Merion Art and Repro Golden (50th) Anniversary!

17 West Lancaster Avenue,Ardmore PA 19003

17 November, 2021

Description

Celebrate Merion Art and Repro's 50th Anniversary at our Breakfast Networking Event! Our History Merion Art and Repro opened its doors for business in November 1971 as Merion Whiteprint. Two friends from the Army Reserves, Ed Gamburg and Lou Simeone decided to open a business that printed whiteprints (like blueprints) to local architects and builders. They rented a small storefront in Ardmore, a whiteprint machine, and a Ford Pinto to make deliveries and with one employee their journey began! Soon Ed and Lou expanded the business to address the needs of their customers. They created one-stop shopping for architects and builders by selling drafting and drawing materials and other supplies. The next move was in 1973 when they made the decision to buy the inventory of a local art store that was closing. To accommodate this expansion into art supplies they rented the space next to their store and hired local artists and art students as retail sales associates. These employees (which still exist today) brought their knowledge and expertise in art and art materials to this new division which was to become an integral part as the business grew. In 1976, Merion Whiteprint, Inc. occupied 100, 102 & 104 W. Lancaster Avenue. With the expansion the store was renamed Merion Art and Repro Center. Business continued to flourish and by 1980 it was time to expand again! The store was re-located to 17 W. Lancaster Avenue where it has become a permanent fixture in the Ardmore Business Community for the past 40 years! Sadly, Lou Simeone passed away in December 2013, he was a familiar face on the sales floor helping customers and was beloved by the staff. Today, Ed Gamburg is still going strong. In 2014 he added a new point of sale system replacing the one from the 1980’s allowing for a seamless integration to the internet. Merion Art and Repro is proud to keep growing and moving with the times. Today, they can service the Ardmore community with the same values as 50 years ago and can sell nationwide! They are thrilled to celebrate their Golden Anniversary, serving the community of Ardmore! Over the past 50 years they have changed with the times and continue to re-invent itself. The store now carries a huge selection of fine art products that dwarfs the small shelf of drafting supplies Ed and Lou began 50 years ago. The entire staff has an impressive breadth and depth of art experience, including professional fine art artists, graphic designers, tattoo artists, set designers, graduates of prestigious art colleges and professional framers! The repro department now includes digital photo printing, large scale planning and graphic design. During the past 50 years their core values have remained the same. The focus today is the same as it was in 1971 to provide exceptional customer service, quality materials, reliable information, and a variety of new products to assist architects, artists, designers, children, and crafters so they may further develop and enrich their creative process.