Potpourri Closes After 50-Year Run
Julie Routenberg announced that Feb. 28 was the last day of store operations.
After 37 years with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and now with the AJT, , Jaffe’s focus is lifestyle, art, dining, fashion, and community events with emphasis on Jewish movers and shakers.
Julie Routenberg opened Potpourri in November 1976 on historic Roswell Square. The store experienced three different locations and eventually moved to Sandy Springs in 1985. In 1989, they opened a second location in Buckhead. Their merchandise featured sportswear, dresses, all accessories including handbags and jewelry. The target customer was 40 years and up.
Routenberg decided to close the store after almost 50 years on Feb. 28, as “it just seemed it was time.” Several opportunities to sell did not materialize. Routenberg said, “I loved the energy and creativity of the buying process and providing a place for customers to shop with a great mix of European and American designer apparel.”
Potpourri was known for modern style and indulgent personal service from Routenberg, Vicki Grosswald, and Phyllis Cohen. They were voted “Best of Atlanta” four times and honored with Hall of Fame status. They also won a DIVA Award for Specialty Retailer of the Year.
When asked if e-commerce contributed to the decision to close, Routenberg said, “There hasn’t been a big impact for Potpourri from Internet shopping. Potpourri customers wanted to see, touch, feel and try on pieces and want the input from the staff.”
To stock the store, Routenberg went to buying markets in New York, showrooms and four to five different apparel and accessory shows two to four times per year. She also attended the Atlanta Apparel shows and the Atlanta Gift shows every season. Some of the most memorable trends were “shoulder pads in everything, statement belts and power suits.”
Remembering Potpourri, Marsha Londe stated, “Thank you for a light, bright store filled with gorgeous clothing and the talent … in finding the perfect piece. I’m incredibly grateful to have had a place to shop where I feel good when I walk in and even better when I leave.”
Routenberg summarized, “The biggest reward of all came from loyal customers who became so much more — they have become friends. Potpourri was not just any store selling clothes, but a happy place where customers and staff have gathered to love, laugh, cry and support each other!”
Post-retirement, Routenberg commented, “I will definitely not be eating M&Ms and watching Netflix! Hobbies to be determined!”
comments