NOVEMBER 14 • 2019 | 59
Fashion Mainstay
Online shopping hasn’
t hurt this bricks-and-mortar
retailer in West Bloomfi
eld.
F
ashion industry trends
change at the speed of light,
but there is one local con-
stant force — Harold Rothenberg,
owner of Hersh’
s Inc., the fami-
ly-run, luxury women’
s boutique
located at The Boardwalk in West
Bloomfield.
Rothenberg founded the cloth-
ing store in 1984 and has been
a permanent fashion influencer
in his store every day since.
“Our boutique brings in unique
clothing for our clientele, not
available in department stores
and other retailers,” Rothenberg, 59,
of Farmington Hills, says. “We make
sure women shopping with us are
getting exactly what they are looking
for — even if we have to go online to
do a special order. And, more impor-
tantly, we treat every woman who walks
through our door like a best friend.”
Rothenberg says that some of his
loyal customers come in often to visit
with him and his staff, which includes
his wife, Caryn, 59, and daughter
Jessica Friedman, 30. “It’
s a place to kib-
Partnering with another organization, The
Shirt Box collected donated bicycles for
Back Alley Bikes, a repair shop that fixed
them for distribution to needy children by
the Neighborhood Service Organization.
He has hosted three auctions of artist-
designed shirts and vests at The Shirt Box
with proceeds going to charity. In addition,
Elkus has been involved with JARC for 30
years, formerly serving as board president.
He has also been active with MSU Hillel.
In 1992, Elkus was recognized by the
Jewish News for his acts of kindness as a
“Mitzvah Hero.”
Elkus plans to continue volunteer
service, including work with the elderly
and at Freedom House, after retiring. In
addition, he wants to travel more and help
some friends with their small businesses.
There are a few possible buyers for The
Shirt Box. However, its employees have
secured other jobs and a clearance sale is
planned for January.
“I’
ll miss the relationships, the
socialization. People become part of
your family. These 38 years have been a
blessing,” Elkus says.
SUSAN PECK SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH NEWS
Harold
Rothenberg
DERRICK MARTINEZ
continued on page 60
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