Meridian Twp. - When Jacobson’s reopens today at Meridian Mall, it will open its doors to more than just clientele.
The new store, 1982 W. Grand River Ave. in Okemos, will have more than 27 new designer labels added to the entire department store.
“There is definitely a fashion need,” said Christine Gorton, director of public relations and special events for the company. “I think that the customers have been asking for (the new lines) indirectly.”
Gorton said the new lines cater to customers’ benefit as they will no longer have to travel as far to obtain them.
Jeff Knaus, a forestry junior, said he was not a big shopper at Jacobson’s when it was in downtown East Lansing.
“I would definitely check out the new lines they are offering now,” he said.
The lines, ranging from Anna Sui and Tahari in women’s fashion and Laura Mercier in cosmetics, make the store’s inventory larger in a smaller space. The store closed its East Lansing location Sunday after more than 30 years at 333 E. Grand River Ave.
Jacobson’s announced last September it was leaving East Lansing after 58 years in the city.
“The (Grand River) store was 120,000 (square) feet, and the new one is 80,000 (square) feet,” said Linda Bramlage, vice president of store planning. “Essentially, the new store offers a well-designed use of space.”
Bramlage said even though the actual size of the store is smaller, departments such as cosmetics and shoes will seem larger because of the greater amount of inventory.
“My anticipation (upon opening) is for the merchants to be happy, the customers to be happy and the designers’ happiness,” Bramlage said.
The new mall location hopes to bring in more customers who prefer mall settings.
“I usually prefer going to the mall because of the bigger selection,” said Tracy Olson, a no-preference freshman.
Olson does not plan on frequently shopping at the new store, however.
“It’s really too expensive for my liking,” she said, “The only reason for going in for me was when they had a 50 percent-off sale.”
Gorton said there are more additions to the store than just apparel and cosmetics.
“The other store had about 80 to 90 employees, and we now have about 125 in this new store,” she said.
Gorton said many people saw opportunity in the bigger market.
Jacobson’s will also offer a hair salon in addition to the traditional shopping departments.
The full service salon, directed by Philip Anthony, will offer haircut and chemical areas, as well as a separate area for manicures, pedicures and skin care treatments.
Both Gorton and Bramlage are excited and optimistic for the opening months.
“My eyes are definitely up and I see nothing but growth for the new store,” Gorton said.
