your video so very much

[@saxman112]

This one along with that abandoned Montgomery Ward/Wards store have to be your coolest ones yet!

[@alexw2k315]

Wow, big N was acquired by Ames in 1978 so that bathroom was probably just never touched since then

[@hudsonmiller2409]

3 businesses in one spot

[@darkclutch8314]

The Ames distribution center in leesport PA became a Ashley’s furniture wharhouse distribution center

[@letsexploreatrailorroadles1095]

With all the breaker panels and switch gear scraped out of that place I’m surprised the hot water heater was still there.

[@WallieB26]

Me too! Perhaps scrappers/vandals hadn't gone that far into it. I know sadly as a result of this video, itll probably lead to more vandalism now but I'm hoping I'm wrong. Hence why I didnt show how we got in. Although it's not hard and I'm sure could be seen.

[@Olivia_Roblox226]

Oh My God daaaaaaanm you Dropped the F Bomb

[@Olivia_Roblox226]

Nevermind I Actually Enjoyed 🤣

[@Olivia_Roblox226]

Sorry 🤣🤣🤣

[@nicolemacpherson3908]

Funny how the whole store is in shambles, but that plastic Ames bag was unscathed!

[@siltstridersftw]

On those layaway signs at 32:29, i'm probably wrong but you see the letter A in the bottom left corner. If i'm right that was the font for their first logo.

[@as6110]

I just sent you a link on fb. Big N was acquired by Ames in 1978. Which is just ridiculous. That sign was in the bathroom for 25 years. That's just nuts.

[@as6110]

unforgettablechristmasmusic.blogspot.com/2012/06/what-happened-to-big-n-and-neisners.html?m=1

[@WallieB26]

Thanks for sharing. That sign was probably there even longer when you think about it. How long was that location Big N? I have no idea but that could be over 40 years old.

[@catnapped_]

I can't find the article but it opened in the late 60s I think. The sign probably isn't that old but figure sometime between that and 1978 or so.

[@hudsonmiller2409]

i grew up in fryburgh p.a mom and dad went to jamesway in clarion p.a

[@WallieB26]

Jamesway... man I would have loved to have seen that store. Too bad I wasnt around yet. Lol Correct me if I'm wrong, and I probably am but, was the Clarion store the one that burned down to the ground?

[@BigTonyyG]

So what Ames memorabilia did you end up keeping?

[@WallieB26]

Just that plastic bag. Brought it home to preserve it. The sentimental value was too much for me to leave this gem.

[@BigTonyyG]

WallieB26 That’s awesome! Don’t blame you, I woulda done the same!

[@camhowe349]

WallieB26 Did you give those fixture signs to Kara and Richard and Jay?

[@WallieB26]

They had the option to take them but didnt. I wasnt going to take them. So they are still in the store.

[@camhowe349]

WallieB26 Ahh so when they empty the building to make it into Ashley Furniture will those remaining fixtures go into a dumpster or will they take them to a charity shop? Love your vids btw..

[@jarretthoon8243]

You should visit the abandoned Kmart in Enola pa. Just closed in April. It was nice because it was a mile from my house.

[@WallieB26]

I'll see how far that is from me, and try to get it!

[@jarretthoon8243]

WallieB26 it’s about an hour and 1/2 or so where this video takes place

[@andypritchard9644]

According to the Ames Fan Club, my hometown of Cincinnati had 3 that closed during the post-Zayre buyout bankruptcy in the early 90s, so I never went there at all.

[@Oldsvito2999]

Meijer was before zayre

[@kennethsouthard6042]

All the Lay Away signs reminds of a sign that a high school friend used to keep on his night stand, "Ask about our Lay Away Plan."

[@Dan_07]

Ahh this is the one I was talking about I think the grocery store is abandoned aswell right? Used to be acme grocery

[@WallieB26]

Yep! That's the next video!

[@le351a]

I just got word today, February 20, 2023 that the same store has seen its fate. They are starting to demolish the entire complex.

[@WallieB26]

That's a shame. I really liked exploring this area. The Ames, the grocery store next door, and the old Kmart which, I know, is long gone.

[@le351a]

@@WallieB26 my buddy lives about 5 miles from there. He was going to get some pictures during the demo. He said, they already removed the sign

[@camhowe349]

You know what really made this video special the flyer you put in the outro (the Ames Liquidation flyer) and how it says “Brand New Fall Merchandise arriving daily from our Ames Distribution Center!

[@FlameDragon]

23:26 Wallie drops the F-bomb

[@emeryclarksanimatronicscha4246]

It looks like it used to be a Kmart lol

[@ErikVince]

No the only time you have to worry is if you see a badge on than

[@warren1994]

My dad went to the big N as a kid in the 1960’s it was like a Kmart type of store the chain was part of Neisner’s the big N only lasted ten years

[@TananBaboo]

Get to NH. There’s one up there! Posted about it in another video!

