First 30 seconds of this video: a nearly 30 year old man turns into a teen girl who can't even. Edit: I'm glad you got to do this. It's really cool lol. It's really great to see you that excited.
I miss the fireworks display every July 4th. We use to watch them from the field that was across the street. It's a shame they still haven't done anything with that building.
Thank you! I was in the moment. I had seen photos of this store before and a couple of videos but to see this in person was something else. I felt like I did when I walked inside my abandoned Ames in Economy, Pa last summer.
I remember the Ames that was where I live. The store closed down was a was a very small child but I remember shopping there and the closing sale and being so sad it closed. This is SO cool that you found this! I share your excitement!
I share your enthusiasm with this awesome find! Great work! My wife thought you were about to soil your pants with excitement when you first pulled in. LOL.
My mom worked here when it was Hills. I remember getting free popcorn and feeding half of it to the seagulls in the parking lot. On the opposite end of the plaza was a P&C foods as well.
Geeking out right along with you, buddy! This was THE find of a lifetime in terms of Ames stores still sitting vacant. What a gorgeous gem indeed! So envious of you and Anthony for getting to not only see but explore inside this place. Great video... too cool, too cool
I remember Ames my grandma and my relatives used to shop there way back Ames was headquartered in Connecticut My mom also remembers them too they used to have one in Smithfield Virginia years ago.
That Hills was just about my fovorite place to shop right up until it closed. I never liked the Ames that replaced it half as much. I bought a lot of hot dogs, prezels and popcorn at that food counter. Thanks for letting me see the inside of it again. Take care...
That just brought back so many memories. My mom and I loved to shop there. She passed away in 2001, but I can remember pushing her in her wheelchair up and down the aisles looking for the items that were on sale. We loved it when it was Hills too. It's kind of melancholy to see it in the state that it's in now.
*Right inside the entrance used to be a counter serving ICEE and big long bags of popcorn, soft pretzels. You could play Donkey Kong and get an egg from the chicken machine with a prize in it.*
This was an Ames for such a short period of time. It was a Hills for years. Hills was lightyears better than Ames! Just visited this site yesterday. Pretty much exactly the same as it is here.
I have family that lives up the road from this plaza and it blows my mind that it's been abandoned since I was a kid, 20+ years at this point. When I was 7 in the late 90s, the Ames was a Hills department store, and the attached building was a PnC grocery.
Shopped there many times when it was Hills. If Hills didn't have it, you probably didn't need it. I really wish they could renovate and fill that storefront again.
This is absolutely unreal, thanks for sharing this man. I need to go see it for myself whenever I can lol, urban exploration in a store like this Ames that’s been closed for 16 years would be unreal
chris katerndahl It is pretty incredible. We happened to have permission to go inside this store. We had a guided tour which made it that much cooler. The original Ames I filmed in Economy, PA is due for demolition any day now.
WallieB26 that was really nice of the security guy, he could’ve easily said no and you guys wouldn’t have gotten this footage. The relics in these stores and truly gems at this point, hope to see another Ames exploration soon! 🙏🏼
chris katerndahl I agree. Alex was super cool to let us inside. The Ames I originally filmed, i went back to, and filmed again. It's a sad scene there. The store is due for demolition any day.
My Ames in my town was left abandoned for so long then one day boom. Store gets fixed up new walls paint floor plumbing and new wiring it now alive again as a Walmart. Been going inside ever since day one of it's opening. Went from a eyesore with a empty parking lot that was overgrown with weeds but. Now it's bursting with people going in and out every second .
*70's, 80's and 90's this was Hill's Dept Store. Grand Union used to anchor the opposite end, before it changed a few times. Subway was in the middle and a shoe store.*
I used to work at Hills Dept. Store back in Fall/Winter of 1973. My first job after graduating from High School. When you're connected to a building and you see it in this type of condition, it almost feels like a part of you had died. Thanks for the video.
I love this video. I used to go there all the time as a kid that’s where I got my school clothes always bought a Slurpee when I was there. When I drive by the place and wonder what the place look like inside now thank you for filming this.
Great video WallieB26, my aunt worked for Ames for years and all the way up till they closed for good. She still has tons of Ames stuff like bags, store shelf displays, hangers, etc. they even let her keep a checkout light fixture.
