W.T. Grant Company has announced the signing of a lease for a new store which will be located in the Loyal Plaza Shopping Center and has tentatively scheduled for opening late this year. Jack H. Gearhart, manager of the W.T. Grant store at 108 W. Fourth Street in Williamsport, last week announced the lease agreement and said that the outlet — W.T. Grant, will create employment opportunities for 150 area residents.

Mr. Gearhart said the new facility will complement the present facilities in downtown Williamsport and Montoursville.

It will be located on land adjacent to and west of the plaza shopping center, in front of the expanding Acme store. The land has already been cleared.

The 108,00 square foot facility will actually be the equivalent of four stores under one roof. Mr. Gearhart said it will have family fashion and apparel department, housewares, and home needs department, small wares, appliance store and a hardware store.

The local manager said the store will have a restaurant with seating for 109 persons and will serve full meals as well as snacks. A six-bay automotive center is planned, customers will be able to drive their automobiles in to be serviced while they shop.

Grant’s has operated a store in Williamsport since October 25, 1930.

“We know of no better way to express our gratitude to our many friends in this area than to bring them this super modern, one-stop family shopping store—as smart as tomorrow, yet old fashion in its dedication to value pricing and friendly service,” said Herbert T. Wilkinson, Pittsburgh region vice president for Grant’s.

The chain operates more than 1,100 stores from coast to coast. Sales volume has surpassed more than $1 million annually.