After an impressive 70 years in the luxury retail market, the Lowenthal Outerwear Boutique in Virginia Beach will close its doors permanently on February 28, 2024. Owners Norman and Sheri Mellides have announced their retirement, marking the end of an era for a store that has become synonymous with high-quality designer furs in the Hampton Roads area.
Lowenthal’s has been a prominent name in the fur industry, offering a diverse range of products including mink, fox, sable, chinchilla, beaver, and shearling. The boutique has catered to a variety of clientele, providing warmth and luxury to countless customers throughout its history. Norman Mellides reflected on the decision, stating, “It’s come to a point where the story has to come to an end.”
The boutique has not only been a shopping destination but also a cultural landmark, attracting a range of celebrities and notable figures. Among its clientele are music icons Pharrell Williams and Timbaland, as well as Navy diver Carl Brashear and NFL stars Bruce Smith and Michael Jenkins.
From New York to Virginia Beach
The Mellideses moved to Virginia Beach in 2000, seeking a lifestyle change away from the fast-paced environment of New York City. They transitioned from the manufacturing side of the fur industry into retail, a shift that was inspired by Norman’s deep-rooted family history in the business. A third-generation furrier, he learned the craft from his father, who specialized in matching skins for mink coats. Sheri, a fashion school graduate from the Laboratory Institute of Merchandising in New York, complemented his expertise with her own background in high-end fashion.
Before establishing Lowenthal as it is known today, the business originally began in 1955 under the ownership of Julius Lowenthal, and was later taken over by Bert Lowenthal in 1969. Under Bert’s leadership, the store relocated several times, ultimately settling in a spacious 12,500-square-foot building in Virginia Beach in 1986. The establishment thrived, showcasing a vast selection of furs while also expanding to include leather outerwear and accessories from around the globe.
After Bert Lowenthal retired in 1997 and passed away in 2023 at the age of 99, the business saw a rebranding under former advertising executive Hugh Vaughan. The Mellideses later bought out Vaughan three years ago, continuing the boutique’s legacy while maintaining a commitment to quality and customer education.
Final Days and Lasting Memories
As the closure date approaches, the Mellideses encourage customers to retrieve any stored items, including coats, hats, and even wedding dresses, by January 31, 2024. The couple emphasized their dedication to providing expert knowledge about their products, ensuring that customers fully understand the value of their investments.
Longtime customers, such as Jamella Brown from Norfolk, fondly recall their experiences at Lowenthal’s. Brown purchased her first full-length mink coat from the boutique 40 years ago and now owns nine fur coats. “I have one for every occasion,” she said, expressing her sadness over the store’s impending closure.
The Mellideses’ decision to retire marks not just the end of a business but the conclusion of a significant chapter in the local retail landscape. As they prepare to step away from the shop, they leave behind a legacy of luxury, craftsmanship, and personal connections that have defined Lowenthal Outerwear Boutique for generations.
