TIFFANY OPENS FIRST STORE ON LONG ISLAND
Byline: Wendy Hessen
MANHASSET, N.Y — Tiffany & Co.’s 30th U.S. store, in the upscale Americana shopping center here, should have little trouble establishing itself.
Before the doors had even opened, early on the morning of June 10, one well-dressed and bejeweled woman already had a mission. “Do you think they will let me shop? I have to get two wedding gifts out today,” she asked, riffling through her Lady Dior handbag in search of her shopping list.
About 200 of the area’s local politicians, community organization leaders and press looked on as trumpets played and Tiffany chairman William Chaney opened the doors for a celebration dubbed “Breakfast at Tiffany’s.”
James E. Quinn, vice chairman of Tiffany, told the crowd he considers the Americana location — its first on Long Island — quite special for the firm.
“We have enjoyed a long history in the New York area,” said Quinn. “Long Island is an area with many existing and potential Tiffany customers; this is a special place for us since [Tiffany founder] Louis Comfort Tiffany lived nearby.”
Company officials declined to offer a projection for the store. In the first quarter ended April 30, the company’s earnings rose 25.2 percent to $11 million, or 31 cents a share, exceeding Wall Street estimates of 28 cents. Sales rose 13 percent to $226.2 million from $200 million, led by a 12 percent gain at Tiffany’s U.S. stores.
At 6,900 square feet, the Manhasset unit offers a complete selection of Tiffany merchandise, including fine and engagement jewelry, watches and clocks, china, crystal, silverware, stationary and writing instruments, fragrances and accessories. In addition, personal shopping, bridal and gift registry, repair and engraving, and corporate sales services will be available.
Identical dual entrances from the north and south are easily recognizable by their polished granite and stainless steel facades and signature Atlas clocks, both similar to the company’s Fifth Avenue flagship. Inside, classic Art Deco appointments, such as cherrywood panels and stainless steel-framed glass showcases, abound. The store was built by New York-based construction and contracting firm, Richter & Ratner.
That evening, Tiffany hosted a reception saluting four organizations that the company has pledged to support: the Junior League of Long Island, Partners in Women’s Health of Long Island Jewish Medical Center, the Nassau County Museum of Art and Old Westbury Gardens.