Its lease expired, a Tamaqua variety store will close Saturday after 30 years at the same location and employees will be sent elsewhere.

Family Dollar, 137 N. Railroad St., is in the final days of a merchandise liquidation sale at its location at the former 2.7-acre Genetti Shopping Center.The site is owned by Tamstan Realty of Hazleton.Late last year the corporation applied for a variance to construct a new store at the corner of East Spruce and South Center streets, Route 309.The developer sought consideration related to setback requirements, impervious ground coverage and parking spaces.The move was approved by the Tamaqua zoning hearing board. The lot size, 100 by 220feet, would host a store 80 feet by 104 feet with 16 parking spaces facing Center Street but accessed from Spruce Street.Even though the proposal was approved, plans for the new store have not been announced by the corporation."At this time, I cannot confirm a new store for Tamaqua as I do not have a signed lease for any property in your area," said Bryn R. Winburn, spokeswoman, when contacted by the Times News late last week.Winburn said she might have updated information in a few weeks.Still, a large sign has been placed on the vacant lot, presumably by the corporation, announcing that a new Family Dollar would be coming to that location.Loyal customersShoppers who frequent Family Dollar said they hope a replacement store opens soon."I stop here for over-the-counter drugs and other staples on my way home from work," said Beth Goodwin of McAdoo on Friday.Another said Family Dollar is part of his routine."I go in maybe twice or three times a week, depending on what I need," said Mike Trubilla, 59, of Tamaqua. "I get things like bread and milk and liquid soap for dishwashing and detergent for laundry."Another said she stopped because of the store's convenient location."We weren't even aware this was going on. We're just passing through and stopped to pick up a few items," said Nancy James of Port Clinton.Employees displaced by the closing said they're being reassigned to other store locations. Some eventually will return to Tamaqua when a new store opens.Expired leaseFamily Dollar's leased space adjoins a St. Luke's Tamaqua Medical Center satellite housing lab and other services and the offices, examination and waiting room of Dr. Joanne Calabrese and staff.The store's lease was not renewed and the hospital reportedly intends to expand into the vacated space when Family Dollar moves out.Shoppers said they'll probably stay local and shop in other locations while awaiting the opening of a new Family Dollar store.Other dollar-type stores in Tamaqua area include Dollar General in the former Jamesway Shopping Center and Dollar Tree at Hometown's HT Commons Shopping Center.Family Dollar is headquartered in Matthews, North Carolina.The corporation began in 1958 as a self-described "value-focused chain" and now has 8,100 stores in 44 states.Its other locations include stores in Lansford, Palmerton, Blakeslee, Pottsville, Freeland, Hazleton and Shenandoah.The discount chain plans to open a newly built store at 139 W. Centre St., Mahanoy City this week.The corporation also announced plans to shutter more than 350 properties to improve its financial picture. The corporation reportedly has seen a drop in profits of 47 percent.Discounters Dollar Tree and Dollar General have been vying for purchase options of Family Dollar in recent months.