Binghamton Family-Run Business Closing After Nearly Eight Decades

A business that's been a part of Binghamton for most of the last century will soon be turning out the lights.

Binghamton Fluorescent Company will close its doors at the end of May. The business was founded in 1946. It has operated at its current location - 235 Main Street on the city's West Side - since December 1981.

Owner Andy Shuman said he's decided to retire. Shuman, who lives in Vestal, said he's looking forward to doing some traveling and some volunteer work.

The store's closing was first reported by WIVT/binghamtonhomepage.com.

Binghamton Fluorescent was founded in 1946 by Harry Shuman, Andy Shuman's grandfather. It started with $5,000 worth of inventory.

The first store was located at 273 Chenango Street. The company moved to a downtown location at 86 State Street after a couple of years. The shop was relocated to 39 Washington Street in 1967.

The building housing the current lighting store was constructed around a former Esso service station. The old garage area is used for storage.

Shuman expressed pleasure that he and the family business have been able to assist many Binghamton-area residents over the years. He said he refers to himself as "The LIghting Therapist."

Shuman said the Main Street property is to be sold to a Brooklyn-based entity. He doesn't know what is planned for the site.

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Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com or (607) 545-2250. For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.