 When Crowley's ceased operation in 1999, several of its locations were purchased by discount chain Value City.Three in the Detroit area were rebranded "Crowley's Value City" and remained part of the Value City chain until it also ceased operating in 2008.In 1909, Joseph J. Crowley, his brothers William and Daniel, and William L. Milner joined to save the Detroit-based store of Pardridge & Blackwell that was struggling financially.