By Jessica Davis, JTNews Correspondent
Naming it “Magneev,” a Hebrew slang word meaning “great,” co-owners Deborah Simonds and Judy Willson have high expectations for their new Judaica store at the Stroum Jewish Community Center on Mercer Island. The shop opens Nov. 2.
The two are leasing 500 square feet of the Polack Lounge, which they have remodeled to add a storefront window. They hope to offer a large variety of unique Jewish gifts.
“Our collections will feature funky and eclectic products, including a vast children’s section, distinctive jewelry, exceptional art and ceremonial items,” said Simonds.
The store will offer an extensive selection of art from Israeli, national, international and local artists. Simonds and Willson are making a point of learning each artist’s story to add a personal touch to the art they will be selling.
“We’re working with a lot of local artists,” said Simonds. “We’re very committed to the community in that way.”
Simonds, originally from Brookline, Mass., has lived in the Seattle area for about seven years. She has a strong sales and marketing background from founding The Career Group, her business in Massachusetts. Simonds approached Willson several months ago about starting a Judaica store at the JCC. The pair, both of whom are JCC members, met bringing their children to the preschool.
Willson has a 14-year retail background from working at Nordstrom. She is a founding member of Nordstrom Direct, now Nordstrom.com.
“I was very excited,” said Willson about Simonds’ proposition. While they would have located elsewhere had the JCC not been amenable to renting the space, the center was their first choice.
“We’re very happy to be renting from the ‘J,’” Simonds said.
Community members are already buzzing about the store, giving the owners an opportunity to get to know their potential customers.
“People are really excited about it,” said Simonds, adding that she has heard from many in the local Jewish community that there has been a great need for a store such as this.
More than 100 artists will have their works on display at the store when it opens. Local artists Sheela (a card designer), Shelly Brack (a local ceramicist) and Sophie Solomon (a fashion designer of children’s clothes) will have their art for sale, as well as local artist Wielke Light, who makes her artistic debut at Magneev. Art by East Coasters Linda Rubin, who creates what she calls “jewelry for the home,” and Judaica artist Emily Rosenfeld will also be for sale, in addition to ceramics by Wynter Rosen of Canada.
“We feel our customers are committed to and are interested in Jewish culture,” Simonds said. “We want to empower our customers by creating an atmosphere of dynamic and vibrant Jewish culture in a retail setting. In an effort to enhance the celebration of the Jewish holidays, events and lifecycles, we have and will continue to search for and design unique Jewish gifts.”
When it opens, the store will concentrate on Hanukkah gifts. The owners have been working on stocking the store for the past six months. In preparation for opening the store, they went to a gift show together in New York in August to find unusual gifts and to connect with artists.
“It’s been a very positive experience,” said Willson. “And we’re not even open yet,” Simonds agreed.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity for us and the community,” Simonds added.
Magneev opens on Nov. 2 at the Stroum Jewish Community Center, 3801 E Mercer Way, Mercer Island. Contact 206-849-8641, [email protected] or [email protected], or visit their Web site at www.magneev.com.