Oil City Wholesale Inc., commonly known as Oil City Chemical, will be moving out of its Main Street location next month.
Jack Roser, the owner of the building where the business is currently housed, said the structure is in need of some significant work.
“I don’t have any definite plans for it yet,” Roser said. “But with the (Center Street) bridge being closed, this summer could be my chance, potentially, to do some renovations and demolition,” he added.
Jolene Fleeger, who owns the Oil City Chemical business with other members of her family, said they are currently looking for a new base of operations in the city. Fleeger said they are considering a couple of options, including a potential rental space and another building that is for sale.
Oil City manager Mark Schroyer said he and mayor Bill Moon both met with some of the family members last week to assist with the search for a new facility.
Finding a spot with sufficient space could be a challenge, so Fleeger anticipates some adjustments might have to be made in the business which has a wide variety of departments including a pet store, a party house, floral design, mold remediation, linen services and janitorial supplies.
“We are probably going to have to downsize a little,” Fleeger said.
Fleeger said the business has received a lot of support from the community through social media and customers stopping in.
That support, Fleeger said, is encouraging as they continue to look for a new spot.
“There is a reason for everything,” Fleeger said. “We will get through this.”
Oil City Chemical has been at its current location for more than a decade and was first opened in 1969 by Jerry and Fredda Angros.
