A.C. Moore opens flagship store in Center City

CENTER CITY (WPVI) -- Whether you are into crafts, home decorating or you're a Pinterest inspired DIY-er, there's a brand A.C. Moore store opening in Philadelphia - the first ever in Center City.

"We are proud to be from this area and proud to be local," said Elena Piperno from A.C. Moore.

A.C. Moore is one of the most popular arts and crafts stores, but what you may not know is that started right here in Moorestown, New Jersey in 1985. It was the vision of the Jack Parker of Woolworth fame.

"And he said he was walking into a mall and every store was empty except this little craft store. So he decided to get into that business and he opened up his first store in Moorestown some 30 years ago," said Pepe Piperno.

At the time, Pepe Piperno was a distributor of arts and crafts. He bought the company in 2011 and now runs it with his next generation - his son Anthony and daughter, Elena.

"Pinch me I mean really - if I am not the luckiest guy in the world - who is?" he said.

A.C. Moore has over 100 stores from Florida to Maine and the new Center City location is number 137. It's located on the corner of Broad and Chestnut Streets and is officially their chain's flagship location.

"We are from here both as a company and as a family and this is our city. It was always Philly," said Elena.

And how fitting that the arts and crafts chain sits on Center City's Avenue of the Arts.

"If you want to do yarn, soap making, candle making or you want to make a favor for shower or wedding. You want to do woodwork with the kids," said Pepe.

"We have a first of its kind discount launching here in the store. Students with college IDs get 15 percent off every day, regular and sale purchase," said Elena.

The Pipernos said they knew when they opened this flagship in Center City they had to go big, even adding a birthday party and crafts classroom.

"It's 27,000 square feet, over 50,000 items and expanded departments that are in no other A.C. Moore store," said Anthony.

And if you visit the store on April 11th for the grand opening, there is a 60% off one item coupon you can print off online or get in the store and the first 500 people in line also get a $10 dollar certificate to use in the store.

Doors open at 7 am.

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