READING, PA. — Boscov’s Department Stores LLC announced that Jim Boscov has been named CEO of the 43-store retail chain.

Earlier this year, retail Legend Albert Boscov, announced his intention to name Jim as his successor, and that appointment was ratified at a recent meeting of Boscov’s Board of Directors.

Albert Boscov will retain his title as chairman and will remain active in the company, which is headquartered in Reading, Pa.

The retail chain has had a store at the Dover Mall since August 1982.

Jim Boscov, who will continue to serve as the vice chairman of the corporation. He is the third generation of the Boscov family to lead the company.

“I’ve been fortunate to have a very close working relationship with Albert for many years and our ability to continue working side-by-side, as I take on additional responsibility, insures a smooth transition,” said Jim Boscov. “We are committed to build on the strong foundation he has created and continue the spirit and philosophy he’s instilled.”

The retailer has been around for more than 100 years.

Albert Boscov’s father, Solomon, came to the United States from Russia in 1914 at age 23. He couldn’t speak English, but an acquaintance at a boarding house told him his Yiddish would serve him well in Reading, Pennsylvania. It turns out that the locals were Pennsylvania Dutch (German) and the language was close enough.

Jim Boscov

He bought $20 worth of merchandise and headed out across Pennsylvania, sleeping in the barns of his customers and thanking them by cleaning stables, combing horses and presenting the farmers’ wives with packs of sewing needles. At age 24, he opened a store in Reading.

Jim Boscov currently serves on the boards of the Berks County Community Foundation and the United Way of Berks County. He is a former Board Chairman and Trustee of Alvernia University, Past President and member of the Board of the South Mt. YMCA and has served on the board of a number of other charitable organizations. Jim is supported in his efforts by his wife Cindy and their daughter Rachel.

“Jim has more than 40 years of experience in almost every area of the retail industry,” Albert Boscov said. “In addition to an intimate knowledge of every aspect of our business, he brings a true collaborative spirit that brings the best out of everyone on the team. With Jim at the helm, I’m very confident in the future of Boscov’s.”

Boscov’s operates stores in Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware and Ohio and has announced the opening of an additional store this fall in Meriden, Connecticut.