Oh, MAN! That ending... with those glorious still shots (the Hills one especially) to the lights going out one by one, grabbed me right by the feels. This is decidedly one of your very best videos, and I felt like I had to acknowledge that. So epic! So AWESOME!
So I live here. I don't ever remember it lighting up. I do remember getting mad at my mom for not buying me popcorn there. one of my few memories of the place
WallieB26 no problem. Your videos are always great. By any chance can you make another video of the last Super KMart? I live like 5 minutes down the road from there and they close next month. Also I'd love to see another Ames video from the Economy, PA location before they knock it down if they haven't already.
DavesNotHere56 yes! And the coke slushys. Last time I was in there was with my mom and grandmother when I was in my teens. Good times. Life was so much simpler back than
Yes I too remember when it was a Hill's store and then shopping in the old Ames . I miss the old stores like Ames, Hill's, Bradley's, Montgomery wards and Woolworths. Also the Kmart stores were really nice back in the day with the old little cafes that they had. Love watching your videos. I only live 45 minutes from that site in horsehead by and was just by it in January and thought of your videos. Great job and thanks for sharing all the tours of old forgotten stores.
@@adamsATSfan415 I believe the Ames sign was still up when I had gone by the old store back in February of this year. The large sign by the road but I cant remember if the store sign was still on the front if the building. I just remember both the old Hills and Ames store from when I was a kid. We went there many times. If I'm not mistaken there was also an old Nichols store down the road a bit on the right side . That was a large store I think back in the late 80's. Do miss those old stores they had character to them.
The lettering is a very good condition considering the climate there. Basically it's almost like they just closed up shop and left. It's hard to believe they've been closed for 16 years. Actually have an abandoned Sunoco gas station up the street from my house it's been closed for 3 months now. They left the signs intact and everything. Keep up the great work honey.
I can remember before the building was even built. I grew up in the area. I remember when it was Hills. I once thought it was funny to have a Hills store amongst many hills that are in the whole area. I shopped there when it was an active business. Now, I believe that it needs to be demolished due to severe neglect. It has gone beyond saving.
I absolutely loved this! It's so awesome that he actually let you guys explore the place. I still miss my local Ames so much! I remember going there when I was little in the early 90's, and my parents and I went there quite often during the late 90's and early 2000's when I was a teenager. Different furniture stores have moved into the building since they closed. It's so cool that this particular Ames has been closed for over 15 years, and the signs are still up!
I will never forget the stampede at this Hills to get Cabbage Patch kids when they first came out in the early 80's. Parents had baseball bats. It was crazy. And the popcorn smell. Oh how it smelled LOL . There was also a Nichols down the road, also in the 80's
Hill's layaway for Christmas was the best, you had from July up until 2 weeks before Christmas to pay it off. Boxes coming down that shoot next to the stairs waiting for your layaway was always a good feeling, knowing your shopping was done.
I live in the south, But watching you guys go to Ames stores, I am really happy to see video. It is really sad the original owners did that huge purchase of the other company, which caused all Ames stores to close.. I wish that did not happen. It would be so cool to have an Ames store open still today.
Thank you so much for these videos. I miss Ames and Hills so much. I especially miss Hills, I spent a lot of time doing the family Christmas shopping with my Aunt and Great Grandparents at a Hills. The Hills we went to had a few arcade machines at the snack bar, it was the place I first laid eyes on Michael Jackson's Moonwalker. :) I got super excited when I saw the signage, it's in a rather good condition.
I just went up there today, same security guard working the rounds. He said he’s been doing it 20 years. The building is still there, still gutted. We chatted a bit, he said there was a recent break in a few weeks ago, the roof was recently replaced but is now leaking from the vandalism. No power when I looked inside but I didn’t ask to go in since he said the black mold was still rampant in there.
I live near Horseheads. My mom used to work there when it was Hills and converted to Ames. Amazing store. If they were still open they'd give Walmart a run for their money. I hope they do something awesome with this building or bring the store back.
katya's grandma Ames went bankrupt in 2002 when the company filed for bankruptcy and when all the stores closed! It’s been 17 years as of today that Ames has been gone for..
