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Retail News: Jeannie Joas Goes Homeless For A Good Cause; Fortunoff Is Back; Simons’ Ritani Giveaway September 10, 2014 (0 comments)
Jeweler Jeannie Joas Is Homeless (For A Night)
Minneapolis, MN—Jeannie Joas is soon going to be homeless, albeit only for one night, as she participates in a one-of-a-kind event to raise funds for, and awareness of, youth homelessness.
The event, YouthLink’s “Night of Hope: Executive Sleep Out” is set for September 28, which, in Joas’s native Minneapolis, might be quite chilly. Still, many homeless youth are living outside in far worse weather.
That night, Joas will join other business and community leaders at YouthLink to spend one night outside. She has agreed to raise a minimum of $10,000 in donations for her “sleep out campaign,” all of which will go toward supporting YouthLink’s programs and services for homeless youth in the Twin Cities area.
For 40 years, YouthLink has provided a safe and supportive refuge, along with the resources needed by young people experiencing homelessness. Last year, more than 2,200 young people from the Twin Cities accessed YouthLink—also home of the Youth Opportunity Center (YOC)—in downtown Minneapolis. At the YOC, YouthLink and over 30 community partner agencies come together to provide a holistic array of services to help young people become educated, employable, and stably housed.
Click here to see a short video about the event. To make a tax-deductible online donation to help Jeannie meet her goal, click this link to her personal fundraising page.
Back To The Source: Fortunoff Opens Doors on Long Island
Westbury, NY—Fortunoff is back in the jewelry store business. The firm, which began as a housewares retailer and introduced fine jewelry in the late 1950s, grew to be not only a key destination for jewelry shoppers in and around New York but also one of the jewelry industry’s most prominent retailers. So when the chain first was sold to a private equity firm and subsequently went bankrupt in 2009, both customers and the industry were stunned with disbelief.
Esther Fortunoff re-entered the jewelry business as an e-tailer in 2010, but according to reports quickly realized that shoppers really wanted to see their beloved Fortunoff back in brick and mortar form.
The firm opened its new store quietly last week and plans a grand re-opening for September 18. But the new Fortunoff is not going to be exactly like the old: for one thing, it’s only jewelry in the 1900 square foot space, no housewares and no multi-level department stores. For another, the merchandise will be less designer-driven and more focused on unique pieces like estate or artisan jewelry.
At present, no other Fortunoff family members have joined the business, though all but two of the new store employees were part of Fortunoff before the bankruptcy.
Fortunoff's new brick and mortar jewelry boutique.
Simons Jewelers To Host Digital Scavenger Hunt For $24K Ritani Ring
Clayton, MO—One lucky couple in the St. Louis area will win a $24,000 Ritani platinum engagement ring from Simons Jewelers. All they have to do is find it.
On Saturday, September 27, Simons will sponsor Race For The Ring, a digital scavenger hunt. Registered couples will meet at Simons Jewelers in Clayton. From there, they will receive a series of clues to the location of the ring via their cell phones. The first team to solve the clues and earn the most points can claim the ring as their prize.
“We always love to work with couples who want to find their perfect engagement ring,” said Simon Katz, owner of Simons Jewelers. “During the Race For The Ring, however, they’ll scour the town, in hopes of winning a fantastic ring. This is going to be a fun event for everyone involved. I’m looking forward to meeting our contestants and watching all the excitement unfold.”
To enter, participants must register online at simonsraceforthering.com. Select couples will be chosen for the competition. Deadline to register is September 26, 2014.