Gabe's Closes In Abingdon, Aldi And Hobby Lobby To Open

ABINGDON, MD — A longtime retailer in the Constant Friendship shopping center off MD 924 has closed. Two others are preparing to open in the months ahead.

Gabriel Brothers, also known as Gabe's, closed its doors after 28 years, according to Adam Kaftol, who represents the Shopping Center Management Co.

"We appreciated having them as merchants for many years and we wish them continued success," Kraftol said.

The shopping center has obtained permits needed to renovate the space, which will become Hobby Lobby and Aldi. Construction is expected to begin Jan. 3, according to Kraftol.

"We expect both stores to open during 2022 but at this point we cannot speak absolutely on behalf of our new merchants," Kraftol said in a statement to Bel Air Patch. "They will determine their opening dates."

While the projected opening dates were not clear, the enthusiasm about the new tenants was, he said.

"We are pleased to bring Hobby Lobby, the national leader in arts and crafts, to Harford County," Kraftol said. "We hear a lot of our Harford County customers are anxious for Hobby to open."

The nearest Hobby Lobby stores are in Owings Mills and Columbia.

"Aldi is enhancing their already strong presence in Harford County and we see them filling in a value plus niche in an already very crowded grocery segment at Routes 24 and 924," Kraftol said.

Aldi has stores in Nottingham, Aberdeen, Bel Air and Edgewood.