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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