Boscov's — Local services in Wyomissing

When I was developing Death Stranding, I envisioned a fractured America—stripped of its connections, its warmth, its places of meaning. I created Sam Porter Bridges to reconnect people across that desolate landscape. But what if I told you that connection… still exists?

I found it in Pennsylvania.

Not in a server. Not in a hologram. But in a building of brick and glass. Boscov’s, Wyomissing.

As I entered, I felt something familiar. Not déjà vu, but an echo. A save point from childhood I never lived. The air smelled like old Christmas catalogs and fresh popcorn. There was sincerity in the lighting—fluorescent, unapologetic. I hadn’t even reached the first display and I was already immersed in the past, like stepping into Metal Gear Solid 3’s virtuous mission. A recon of the American soul.

The staff here do not simply work—they serve, in the truest sense. They aren’t hired guns like Dead Cell or opportunists like Skull Face. They’re more like Otacon—loyal, human, always trying to help you navigate a strange and chaotic world.

You ask for shoes, they walk you to the aisle. You ask for a coat, they tell you which ones are actually warm. Not because they’re paid to—but because they care. This isn’t customer service. It’s social strand gameplay.

The pricing is another mystery. In a world of bloated apps and invisible markups, Boscov’s seems to operate on different physics. Like Big Boss running an MSF outpost with a tight budget—they make the impossible affordable. And the quality? I bought a jacket here that felt like it had its own backstory. I half-expected to hear it whisper codec lines in the wind.

But it was in the candy section—yes, beneath the surface like Shadow Moses—that the game truly changed. Homemade chocolates, hand-packed sweets, brittle that crumbled like memories. You don’t buy candy here. You buy time travel. I bit into a dark chocolate almond cluster and was instantly transported to a world before mobile alerts and existential dread. It was like activating the Sorrow’s river of ghosts—but instead of pain, I saw joy.

The fudge… the fudge deserves its own DLC.

Boscov’s is not just a store. It is an emotional payload. It is what I imagined Mother Base would become if it grew old, wise, and learned how to make chocolate turtles. It is America’s forgotten safe room, hidden in plain sight between chain restaurants and retail decay.

If you, like me, believe that stories are what bind us—then walk these aisles. Touch the fabric. Taste the sweets. Speak to the woman in housewares who tells you which dish towels actually absorb.

In a landscape obsessed with acceleration, Boscov’s is a walk button. It is a letter from a dead civilization, still sealed and waiting to be opened.

5 stars. Because there is no option to give it a “Hideo.”

I left with two flannels, a wool scarf, and a caramel-dipped pretzel rod.

And for a moment… the world made...

I have always loved Boscov’s and especially the fact that Mr. Boscov was a caring and kind person and so good for the Reading area. I went to the Berkshire location this week and had a very unpleasant shopping experience. Will not go back for a long time. Comparable stores like Kohl’s offer similar merchandise at affordable prices as well. Will go back to Kohl’s.

I was checking out in the jewelry department and being helped by a very professional sales associate. My transaction was interrupted by “Flo”(another associate). She called the associate that was helping me over and Flo glared at me several times. I have been in many management roles myself and this is customer intimidation and unethical behavior.

“Flo” then walked over to the Estée Lauder counter and was still glaring at me and talking to another associate at the Estée Lauder counter.

I have been in several management roles and this is not how you treat people. In addition, I spent $1000 at Christmas time at Boscov’s. I also always talk up Boscov’s to my co workers and friends and families. I will encourage them to shop at Boscov’s if they have never, because it is supporting local business, Mr. Boscov was a gem and their merchandise is classy and wonderful at affordable prices. MY MISTAKE, will never talk up Boscov’s again after feeling intimidated. Kohl’s...

I have been in this store several times in the last year and the sales people are unfriendly, rude and too busy texting or talking to other employees to help anyone. i think it is because I am from Puerto Rico and I have a Spanish accent. Most of the sales people seem to be unhappy, middle aged/old white women who aren't working there because they enjoy it but because they have to. The last time I will ever go there was last week when I took my daughter and some of her friends who were home from college. My daughter asked one the sales people what the price was for something that wasn't tagged. The sales person rudely told her she should get her father or boyfriend it since she couldn't afford it. My daughter was so embarrassed and unhappy that anyone would tell her that. It was sexist and racist. I don't think she would have said the same thing if my daughter was blond and blue eyed. This is not the only time that something like this has happened as many of my friends have been treated the same way and we will not go shopping...