92-year-old Clearwater retailer Jersey Jim Towers sells property

Walker Ford in Clearwater has bought the property belonging to Jersey Jim Towers, a nearly 100-year-old electronic and appliance business in the city.

The property at 17722 U.S. Highway 19 N. sold for $2.8 million.

The store, which today is owned by the founder's son Jim, will stay there for now but will eventually move, says Calhoon Commercial Group of Smith & Associates Real Estate. Once plans are in place, an announcement will be made.

Patrick and Chris Calhoon represented Jersey Jim Towers and announced the sale.

Jersey Jim first opened in 1932 and moved to the current site about 30 years ago.

Despite that, generations of older Clearwater residents are likely to remember the store from its days on the corner of Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard and U.S. 19, across from the old Clearwater Mall and not far from Peaches Records & Tapes.

The spot is now the site of a Sam’s Club.

Before moving to that location in the mid-1970s, the store had been further west on Gulf-to-Bay since 1956 when it moved from Newark, New Jersey.

The buyer is Walker Ford which is next door.

The property consists of 10.75 acres along Allens Creek, about 3.5 acres of which is usable land. Walker is planning to expand onto the property.

Walker, too, has a long history in the area. The dealership was founded in 1957 on Treasure Island and today is run by founder EB Walker’s grandson.