A local, historical retail store is celebrating its birthday.

It’s Charles X Block’s 99th trip around the sun.

A celebration is set for Thursday from 4-8 p.m. in downtown Tamaqua at the store.

“In today’s retail climate, it’s incredible that brick-and-mortar stores can survive, let alone flourish, for almost a century,” said Ralph Richards, owner.

“We’re thrilled to celebrate this milestone and we want our customers, neighbors and friends to help us celebrate.”

The celebration will include extended shopping hours and a significant sale on men’s and women’s apparel and accessories.

The 99th anniversary means so much to Richards and everyone else involved with the store.

“2020 was shaping up to be the busiest wedding year of all time and then COVID hit,” Richards said.

“I could not let it fail. In order to not let it fail, I took out a major small-business loan. … I just could not stand the thought of some parasite, so small that we need a microscope to see it, would be the death of this store in its 99th year. It just was not going to happen.”

New Tripoli’s Weathered Vineyards & Winery will offer wine tasting on Thursday, while customers can snack on free hors d’oeuvres and birthday cake. Customers who make purchases will receive a free gift certificate.

The store will showcase new women’s clothing, purses, jewelry and accessories, as well as their fall and winter line of sport coats and formalwear, sweaters, suits, shirts and slacks.

“The community continues to support us,” said Richards.

“This Thursday, as much as it’s usually our greatest retail day of the year, it’s about giving back to the community that supports us all year long with the best sales.”

Charles X Block is located at 251 W. Broad St. in Tamaqua. For more information, visit charlesxblocks.com, or call 570-668-1112.