News Roundup

Rubensteins $2M Renovation Will Expand Store by 25 percent

CityBusiness
April 20, 2007

NEW ORLEANS - Rubensteins, a men’s and women’s specialty clothing store in a historic site at the corner of Canal Street and St. Charles Avenue, plans to invest more than $2 million to redesign and expand the 12,000-square-foot store.

The store at 102 St. Charles Ave. has operated at the site for about 80 years.

“Our commitment to New Orleans is unwavering,” said David Rubenstein, whose family has owned and operated the clothing store since 1924. “Our customers are those people who, like us, believe in New Orleans and are back living, working and shopping in the metropolitan area.

“We owe it to them to be the best we can be and deliver on the Rubensteins promise of personable service and attention to quality fashion. These renovations will help us do that,” he said.

Plans call for a dramatic redesign of the first floor plan.

Work is underway and will continue through August.

Rubensteins plans to maintain normal operating hours throughout the renovations, relocating its men’s department to the second level where it joins the ladies’ shop.

Rubenstein’s entrance throughout the renovations will be under the blue awning on Canal Street, just pass the valet parking sign.

CEO Gary Guthrie said the renovations will enhance the shopping experience “and let visitors know that New Orleans is not only coming back, but coming back in high style.”

New design elements include a tiled surface entryway, sweeping staircase, Venetian plaster facades, walnut woodwork and brushed steel accents.

Rubensteins will expand from four buildings to five, annexing the former space of All American Jeans on Canal Street.

“This expansion will increase the total square footage of the store by 25 percent,” Guthrie said.

Guthrie said the main inconvenience to shoppers will be a busted sidewalk. The city plans on undertaking a massive Canal Street improvement project during the Rubensteins renovations.

“Once inside the store, customers will not be subject to noise or dust. They should enjoy a typical Rubensteins shopping experience of personable service and a wide selection of top designer men’s and women’s fashions,” Guthrie said. Rubensteins will continue to offer complimentary valet parking for all customers before, during and after the renovations.

The store is open 10 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. Monday though Thursday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

For more information, call 581-6666 for more information or go to www.rubensteinsneworleans.com.