Several new University City retail shops have opened this summer, while other have announced upcoming openings during the fall semester.
The new businesses in University City include candle-making, ice cream, pizza, and art offerings. Two of the locations opened this summer, while the other two are scheduled to open in the coming months.
Cork & Candles, a family-owned business focusing on candle-making, opened its new location on 34th and Walnut streets on July 24. At the store, guests can create personalized candles from a selection of 60 distinct fragrances and participate in monthly novelty classes to craft unique designs, such as margarita or cereal bowl-themed candles. Cork & Candles also has locations in Center City and King of Prussia, Pa.
“Our mission at Cork & Candles is to create a space where friends gather and have the opportunity to build connections while partaking in a creative experience,” David Straub, the co-founder and chief executive officer of Cork & Candles, wrote on the company’s website.
The company also supports local foundations and has partnered with organizations like the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia to raise awareness and funds for their causes. Alongside participating in hands-on experiences, guests can shop for candles made in-store and bring their own wine or beer to enjoy while they craft.
“We look forward to becoming an integral member of this dynamic district and contributing to its continued activity,” Straub wrote on the website.
While previously expected to open over the summer, Van Leeuwen Ice Cream is now expected to complete its expansion into its University City storefront at 36th and Walnut streets this September. The company, which was founded in 2008 in New York, has grown into a nationwide brand, boasting nearly 50 locations across the United States and pints available in almost 10,000 grocery stores.
Ed Datz, Penn’s executive director of real estate, wrote in a press release that Penn Facilities and Real Estate Services is “looking forward to Van Leeuwen bringing their popular parlor and unique ice cream flavors, including vegan and dairy offerings, to the diverse culinary scene in the Shop Penn District.”
The Center for Creative Works opened in June, joining the Shop Penn retail community with a pop-up at 3425 Walnut St. CCW — an art studio dedicated to advancing the professional development and visibility of neurodivergent artists — offers a diverse array of artwork for sale and aims to foster community engagement by showcasing the skills and contributions of neurodiverse individuals.
“We are excited to welcome these recent, unique retailers to the Shop Penn Retail District family. We continue to diversify our offerings with quality products, services, and experiences, aligning with our vision for our dynamic district,” Datz wrote to The Daily Pennsylvanian. “They provide a warm and inviting atmosphere for both locals and visitors to learn, create, and enjoy.”
More stores are planned to open soon, including the Philadelphia pizza chain Santucci’s Original Square Pizza, which announced plans to open a University City location at 38th Street and Powelton Avenue. The business is also expanding into South Jersey, adding to its 10 existing locations through Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
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