[@TananBaboo]

It still has the lettering on the front of the store too!

[@WallieB26]

Thanks! It's on my bucket list!

[@camhowe349]

WallieB26 Its in Seabrook NH i can give you an exact address through email if you provide me it

[@drfalcon4102]

Neisner's or Neisner Brothers was a chain of variety stores in North America. History[edit]. The brothers Abraham and Joseph Neisner opened their first variety store in ... During the 1960s and 70's the company created the Big N division, a format which resembled the big ... Jump up ^ "Ames Department Stores, Inc. History".

[@uncleelmer]

The Ames stores were a solid part of rural and smaller towns in Pennsylvania in the last few decades. Why I accept Walmart and internet stores I feel as a society we lost a lot with the decline of Ames and Sears, etc.

[@slackingpacking]

Amazing exploration! ❤️ I wonder how many abandoned Ames locations are left. 🤔

[@WallieB26]

Not many. Believe me, I keep looking at lists of Ames stores and where they are, google street view them, and do more research if needbe. I would love to get to more if I can. I know of a couple more still standing empty. All others have either been repurposed or demolished and erased from history.

[@slackingpacking]

It’s a shame, most of them are demolished. I know my Ames was a former Hills and it’s now being used as a Dunham Sports, however it’s only half of the store. The other half is empty and you can still see the green stripes on the wall. I sent it to you on Instagram before 😂

[@gablings]

Wallie, we don't need an abandoned Ames. We need an operating Ames in our backyards!

[@Luvnlife880]

Never been in an Ames Don't think they have Ames in the south I'm in bama

[@WallieB26]

The entire company filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in 2002. They closed by the end of the Summer of that year. I dont think they ever had any in Alabama.

[@Luvnlife880]

@@WallieB26 cool thanks for replying to my comment your video's are amazing

[@dantx4545]

They seemed to be a northeast thing we had many in Maryland

[@Luvnlife880]

@@BaconBePropane I grew up in the 80s and I loved going to zares you could find so many cool things like I was a jelly shoes fanatic I had a pair in every color made I loved that store good times good times lol

[@dennismanbook]

AbondedVille USA Ames, Zayres and Hills didn’t came into Iowa either but there is the town called Ames where Iowa State University is located.

[@hudsonmiller2409]

bty my name is brad, not hudson and i am a huge steeler and pirates fan.......................

[@WallieB26]

Nice!

[@michaelchynes]

There isn't anymore abandon ones expect former ames that became a hobby lobby that closed this year

[@c00pster88]

YOOOOO A ABANDONED AMES YESS

[@matth3805]

This location I'd say was a former zayre, by the ceiling lighting layout, and the big street signs they used to have.

[@michaelchynes]

BIG N was a store ames acquired in late 70s early 80s

[@michaelchynes]

The neisner brothers

[@WallieB26]

Nice. Thanks for the info!

[@funnyhoneybunny73]

Stickups in the bathroom!

[@esw01407]

First, welcome to Shamokin, and everyone's sorry LOL. Seen a few videos now, and the building is still in FAR better condition then I expected. Not great, but not as bad as many others. Also as of last news reports, property is still tied up in legal sale issues.

[@as6110]

For being abandoned for 16 years, I'd expect a lot worse.

[@WallieB26]

Me too but then again, my local Ames in Baden, Pa that I have filmed several times is in great shape inside other than some water getting in at the entrance and what vandals have done breaking light bulbs everywhere. To be honest, I think with some TLC and clean up of the crap laying on the floor, my Ames could be repurposed. Anyway, thanks. I had a blast in the area. Sad I ran out of daylight as i wanted to get in that Kmart really bad. I see there is activity going on there too. Is it getting ready to be demolished or something?

[@esw01407]

Nope, two locals bought it, trying to market it as warehouse space. Someone on KZbin got in there, and it's in MUCH worse shape. Sadly, that store was renovated just before it closed. To even find the ownership of the Kmart, they had to dig deep into county records, as many of the ownership group had died. It's been sold at auction/sheriffs sale several times now.

[@enolAngnm]

hey, thanks for the video!! i love everything about this. i've been really intrigued by central Pa lately, and i love your GPA accents (i'm from pittsburgh myself so i hope you don't mind me saying! i moved away like 15 years ago) and my first job was at an ames! the one by century 3 mall in west mifflin. i'm sure you have been there? ;). great vid!!

[@ELHONDEROPR]

I went to a ames store when i was younger now im 24 crazy how stores close for ever even toys r us 😞