By Victoria Hurley-Schubert, Staff Writer
A deal for the sale and purchase of the Princeton Shopping Center could be completed as soon as today, transferring ownership of the site from George Comfort & Sons to Edens of South Carolina.
”There is a contract signed to sell it,” confirmed Peter Duncan, president of George Comfort & Sons, whose company has owned the more than 50-store center since purchasing it in 1983.
If not today, he said the deal should close by June 4, at the latest. Any leases in place will remain in effect and current terms honored.
The largest store in the outdoor California-style shopping center is McCaffrey’s Supermarket, which anchors the northern end.
Jim McCaffrey, president of McCaffrey’s Supermarkets, said, “It’s kind of sad in one way because we’ve known the people at George Comfort & Sons the 20 years we’ve been there, and we had a great relationship with them,” he said. “It’s going to be sad to see (manager) Chris Hanington and the others that took care of the center go.”
Thursday was last the last day for the staff of the shopping center.
”Tomorrow is the closing of the sale and we have been terminated,” said Chris Hanington, general manager of the center on Thursday. “It’s sad for us. We all love this place, it’s our home away from home.”
Carlos DelSid, the head maintenance manger, and Ms. Hanington, a Princeton Junction resident, have both been with the shopping center for 25 years.
Mr. DelSid’s staff of two and Ms. Hanington’s part-time assistant are also being terminated.
Ms. Hanington hopes to stay within the Princeton community for her next venture.
She said Edens gave the staff 10 days notice.
”We’ve been involved with the shopping center for a number of years and it’s been a terrific investment,” said Mr. Duncan. “After 30 years you need to move on. “
Jodie McLean, president at Edens, said, “Over the past 12 months we’ve tried to figure out a way to become part of the Princeton community. Who we are as a company is very consistent with the Princeton community.”