It's A New Day At AMES :) I live in Brunswick, and the AMES on Pearl Road and Hickory Ridge Drive sat empty for years then was rebuilt into a Regal Cinema, its now a semi abandoned Brunswick Cinema.
First 30 seconds of this video: a nearly 30 year old man turns into a teen girl who can't even.
Edit: I'm glad you got to do this. It's really cool lol. It's really great to see you that excited.
This was Hills Dept. store before Ames. Loved Hills !! Miss their popcorn and orange whip drink!
Yea!
What about the soft pretzels
I miss the fireworks display every July 4th. We use to watch them from the field that was across the street. It's a shame they still haven't done anything with that building.
I have a candle that says hills on it lol
This was the Hills that got the first shipment of cabbage patch kids in !
I love your enthusiasm, Wallie! What a find. Thanks.
Thank you! I was in the moment. I had seen photos of this store before and a couple of videos but to see this in person was something else. I felt like I did when I walked inside my abandoned Ames in Economy, Pa last summer.
Suze Glesky what is that place
WallieB26. I love this video ames is closed that sad
This was the holy grail of Ames locations! Crazy to see all the signage still up and in such good condition after nearly 2 decades.
This is incredible. When he flicked those lights on it literally gave me chills!
LaffOgrams It was sadder when he shut the lights off.
I live about 30 miles away from Horseheads, I remember going into that store when it was open. A lot has changed, LOL.
I remember the Ames that was where I live. The store closed down was a was a very small child but I remember shopping there and the closing sale and being so sad it closed.
This is SO cool that you found this! I share your excitement!
I remember mom and dad buying a stereo there when it was hills. we lived about 45 mins from there. so cool you taped there.
I share your enthusiasm with this awesome find! Great work! My wife thought you were about to soil your pants with excitement when you first pulled in. LOL.
Richard Wolf Hahahahahahahaha I was in the moment! Lol
WallieB26 Wow that was nice of the guy to let you guys check the place out..
@@WallieB26 Ames. Know. To. Days. Dylan.pierce Crowley. My. You. Good. My. You. Dead.
@@WallieB26 Ames Know my. By. Dylan. Pierce Crowley. My. You. Buddy. My You. Good. New youk . city....my. You....
@@WallieB26 Ames. Know. Dylan pierce Crowley. Ames. Bring Back. Place. Here. Tampa Floriad. Here. See. My. You. Buddy. My. You. Good. My. You. Hi. My. You. Buddy. My. You. Grestststst.
My mom worked here when it was Hills. I remember getting free popcorn and feeding half of it to the seagulls in the parking lot. On the opposite end of the plaza was a P&C foods as well.
Shopped there many times as a kid with my mom and grandmother also at the P&C. Good times!
Geeking out right along with you, buddy! This was THE find of a lifetime in terms of Ames stores still sitting vacant. What a gorgeous gem indeed! So envious of you and Anthony for getting to not only see but explore inside this place. Great video... too cool, too cool
I remember Ames my grandma and my relatives used to shop there way back Ames was headquartered in Connecticut
My mom also remembers them too they used to have one in Smithfield Virginia years ago.
i live right down the road from here lol i was shocked to see how well preserved the place is on the inside
I grew up a mile from hills. I used to skate the curbing n eat food from concession stand. Thanks for a great video!!
That Hills was just about my fovorite place to shop right up until it closed. I never liked the Ames that replaced it half as much. I bought a lot of hot dogs, prezels and popcorn at that food counter. Thanks for letting me see the inside of it again. Take care...
Watching the lights come it's like a sleeping giant coming to life. The lights are on people are walking through the store life is good again.
That just brought back so many memories. My mom and I loved to shop there. She passed away in 2001, but I can remember pushing her in her wheelchair up and down the aisles looking for the items that were on sale. We loved it when it was Hills too. It's kind of melancholy to see it in the state that it's in now.
*Right inside the entrance used to be a counter serving ICEE and big long bags of popcorn, soft pretzels. You could play Donkey Kong and get an egg from the chicken machine with a prize in it.*
OMG, the chicken machine! I completely forgot about that thing until now. I can hear it after reading this comment lol.
