By Brian Cahill
When I joined the Shore Medical Center team, the hospital was preparing for its first “A Cause to Celebrate” gala to raise money for patient care initiatives. Like many organizations, Shore was looking for compelling items to include in its auction. So naturally, we approached one of Somers Point’s most prestigious retailers, Bernie Robbins Jewelers, to see if they would support our efforts.
Harvey Rovinsky, who owns Bernie Robbins with his wife Madalyn (affectionately known as Maddy), agreed to a meeting at his store in Somers Point and invited us over. He quickly explained that of course he could support the hospital, as he has been doing for many years, and will continue to do so.
You see, Harvey has never been one for the short term. Everything he does is about long-term relationships: He’s owned Bernie Robbins for the past 57 years with his wife Maddy; Many employees have been with them for more than 20 and 30 years; They are committed supporting non-profits like Shore; and of course having countless of repeat and satisfied customers.
Harvey and Maddy recently announced their retirement, and in typical fashion, they decided to celebrate with those of whom they’ve come to know and love for years. When I asked him, “who will take over the store and if it will stay under the Bernie Robbins name,” he gave me a great answer.
“When we made the decision to retire, Maddy and I looked at many potential possibilities, but the answer was right in front of us,” said Harvey. “So, we are transitioning the business to our leaders in our staff who have been with us for many decades.They value the legacy of Maddy’s parents Bernie and Lorraine Rosenberg, who founded the business. Under the new owners, the name Bernie Robbins will continue to remain an industry icon.”
Then he told me something rarely heard in situations like this. “We want the new owners to start their business debt free,” Rovinsky added. “So, we are hosting an unbelievable sale offering our entire inventory of exclusive jewelry and timepieces at dramatically discounted prices – up to 60% off! It’s a way to generate cash to eliminate debt and to help ensure they have a solid foundation.”
Harvey said that this unprecedented sale is also a way to thank their customers. “With up to 60% off, we hope our customers will take advantage of this opportunity to buy the jewelry they have always dreamed of buying for a loved one or even forthemselves.”
He left me with a final thought: “Many life-long memories, from engagement rings to holiday gifts, are born from items purchase at Bernie Robbins, and Maddy and I have loved being in the memory-making business.”
Words perfectly fitting for a man whose long-term, relationship-minded philosophy has guided him every step of the way.
Now open seven days a week, the store hours during the Bernie Robbins Retirement Sale are Monday through Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Extended Holiday hours starting Thurs, December 14 thru Friday, December 22, open until 7pm (M-F). For more info, call 609.927.4848 or visit www.bernierobbins.com.
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Brian Cahill is the Director of Marketing for Shore Medical Center and Shore Physicians Group. He is also on the Board of the Somers Point Business Association and is an Adjunct Professor in the School of Business at Stockton University.
