Decades-Old, Family-Owned Retailer Looking to the Future at Levin-Managed Property
Venus Jewelers, a long-time Somerset County destination retailer, has expanded into a brand-new shop and showroom at Rutgers Plaza. The family-owned and operated jeweler now occupies 5,700 square feet at the Franklin Township shopping center, nearly doubling the size of its operation there.
“When tenants grow and thrive it’s always exciting news,” said Ed Vasconcellos III, leasing representative with Levin Management Corporation, leasing and managing agent for Rutgers Plaza. “With this expansion,Venus Jewelers offers a modern, inviting store design with fresh new service and jewelry offerings – it’s simply a gorgeous space.”
The new store reflects Venus Jewelers’ commitment to quality and service. Its design aims to redefine the jewelry shopping experience, according to Dr. Peter Stavrianidis, principal owner.
“With 46 years of serving the community here at Rutgers Plaza, we are proud to be a trusted name in jewelry,” said Stavrianidis, who represents the business’ fourth generation along with his sister, Dora Fount. His son, Jason, carries on the family legacy as Venus Jewelers’ fifth generation. “The comfortable atmosphere we have created makes every customer feel like part of our extended family. Venus Jewelers is more than a business; it’s a legacy. Our reputation is built on craftsmanship, honesty and care – and these values are present in every part of our new store.”
The space features an open-concept showroom and coffee bar, dedicated bridal boutique providing an intimate setting for couples, private consultation rooms where patrons can discuss custom designs and explore collections without distraction, and a state-of-the-art, full-service jewelry repair shop. With its grand re-opening, Venus Jewelers also debuted a new curated collection of pieces featuring designs that are bold, modern and timelessly elegant.
Venus Jewelers draws customers from throughout the tri-state area and beyond. It has been recognized as“Best Jeweler” 10 years in a row in the Central Jersey Community's Choice Awards program.
Anchored by a high-volume Stop & Shop, the 266,000-square-foot Rutgers Plaza is located on Easton Avenue at Kennedy Boulevard. It serves a growing residential population of 277,000 people within a five-mile radius, drawing 1.6 million visitors per year, according to real-time traffic data from Placer.ai. The property also recently celebrated the opening of a newly built McDonald’s location. Additional tenants include Crunch Fitness, Dollar Tree, Moral’s Village Hot Pot, Chase Bank and Flame Kabob House, among others.
