McCartney’s was founded in 1887 when Thomas C. McCartney purchased G.L. Myers Co. on 11th Avenue. The business began as a wallpaper and paint store.

In 1926, the business was purchased by the partnership of Boyd A. Baker, John H. Tracey, and Charles J. O’Brian. The business also expanded to include office supplies and stationery. Tracey eventually became the sole owner, and today his family still owns and operates the store.

Today, McCartney’s is owned by Randal Green, Tracey’s great-grandson.

Over the years, as the business has grown, so has its product line. No longer just an office supply store, McCartney’s has partnered with and represents some of the most prestigious manufacturers of supplies, furniture and imaging.

Director of Finance Laura Green makes a photocopy. McCartney’s is a full service Canon dealer. Mirror photo by Patrick Waksmunski

McCartney’s also offers janitorial and industrial supplies.

The business recently added flooring, window treatments and design services, said Tracey Baker, head of business development.

Among the top sellers are office furniture, copiers (McCartney’s is a full service Canon dealer) and copier paper.

“Copier paper is our best seller, furniture sales make the most money,” Baker said.

The business has changed over the years.

A store display of items illustrates the company’s history as the business grew and evolved over the years. Mirror photo by Patrick Waksmunski

“We transitioned 50 years ago from individual desks to full furniture,” Green said.

Technology has played a role in the business’ evolution.

“Technology has evolved from typewriters to computers. Technology took on a life of its own,” Baker said. “At one time in the 1980s, we were the third largest Apple computer dealer in the state.”

“Part of the transition was a change from walk-in stores to online stores. Years ago, people would walk in and buy their mouse pads, most now do it online,” Green said.

“The way people shop has changed, we’ve had to adapt to those changes,” Baker said.

McCartney's is at 819 Howard Ave., Altoona. Mirror photo by Patrick Waksmunski

The way people order their products has changed over the years.

“Years ago, people were faxing orders, then emailing orders and then ordering online. We will still go out and visit customers to get their orders, it is not totally online, we still interact with customers,” Green said.

People can order what is easiest for them and what they prefer,” said Jeanne Baker, treasurer.

McCartney’s customers include businesses, health care institutions and schools, primarily over seven counties in central Pennsylvania with some in Maryland and West Virginia.

McCartney’s has many local loyal customers.

A section of the store features furniture for learning spaces for students. Mirror photo by Patrick Waksmunski

The Warren A. Gingrich Insurance Agency has been a customer since its founding in 1954.

“McCartney’s has always stood out as an industry leader, dealing with quality markets offering the newest innovative products. McCartney’s has always paid attention to detail and has addressed our every need to prompt satisfaction. The pricing is competitive. Working with their staff is always a pleasure. There has never been a reason to ever look elsewhere for any kind of office product,” President Clay Gingrich said.

The DelGrosso Family of Companies has been doing business with McCartney’s since 1992.

“McCartney’s consistently meets all of our office product, furniture, and printing needs with competitive pricing and exceptional customer service. Their team excels in every aspect of service — from prompt response times and efficient service calls to clear communication regarding any potential delays. McCartney’s is reliable, attentive, and always easy to reach, demonstrating a genuine commitment to their customers,” spokeswoman Amy Mearkle said. “We value the importance of supporting local businesses, and McCartney’s is a trusted partner that truly delivers on both quality and service. As a family business, we like to support local family businesses when possible and we have had a great relationship with the McCartney’s team.”

Greater Altoona Career and Technology Center has had a long relationship with McCartney’s.

McCartney’s offers tens of thousands of supplies to meet the needs of its customers, regardless of their industry. Mirror photo by Patrick Waksmunski

“McCartney’s is a local company that truly cares about the impact they have on the local community. They work with our schedule and take pride in their work,” said Nicole Zernick, executive director. “I believe the care and pride in their work sets them apart from others. Communication is key and they make the process as smooth as possible and are always open to feedback to improve their services.”

McCartney’s business approach hasn’t changed over the years.

“We are still customer-focused, and are still selling quality furniture with delivery and installation. We use technology to support what we do. That hasn’t changed over time,” Green said.

“We try to make running your business easier,” Baker said.

Community service is also important at McCartney’s as it supports hundreds of community organizations.

“We have a program where we offer paid hours for our employees to volunteer and give back to the community. We give our time and effort and talents as well,” said Laura Green, director of finance.

“We support numerous organizations. Not just donations but live effort, and talent as well,” Randy Green said.

There are at least two main reasons for McCartney’s’ success over the years.

“Offering quality products and being customer focused and oriented and giving back to the community,” Laura Green said.

“Building relationships with customers and being involved in the community, being a trustworthy business partner,” Baker said.

McCartney’s officials are optimistic about the future of the business.

“Our core hasn’t changed for 50 years, I don’t see our core changing, we will continue to improve on what we do, grow and serve more businesses, hospitals and schools,” Randy Green said. “We want to make a better workplace for our clients.”

“Our goal is to make central Pennsylvania a good place to do business, make it easier and more pleasant to help the economy grow,” Baker said.

“We want to provide our customers with satisfaction. The workplace has changed, we just want to continue to evolve and do what the workplace needs and wants over the next 100 years,” Laura Green said.

Mirror Staff Writer Walt Frank is at 814-946-7467.