Retailer receives recognition

Harry Wingerter, owner of the Bon Ton Shoppe, was belatedly presented his World War II Service Medals by Congressman Mike Rogers in the rotunda of the state Capitol in October.

Wingerter served as sonarman on a patrol craft/sub chaser throughout the Central and South Pacific from 1943-46.

When asked why it took nearly 60 years to be awarded his medals, he said, “There were so many service people being discharged at once that they couldn’t round everybody up. We just wanted to get home, the medals could wait.” Wingerter owns stores in Brighton, Farmington, Livonia and Milford.

Kmart Corporation has launched a new concept store in White Lake Township. With new colors, merchandising techniques and a redesigned floor plan, the Troy-based retailer is using massive physical changes as part of an effort to emerge from bankruptcy.

Edmund T. Ahee Jewelers in Gross Pointe Woods, Jules R. Schubot Jewelers in Troy and Tapper’s Jewelry in West Bloomfield were recently acknowledged by National Jeweler Magazine as “Eight-Figure Independents.” This honor, bestowed upon 33 jewelers nationwide, recognizes independent jewelers with businesses reporting $10 million or more in revenue.

Having overcome tenant and numerous construction issues which delayed the opening for over a year, Novi’s newest shopping and entertainment center, Fountain Walk, opened for business in late November. The 737,000-square-foot outdoor complex is the largest shopping center to open in metro Detroit since Great Lakes Crossing in 1998.

Barbara and Donald Kobeck, owners of Kobeck’s Stride Rite Shoes in Plymouth, are retiring after 27 years. Barbara and Donald will remain in Michigan. The store will continue under the new owner, Michael McIntosh of Plymouth.

The Daniel Lynch Sales Company has appointed Ray Hutchinson as Sales Conductor for the United Kingdom Division, based in Emsworth, Hampshire, England. Hutchinson was formerly with Russell & Dorrell Furniture Ltd. of Worcester and Joplings Department Stores Ltd. of Sunderland. In the United States, David Penfield has been appointed as Sales Conductor. Penfield is a former owner of La-Z-Boy Galleries in Montgomery, Alabama. The Daniel Lynch Sales Company was established in 1914.

Detroit’s newest prospective retailer, Davenport, Iowa-based Von Maur Inc., expects to open two high-fashion department stores by next fall in the former Jacobson’s stores at Briarwood Mall in Ann Arbor and Laurel Park Place Mall in Livonia.

Jim Von Maur, president of the company, said both locations are in healthy regional malls in suburban cities, and Von Maur’s style is geared toward many of the same customers Jacobson’s targeted.

Return to December Michigan Retailer Page one • MRA home