WPCNR WHITE PLAINS STREET. By John F. Bailey. September 17, 2003: Louis Fortunoff and family, "America's First Family of Retail" threw a shopping party for hundreds of "Westchester's Well-to-do, Restless, and Powerful" Wednesday, and officially opened their Fortunoff shopping palace at the corner of Martine Avenue and Bloomingdale Road. At 10 A.M., guests were invited to view all three glittering, marble-floored levels of the "Temple of Temptation" and its delights from china and jewelry, to furniture and bedding. The $93 Million project, approved and constructed in 15 months, is now open for discriminating consumers today.

MOVERS AND SHAKERS MILL, MINGLE IN AWE AT THE NEW FORTUNOFF OPULENCE WEDNESDAY MORNING. Guests enjoyed canapes and coffee, circulated by discreet servers, and had the opportunity to chat with the numerous Fortunoff associates in each department, prior to the Opening Ceremony. Photo by WPCNR News

"HEAR HEAR" Louis Fortunoff offering a champagne toast to the future of his store at the conclusion of the news conference Wednesday.  Fortunoff said Fortunoff in White Plains would not have happened if it were not for the persistent efforts of Mayor Joseph Delfino, in finding him a place for the store, clearing away the red tape, keeping the inspections and approvals from city departments moving in a timely manner. In the background, raising champagne flutes are County Executive Andy Spano and Mayor Joseph Delfino.  Photo by WPCNR News

AMERICA'S FAVORITE MAYOR, Joseph Delfino congenially and emotionally recounted his historic phone call to Louis Fortunoff, when the Mayor learned Saks was closing his store. "Lou, I've got the spot!" Mayor Delfino said that he promised Mr. Fortunoff, "If you say Yes, we'll build it in 18 months, and we fell 2 days short of 15 months. When people work together, there isn't anything you can't do with government." Mayor Delfino characterized Fortunoff as "The Anchor" in the city's beginning "Renaissance," which he said would make White Plains "The Best Little City in the United States."  The Mayor predicted Fortunoff would generate $9 Million in new sales taxes, of which White Plains was anticipated to receive $2.5 Million a year. Photo by WPCNR News.

DIAMONDS F "FLAWLESS": Helene Fortunoff, Mr. Fortunoff's mother, designer of Fortunoff's first jewelry department in the early 50s, complimented her son and daughters as being "Diamonds F: Flawless" for the manner in which they worked together to create Fortunoff The Source at White Plains. She remarked it was 39 years ago (1963) that her late husband Allan, Louis Fortunoff's father, opened their landmark store in Westbury, Long Island. Three other members of the Fortunoff family ( Isidore Mayrock, Elliot Mayrock, and their sister) spoke highly of the cooperation and named a who's who in development of firms and personalities whose expertise created the project. Louis Fortunoff, noticeably moved, stands at far left, County Executive Spano to his right, and Mayor Delfino. She noted that 2003 is the 81st Anniversay of the founding of Fortunoff in Brooklyn. Photo by WPCNR News

MARBLE FLOORS, BECKONING TABLEAUS AWAIT THE SEARCHER FOR THE UNIQUE, THE DIFFERENT, THE ELEGANT 7 Days a Week: Fortunoff The Source at White Plains is "Retailtainment," presenting whimsies and necessities uniquely and distinctly. Marble floors create a mansion like atmosphere. The octagonal circular floor design invites you to roam and dream with no natural stops. No overhead signage assaults your senses. The environment expects the consumer to need all the merchandise they carry, and of course, purchase it all, and believe this reporter you will want to see it all. "The Source" showcases 70 decorated beds in coordinated "bedding environments," 100 patterns of crystal, 400 patterns of dinnerware, and 450 patterns of casual and formal flatware. Photo by WPCNR News.

Displays Are Intriguingly Lit, Inspiring Decorating Imagination: Consumers will find in addition to viewing 75 "vignettes" showcasing furniture of substance, kitchen wares, and a holiday section (which will change with the seasons). A seasoned observer of  retail development noted that this Fortunoff will strongly draw from specialty store retail clientele, because it has "everything". "The Source at White Plains" is open until 9:30 P.M. tonight to check it out. Hours are Monday through Saturday, 10 A.M. to 9:30 P.M., Sundays, 11 A.M. to 6 P.M.   Photo by WPCNR News.