NEWS INFORMATION FROM

THE OFFICE OF MAYOR STEPHEN R. REED
City of Harrisburg
King City Government Center
Harrisburg, PA 17101-1678
Telephone: 717.255.3040

FOR IMMEDIATE USE
31 March 2004

ROBERT’S FINE JEWELRY BECOMES LATEST NEW RETAILER IN DOWNTOWN

Harrisburg, PA—Mayor Stephen R. Reed today welcomed Robert’s Fine Jewelry Inc. to downtown Harrisburg with grand opening ceremonies at the store’s 225 Market Street location. The distinctive new business offers fine European jewelry, museum quality Tiffany Reproduction Lamps, fine art from local artists, and luxury timepieces and bridal jewelry.

Reed said Robert’s Fine Jewelry is owned and operated by principal Robert Bello, who brings thirty years of experience in the jewelry business to downtown. The new store occupies 700 sq. ft. of elegantly restored space, and brings two new fulltime jobs to the city. The project represents $270,000 in new investment in downtown retail.

“Robert’s Fine Jewelry Inc. is an excellent example of the distinctive, one-of-a-kind type of retailer that downtown needs to distinguish itself from the sameness of the suburban shopping experience,” said Mayor Reed. “Robert Bello brings many years of successful experience in the retail jewelry industry to this new venture, and with a quality product line unlike anything else in the region, we think he will be quite successful.”

Reed said Robert’s offerings will include fine Italian fashion jewelry, distinctive Swiss watches, and exquisite French Bridal jewelry. The store also has museum quality Tiffany Reproduction Lamps from Art Glass Classiques, and, as a benefit to local artists, is also featuring fine art creations from the Harrisburg Art Association.

The Mayor said the Robert’s Fine Jewelry store was designed by noted midstate designer Michelle J. Wierman, President of Diversified Design, with renovation work provided by Northern Accent Construction. Financing for the venture was provided by the City’s Business Revolving Loan Fund, the Dauphin County Economic Development Corporation, and Commerce Bank. Harrisburg attorney Leslie D. Jacobson handled all negotiations.

Robert’s Fine Jewelry is open Mondays through Fridays from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The store is located in Suite 102 on the ground floor of 225 Market Street, in the heart of downtown and directly across the street from the Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts. Robert’s Fine Jewelry can be contacted at (717) 234.9422, or via fax at (717) 234.9424.

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