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This place was once a Total station. Eventually, the pumps were removed and it became a party store only. And yes, "party store" is the correct term as opposed to convenience store LOL. We must speak with proper Michigan vernacular, you see. The sign out front of this store represents an "in-between" category for me. There were the old 50's and 60's era signs that were very unique and elaborate, often with neon embellishments.
Those are expensive to buy and they require very regular maintenance which is why there aren't many of them left in the wild. It gets expensive, which Tom at the Capri Drive-In can tell you. The ballasts burn out, the neon tubes break, the chaser lights burn up, the internal fluorescent bulbs on the signboard go bad. The letters break or get stolen and are hard to replace.
What we have now are the nondescript back-lit crap signs we see hung on a modern drug store. They are totally unmemorable and bland. THIS party store sign is an example of 70's and 80's era compromise. A unique, colorful design without the expensive and more complicated neon system. Still very cool looking though. Signs like this are also rare nowadays. I would pay good money for this one if it were for sale.
As far as I know, this store is not operating as of 2023 but thankfully the sign was still standing the last time I drove by. I will gratuitously post several photos of it.