After decades of serving the City of Binghamton, Southern Tier and beyond, Binghamton Fluorescent will be closing its doors May 31st.

"The motto I've always given to my customers is -- I like to give people the service I wish other people would give me. And it's that simple," says Andy Shuman.

Schuman is a third-generation owner of the local business, starting out back in the late 1970's alongside his brother and father.

"It sort of blows my mind, too, that I never thought when I signed on to this thing in 1978 that this is 2023, and I'm in front of a camera talking about my retirement."

Binghamton Fluorescent was established in 1946 by Shuman's grandfather, Harry along with his father, who took over in 1952.

 

"My mother read my father the Riot Act, saying, 'You're not working for a factory... you're going to go into business for yourself.'"

Having moved throughout five different locations in the city: from Washington Street, to State Street, Clinton Street, Chenango Street, and its longest tenured spot at 235 Main Street -- the family business has spent 77 years, lighting up the area with reliable and quality service.

"I think lighting... creates a mood. Lighting obviously creates lighting for one to see -- but I think it enhances a room itself as far as how nice it could look."

And since he's made the announcement, Shuman's felt the embrace of the community.

"I've been hearing from a lot of people saying how much they've enjoyed their lighting through the years. I've had phone calls or letters just in the past month. It's been very gratifying. I mean, there's really just very, really nice notes I've been getting from people just, just thanking me for, you know, for what I sold them and and just for being a just being a merchant in Binghamton."