Joseph, which is celebrating its 85th anniversary this year, recently completed a sleek renovation that matches the feel of the high-end women’s goods the store specializes in.
The merchandise Joseph carries attracts career women, stay-at-home moms, folks from out of town and fashionistas. Elle Wurzburg, daughter of Barrie Wurzburg, the co-owner and president of Joseph, says their customers, who span generations, are known to come to the boutique to just hang out and visit, referring to them as “family.”
Because the store has always been on the cutting edge of fashion and design, it makes sense that they wanted to stay updated with the look of their retail space. In doing so, they spruced up the store, offering shoppers a fresh experience with new carpet, new paint, new ceiling tiles, updated lighting and a newly remodeled spa room.
Longtime customers can expect the same fantastic store with the same excellent service, only now with a fresh look that’s both bright and dazzling. Joseph’s appearance is airy, clean and modern, with its formerly yellow palette now white. New customers can wander into the store to experience the best fashion finds handpicked from all over the world that now stand out against the updated aesthetic.
A BRIEF HISTORY
The company began as Wexner Brothers. Then Hugh Jacobson, Philip Jacobson’s grandfather, joined Alfred Wexner in the business, and it became Wexner and Jacobson. At that point, the company leased shoe departments in specialty stores. The business built a reputation for carrying a wide range of widths and knowing the shoe business better than department stores. In the ’80s Alfred Wexner became president of the National Shoe Retailers Association. The company eventually bought the Joseph name from a former Chicago retailer, and at one point they had 38 points of distribution, between the Joseph stores and leased departments.
JOSEPH TODAY
Today, there are three locations: The flagship store in Memphis, another in Houston and a leased department store a few hours away in Jackson, MS. The Memphis location is located in the Laurelwood Shopping Center at 418 S. Grove Park Road.
Barrie Wurzburg helped the company evolve into the specialty business it is today. As mentioned previously, Joseph has always been admired for its ability to cherry pick the best in designer women’s apparel, accessories and shoes. Joseph carries luxury designer shoes, handbags, apparel, jewelry and cosmetics, with brands such as Christian Louboutin, Valentino, Stuart Weitzman, Jimmy Choo, Manolo Blahnik, Diane von Furstenberg, Missoni, Tory Burch, Brian Atwood and Miu Miu. Cosmetic lines carried at the store include La Mer, Laura Mercier, Bobbi Brown and Yves Saint Laurent.
Metro Construction, architect Christopher Schmidt and interior designer Ann Parker completed the renovations for the boutique in about six weeks. The Joseph team worked around the renovation, so the store could remain open throughout the entire process. Today, it’s a fresh new look for all who shop there. Stop by and see for yourself!
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