Oct. 15, 2002 – The Crystal Shoppe will soon take over the crystal and china department inside the A.H. Riise Store on St. Thomas previously occupied by Little Switzerland.
Crystal Shoppe owner Dick Puig said he expects to open in time for the Christmas shopping season. He said the area is in the midst of renovations.
Puig declined to indicate the length of his lease on the approximately 3,200 square feet of space, but said he expected to be at the site for "quite a number of years."
He cited several reasons for expanding the Crystal Shoppe's operations. The family-owned company also has stores at 1 and 14 Main St.
Puig said the A.H. Riise store's large space will allow for displays and "other things," including presenting the merchandise in a less crowded manner that will have a positive effect on business.
Additionally, moving into the A.H. Riise spot eliminates competition from that store.
"We have faith that St. Thomas will continue to be an important part of the Caribbean shopping experience," Puig said.
The store inside A.H. Riise will include three separate boutiques – one for Waterford, one for Swarovski and one for LLadro. Puig said it will also carry china.
Jim Eilen, A.H. Riise's director of retail merchandising, said the change in tenants provided an opportunity to do needed upkeep, adding that the building is about 150 years old.
Eilen said the renovations are in keeping with the historical character of the building. "It enhances and brings out the old world flavor of the space," he said.
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