This was an Ames for such a short period of time. It was a Hills for years. Hills was lightyears better than Ames!
Just visited this site yesterday. Pretty much exactly the same as it is here.
Its weird seeing people be this surprised over something that i grew up across the street from 😂
Thanks for the video, pretty cool. I worked at that location when it was Hills back in 1978
Mary Beth Cardone Gray this was never a Gold Circle or Zayre then?
Matthew Hybel Zayre was further down...towards Elmira
Is the zayre building still there ?
Detomaso Pantera I'd like to see it, especially if still looks like a vintage zayre yet
Matthew Hybel nope...it went out of business before even Hills...
I have family that lives up the road from this plaza and it blows my mind that it's been abandoned since I was a kid, 20+ years at this point. When I was 7 in the late 90s, the Ames was a Hills department store, and the attached building was a PnC grocery.
Shopped there many times when it was Hills. If Hills didn't have it, you probably didn't need it. I really wish they could renovate and fill that storefront again.
Chris Sherwood Well it looks like not just Ames store but theres other stores on down from it are empty..
Amazing lights on at Ames after 16 years my grandmother worked at Ames for about 5 years from 1976-1981
This is absolutely unreal, thanks for sharing this man. I need to go see it for myself whenever I can lol, urban exploration in a store like this Ames that’s been closed for 16 years would be unreal
chris katerndahl It is pretty incredible. We happened to have permission to go inside this store. We had a guided tour which made it that much cooler. The original Ames I filmed in Economy, PA is due for demolition any day now.
WallieB26 that was really nice of the security guy, he could’ve easily said no and you guys wouldn’t have gotten this footage. The relics in these stores and truly gems at this point, hope to see another Ames exploration soon! 🙏🏼
chris katerndahl I agree. Alex was super cool to let us inside. The Ames I originally filmed, i went back to, and filmed again. It's a sad scene there. The store is due for demolition any day.
On the AFC site there isnt an Economy PA Location on the store locator thing. Perhaps under a different Location or the Area would have another name?
The Economy store has a Baden address, its in the Northern Lights
My Ames in my town was left abandoned for so long then one day boom. Store gets fixed up new walls paint floor plumbing and new wiring it now alive again as a Walmart. Been going inside ever since day one of it's opening. Went from a eyesore with a empty parking lot that was overgrown with weeds but. Now it's bursting with people going in and out every second .
awesome
Dona Clashman For sure. Alex is the man. He didn't have to spend his time giving us a tour. He's awesome.
This is my hometown and....I go to church with Alex. How funny to be watching this and see his face pop up. Lol Alex!
It brings back memories thank you so much
I remember shopping at THIS particular Ames when I was a child. Brings back memories. I loved Ames when I was a kid.
Amy Garman I remember it when it was hills also. Good memories. Such a simpler life back then
I just went past this ames a couple days ago. Couldn't believe it still has the lettering
*70's, 80's and 90's this was Hill's Dept Store. Grand Union used to anchor the opposite end, before it changed a few times. Subway was in the middle and a shoe store.*
RockinRob69 p&C was on the end also for a while.
The thrill you have for seeing something I drive past almost daily is just so funny to me.
I've been to the Dollar General next to it before
You make my day every time I watch your videos
That makes me really happy to hear! I'm glad!
lol i am just excited as you are i love old retail!!!
That's awesome! I do too, obviously. LOL I was legit that excited at the beginning. That's why i started the video off with that driving clip. haha
I used to work at Hills Dept. Store back in Fall/Winter of 1973. My first job after graduating from High School. When you're connected to a building and you see it in this type of condition, it almost feels like a part of you had died. Thanks for the video.
We had a Ames in Hamden Connecticut back in the day and went out of business but cool videos again keep up the good work
Salvatore D'angelo I remember the Caldor in Hamden
WallieB26 the Ames man king
I remember when this was Hills!! My mom would take me there all the time. I had forgotten they turned it into an Ames
Same! Went to this exact one many times with my mom and my gram. Good times!
Went back to watch this after that FB post. The opening of this video makes me smile every time 😂
I love this video. I used to go there all the time as a kid that’s where I got my school clothes always bought a Slurpee when I was there. When I drive by the place and wonder what the place look like inside now thank you for filming this.
