Arthur Brumhill, 76, was found dead in the basement of a pet and garden shop in Wellingborough Road, in 1993.
Stuart Jenkins, 39, of Ossett, West Yorkshire, appeared at Northampton Magistrates' Court and did not enter a plea.
Mr Jenkins was remanded in custody and was told the case would be dealt with at Leicester Crown Court on Friday.
A man has appeared in court charged with the murder of a pensioner in Northampton more than 20 years ago.