Several new retail stores opened in University City this summer, while others have announced openings for the fall semester.

New businesses in University City include candle making, ice cream, pizza and art offerings. Two of the locations opened this summer, while the other two are scheduled to open in the coming months.

Cork & Candles, a family-owned business specializing in candle making, opened its new location on the corner of 34th and Walnut Streets on July 24. At the store, guests can create personalized candles from a selection of 60 different scents and take monthly novelty classes to create unique designs, such as margarita or cereal bowl-themed candles. Cork & Candles also has locations in Center City and King of Prussia, Pennsylvania.

“Our mission at Cork & Candles is to create a place where friends come together and have the opportunity to connect while sharing a creative experience,” wrote David Straub, co-founder and CEO of Cork & Candles, on the company’s website.

The company also supports local foundations and partners with organizations like the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia to raise awareness and funds for their causes. In addition to participating in hands-on experiences, guests can purchase candles made in the store and bring their own wine or beer to enjoy while crafting.

“We look forward to becoming an integral part of this dynamic district and contributing to its continued activity,” Straub wrote on the website.

While originally expected to open in the summer, Van Leeuwen Ice Cream is now expected to complete its expansion into its University City store at the corner of 36th and Walnut Streets in September. Founded in New York in 2008, the company has grown into a nationwide brand that has nearly 50 locations across the United States and sells pints in nearly 10,000 grocery stores.

Ed Datz, Penn’s managing director of real estate, wrote in a press release that Penn Facilities and Real Estate Services is excited “to have Van Leeuwen bring his popular ice cream parlor and unique ice cream flavors, including vegan and dairy options, to the diverse culinary scene at Shop Penn District.”

The Center for Creative Works opened in June, joining Shop Penn’s retail community with a pop-up at 3425 Walnut St. CCW — an art studio dedicated to promoting professional development and visibility for neurodiverse artists — offers a diverse range of artwork for sale and aims to encourage community engagement by showcasing the skills and contributions of neurodiverse individuals.

“We are excited to welcome these new, unique retailers to the Shop Penn Retail District family as we continue to expand our offerings with high-quality products, services and experiences, in line with our vision for our dynamic district,” Datz wrote to The Daily Pennsylvanian. “They provide both locals and visitors with a warm and welcoming atmosphere to learn, create and enjoy.”

More locations are expected to open soon, including Philadelphia pizza chain Santucci’s Original Square Pizza, which announced plans to open a location in University City at the corner of 38th Street and Powelton Avenue. The company is also expanding into South Jersey, adding to its 10 existing locations in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.