Great video WallieB26, my aunt worked for Ames for years and all the way up till they closed for good. She still has tons of Ames stuff like bags, store shelf displays, hangers, etc. they even let her keep a checkout light fixture.
Is finding An Ames like finding a diamond?
Yes
I remember shopping there when it was Hill's & Ames
hey dude great video i used to go to this exact Ames store as a kid thanks for posting this video
I worked for Hills and Ames. It is too bad those stores went out and the buildings going bad
Oh, MAN! That ending... with those glorious still shots (the Hills one especially) to the lights going out one by one, grabbed me right by the feels. This is decidedly one of your very best videos, and I felt like I had to acknowledge that. So epic! So AWESOME!
I never knew someone with this many subs lives in my town
I drove right by this Ames once while visiting friends in Upstate NY and decided to take a picture. I’m glad I did.
I remember when ames was Hills
So I live here. I don't ever remember it lighting up. I do remember getting mad at my mom for not buying me popcorn there. one of my few memories of the place
I live there also. I have fond memories of shopping there with my mom and grandmother and getting the icee and pretzels.
Love that Dark Tranquility beanie.
Like always, Wallie, good work
Matt Dawg thanks Matt!
WallieB26 no problem. Your videos are always great. By any chance can you make another video of the last Super KMart? I live like 5 minutes down the road from there and they close next month. Also I'd love to see another Ames video from the Economy, PA location before they knock it down if they haven't already.
My Nephew Alex was doing the tour with you, miss our Hills/Ames store
Looking at that sign send chills down my back 😊
Love these videos. Thank you.
Ames Department Stores are now officially coming back soon according to there website!
Very sad tale how that plaza went to pot. That snack bar used to have a popcorn maker, and that was all you smelled when you came in.
DavesNotHere56 yes! And the coke slushys. Last time I was in there was with my mom and grandmother when I was in my teens. Good times. Life was so much simpler back than
I just went here today. Still standing.
I was one of the people who worked on the roof of that building. What a mess it was. Looks way better than it did then.
“Hills are where the toys are” I shopped here with my parents when I was a kid.
Same! This exact location
Me too! such fond memories from this exact store@@X3AmySarah
Cool. What a walk down memory lane. I distinctly remember shopping for school supplies not too long before liquidation began in 2003.
What a cool security guard to let you walk around in there
Hey my neck of the woods. Awesome video 😊😊
Thank you! Can't believe how long ago that video was!
I want to get back up that way pretty bad. Its been a long time.
Returning soon: Ames
Yes I too remember when it was a Hill's store and then shopping in the old Ames . I miss the old stores like Ames, Hill's, Bradley's, Montgomery wards and Woolworths. Also the Kmart stores were really nice back in the day with the old little cafes that they had. Love watching your videos. I only live 45 minutes from that site in horsehead by and was just by it in January and thought of your videos. Great job and thanks for sharing all the tours of old forgotten stores.
was the signs still up or no
if it was i would been saying now oh my god 18 years it being out of business and the sign is still up,
@@adamsATSfan415 I believe the Ames sign was still up when I had gone by the old store back in February of this year. The large sign by the road but I cant remember if the store sign was still on the front if the building. I just remember both the old Hills and Ames store from when I was a kid. We went there many times. If I'm not mistaken there was also an old Nichols store down the road a bit on the right side . That was a large store I think back in the late 80's. Do miss those old stores they had character to them.
So cool
2021 update i live not too far i drive passed it few weeks ago everything seen here is still there!
Wow that’s amazing
The lettering is a very good condition considering the climate there. Basically it's almost like they just closed up shop and left. It's hard to believe they've been closed for 16 years. Actually have an abandoned Sunoco gas station up the street from my house it's been closed for 3 months now. They left the signs intact and everything. Keep up the great work honey.
Lol I live ten minutes from this and the gym I go to is in this same plaza. It’s funny to see people get so excited about it 😂
I live near there I seen that exact place 1 million times, crazy you guys are there!
