Hannoush officially opens flagship store in Eastfield Mall
Date: 11/23/2009
Hannoush Jewelers officially opened the company's flagship store and manufacturing facility at the Eastfield Mall on Nov. 19. The manufacturing area has a window on the mall corridor allowing passersby to see how jewelry is made. Company Vice President Norman Hannoush said the new store and corporate headquarters are the result of hard work and dedication of the Hannoush family and staff. Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce President Russell Denver noted the company has 600 employees and said is "a testament we can grow a family business in Springfield." The move brings 60 jobs to Springfield.
SPRINGFIELD Hannoush Jewelers, a privately owned company that is a jewelry manufacturer, retailer and diamond importer, just opened an innovative flagship store at Eastfield Mall the weekend of Nov. 14, announced Melinda Graulau, the mall's general manager.
"My brothers and I were looking forward to coming back home to the Eastfield Mall," said Hannoush Jewelers Vice President Camile Hannoush. "We began our jewelry career at the mall and now we have opened what we believe is the first of its kind jewelry-manufacturing retail store."
The company is operated by eight Hannoush brothers who opened their first store in 1980 and has grown to over 70 company-owned and franchised locations throughout the United States. Prior to opening their first store the Hannoushs did jewelry repairs out of Eastfield Mall.
The nearly 22,000 square-foot Hannoush Jewelers flagship store includes a 3,300 square foot jewelry showroom and a 700 square foot Pandora boutique. The location also houses a manufacturing area with a glass wall that invites shoppers into the world of jewelry craftsmanship where they can view jewelry being repaired and manufactured.
"At this location, our customers are able to have a hand in actually creating their own piece of jewelry that they select from the largest collection of jewelry in the area," said Hannoush. "Not only can they create the wax that becomes their keepsake, they are also able to watch our professional jewelers at work in the factory.
The Pandora boutique, located within the store, offers customers the area's most extensive selection and variety of the hottest selling jewelry line in the country. Customers have access to the entire Pandora line and exclusive products including the 14K gold and silver charms, rings, necklaces, earrings, and much more.
The Hannoush Jewelers corporate offices have moved from their former location in West Springfield and are now housed within the new flagship store at Eastfield Mall. Hannoush employs over 600 people across the country and the new store has brought 60 of those jobs to Springfield.
"We are so excited to have this first-of-a-kind concept open at Eastfield Mall," Graulau continued. "It is especially fitting that this endeavor be with Hannoush Jewelers with whom the mall has such a long-standing relationship.
"This venture speaks volumes for the future of Eastfield Mall," Graulau continued. "Ten years ago no one knew what the fate of this mall would be and now we are stronger than ever, even despite the economic climate."
The recession has had a large impact on retail and the effects can be seen in the growing list of national merchants filing for bankruptcy. However, while many retail centers are struggling to retain occupancy, Eastfield Mall on Boston Road in Springfield is thriving.
In addition to Hannoush Jewelers flagship store, the mall recently announced the openings of two new merchants: food court eatery, BurgerBaby and Jolie Hair Studio, a full-service salon located across from Hot Topic.
Additionally, new store Giftology will open in December. The store will feature popular gift items and brands such as Vera Bradley and Brighton.
Tranquility Day Spa, offering services such as manicures, pedicures, facials, tanning, massage and more, is slated to open by the end of the year and will occupy nearly 4,000 square feet of retail space.
With many other leasing deals on the horizon, Eastfield Mall is set for virtually total occupancy.
