Highly esteemed French jeweler, Van Cleef & Arpels, is going against all of the economic downturn odds and opening their store at new location on Palm Beach’s Worth Avenue.
The high-end shopping street in Palm Beach is infamous for designer boutiques and luxury shopping galore, and now Van Cleef & Arpels can join the ranks of some of the luxury industries biggest and best names in high-end retail on the Avenue.
Emmanuel Perrin, Van Cleef & Arpels president and CEO said, “For the past 68 years, Van Cleef & Arpels has been a coveted pillar of luxury and heritage on Worth Avenue. Palm Beach is a historic and sentimental place for our brand, being the second oldest of our stores in the United States. I believe our relocation, renovation, and reopening underscores our commitment to this community and to our clients here.”
The new location found at 202 Worth Avenue, measures in at just over 1,800 square feet and is 15 percent larger than its original location down the street. The glamorous interiors of the new store were designed by a London-based designer, Anouska Hempel, in honor of the first Van Cleef & Arpels store to feature the updated look on the rue de la Paix. The new design includes elements of black enamel, silk, mother-of-pearl, brushed stainless steel, and faux shagreen. Classic Van Cleef & Arpels designs are honored on the walls of the new store in the form of photographs and drawings that compliment a Baccarat crystal chandelier which serves as the focal point at the entrance. There is a VIP room at the rear of the store for added convenience for customers who request privacy for their purchases, a crucial feature that the previous store was lacking.
Executive director of the Palm Beach Chamber of Commerce, Laurel Baker, notes, “Van Cleef & Arpels recognizes the unique opportunities that exist in Palm Beach and how much their presence contributes to the special aura of the town.”
The reopening of the Palm Beach boutique is also the beginning of a newly appointed store manager. Maria Connell will be replacing Yvonne Lynam who relocated to Las Vegas to run the anticipated new boutique set to debut there in December. Connell has reportedly worked for numerous jewelry firms on Worth Avenue for more than 10 years and it is expected that she will continue the Van Cleef & Arpels’ involvement in the local community. “Beyond outfitting the most fashionable men and women in our exclusive jewelry and watch collections, we are committed to supporting and actively participating in Palm Beach charity and philanthropic causes,” Connell says.
