I Miss Fortunoff's

Because I had grown up in Westchester, and my only experience with Long Islanders was with people who referred to it as Lawwng Eyelind, I was skeptical when I realized that moving there was non-negotiable with my husband.

But when he drove me around Garden City I thought okay—yes—this place is much more than acceptable. I am definitely not surrendering an accustomed lifestyle.

And one of the things that put Garden City over the top for me (aside from A & S,  Lord and Taylor, Saks and Bloomingdales lining Franklin Avenue) was the proximity to Fortunoff’s—a store not accessible to me in Westchester.

I loved Fortunoff’s. I could spend days in there. It was the source. And it wasn’t just the variety or the quality of the jewelry or tablecloths or lighting fixtures or crystal and linens, it was the experience and the presentation of the merchandise. Even a five dollar glass dish could be wrapped (for free) to look like a million dollars.

It was my go-to store for baby and wedding gifts.

There was no store like it.

And a few weeks ago my daughter called and was in need of a hostess gift—she was spending the weekend at friend’s summer house in South Carolina. My daughter inquired where she should go and what she should buy.

I had no idea. And while I sent her to Bloomingdales—she had trouble getting the service she deserved.  And the wrapping and presentation was not equal to the gift’s worth.

 It just wasn’t like Fortunoff’s.

And even though the backyard store has returned and there is the Fortunoff’s online jewelry store—it is not the same. There is no store anymore. There is no other single place one can shop and find such a vast variety of both high end and low end home goods and jewelry. 

And to this day when I bump into friends and relatives from Westchester who suspiciously inquire what Garden City is like I often say it is much like Rye, New York—only way more Caucasian with way fewer non-Christians and no children whatsoever who receive free lunch or speak a foreign language. It’s a lovely town with lovely people and I am proud to say that I live here.