The specialty retailer, which now has six stores in New York and New Jersey, held a ribbon cutting ceremony for its new 185,000-sf store. The event drew some 800 people, including White Plains mayor Joseph Delfino and Westchester county executive Andrew Spano who both played key roles in convincing Fortunoff to build on the former Saks Fifth Ave. site on Maple Ave.

Vice President Louis Fortunoff said, "We've waited 20 years to come to Westchester and judging by the crowd today it was well worth the wait."

Fortunoff credited Delfino with contacting his company about the opportunity at the six-acre property when Saks' announced it was closing its White Plains store. He later credited the city for granting Fortunoff all the necessary approvals in just six months and the Westchester County Industrial Development Agency for providing tax incentives for the development.

The Source at White Plains, being developed by R Squared EDGE of New York City, also features a 12,000-sf Cheesecake Factory restaurant, which opened in September, a 36,000-sf Whole Foods Market and a 9,000-sf Morton's Steakhouse. Both plan spring 2004 openings.

Store officials said the Source at White Plains development will generate more than $9 million a year in local taxes and create more than 700 jobs when completed.

Commenting on the store opening, Fortunoff COO Howard Meitiner said, "We are confident that the Westchester store will enable us to expand our customer base and strengthen our position in the marketplace as we ensure that we remain the leader in fine jewelry and home furnishings."

Instant Insights /

Fortunoff Opens New Store in White Plains

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