It’s still there 2019
Fear KTG will be for a long time
I can remember before the building was even built. I grew up in the area. I remember when it was Hills. I once thought it was funny to have a Hills store amongst many hills that are in the whole area. I shopped there when it was an active business. Now, I believe that it needs to be demolished due to severe neglect. It has gone beyond saving.
I absolutely loved this! It's so awesome that he actually let you guys explore the place. I still miss my local Ames so much! I remember going there when I was little in the early 90's, and my parents and I went there quite often during the late 90's and early 2000's when I was a teenager. Different furniture stores have moved into the building since they closed. It's so cool that this particular Ames has been closed for over 15 years, and the signs are still up!
When you are able to get into these places can you show some of the old electronics like the energy management system, phone system, etc?
I looked this up on July 1, 2024 after being in the area earlier today and the signage is STILL there!
great guy to turn the lights on ...really amazing Ames store with all the signs still there great video's ..great filming thanks for doing what you do
There’s an abandoned diy Home Warehouse in warren, Ohio with signage still up and it’s been closed since 2001
where at, i'm looking for it on google maps for fun
I will never forget the stampede at this Hills to get Cabbage Patch kids when they first came out in the early 80's. Parents had baseball bats. It was crazy. And the popcorn smell. Oh how it smelled LOL . There was also a Nichols down the road, also in the 80's
There was horse 🐎 pulls and tractor 🚜 pulls in Horse Heads back in the 1960's......
i remember shopping there when I was a teenager
Hill's layaway for Christmas was the best, you had from July up until 2 weeks before Christmas to pay it off. Boxes coming down that shoot next to the stairs waiting for your layaway was always a good feeling, knowing your shopping was done.
How’d I not know this was here until now?
Anyways, good video, keep up the good work! ❤
Love It! WOW this is awesome used to buy all my Clothes at Ames!
Used to have 2 Ames in Kentucky one in Florence Kentucky one in Fort Wright Kentucky they all closed up in the early 1989.
Holy shit. Was born there. Used to go there as a kid and when it was called Hills. Thanks for sharing man, brought back memories.
Same
The sign is just still up from 19 years it's still here and the old hills snack bar too think this location used to be a hills as well
How do you get in the empty stores?
Brought back my dad's memories
Wow, thank you Alex for turning on the lights! Nice filming!
The Ames in my area (Chapel Hill Mall) was originally a Zyare, Ames, value city, Rose's.
I live in the south, But watching you guys go to Ames stores, I am really happy to see video. It is really sad the original owners did that huge purchase of the other company, which caused all Ames stores to close.. I wish that did not happen. It would be so cool to have an Ames store open still today.
Thank you so much for these videos.
I miss Ames and Hills so much.
I especially miss Hills, I spent a lot of time doing the family Christmas shopping with my Aunt and Great Grandparents at a Hills.
The Hills we went to had a few arcade machines at the snack bar, it was the place I first laid eyes on Michael Jackson's Moonwalker. :)
I got super excited when I saw the signage, it's in a rather good condition.
Finally! A channel that talks about my area!
I live five minutes away from there
Damn that was a hike for you I worked in sayre pa.
I just went up there today, same security guard working the rounds. He said he’s been doing it 20 years. The building is still there, still gutted. We chatted a bit, he said there was a recent break in a few weeks ago, the roof was recently replaced but is now leaking from the vandalism. No power when I looked inside but I didn’t ask to go in since he said the black mold was still rampant in there.
I live near Horseheads. My mom used to work there when it was Hills and converted to Ames. Amazing store. If they were still open they'd give Walmart a run for their money. I hope they do something awesome with this building or bring the store back.
i had no idea that place was abandoned! i drive past all the time. ill have to go in some time lol (never even knew what it was)
katya's grandma Ames went bankrupt in 2002 when the company filed for bankruptcy and when all the stores closed! It’s been 17 years as of today that Ames has been gone for..
It's A New Day At AMES :) I live in Brunswick, and the AMES on Pearl Road and Hickory Ridge Drive sat empty for years then was rebuilt into a Regal Cinema, its now a semi abandoned Brunswick Cinema.
awesome you got in the AMES store and saw it come alive if only for a brief time Hope they make it into something worthwhile. Totally cool..