Netef Gallery Prepares to Close
After two and a half years, Netef Gallery will close by the end of the month.
Guy Netef is looking forward to moving to Israel with his family next summer. For Netef, his wife and three school-aged children, the move will be a return to the homeland they left 10 years ago when they moved to Millburn. It will also mean closing the doors to Netef Gallery, the quaint jewelry boutique they opened two years ago on Main Street.
"We have great customers here, made a lot of friends in town and it was a wonderful experience all together," said Netef, as he continued to assist customers.
In 2002, the Netefs started a wholesale jewelry business featuring the work of Israeli designers, expanding to a storefront six years later. Netef has befriended many of his loyal clients. And so, while excited for the move, it is not without a bit of nostalgia that the Netefs are packing up the store this month, preparing to close the doors by the end of December.
"We've worked together seven years," said store employee Judy Schneider. "We're like brother and sister, and our customers have become our good friends."
Netef is hoping there won't be too much left to pack by the end of the on-going liquidation sale, purposely timed to coincide with holiday shopping. Last week four customers filled the small boutique, slowly browsing the overflowing displays of sterling silver, gold and stone necklaces, earrings, rings and pins.
But the discounted jewelry—some marked down as much as 75 percent—is not the only thing up for grabs. As an incentive, Netef is offering a closing sweepstakes.
Patrons earn points for stopping by and for purchases, all tallied on leader boards hung throughout the store. There are days when double and triple points are offered, but everyone must stop by to find out if it's a bonus day. The customers with the highest point totals will win one of 10 prizes. The top prize is a flat-screen television and others include a portable DVD player, digital camera and a laptop.
Those who do not have a chance to take advantage of the liquidation sale or to stop by and say goodbye need not worry.
"We will continue the wholesale business and to service our clients over the web from Israel," promises Netef.
While it will be tough to close the doors on the final day, the Netefs know it is time. "We are very excitied, absolutely very excited. We had a wonderful experience here in America, but it's time to go back home," he said.
jeannie sweeny
8:16 pm on Monday, October 22, 2012
Omg. ! I'm so sad to see u closed! Also I'm sure it is something you wanted to do , so it must be bittersweet...:). My name is Jeannie and my boutique was treasure trove..you're jewelry was incredible..I pulled out your info ready to place an order. Realizing u had moved..I have started a new business and would be honored to retail your jewelry..please let me know if this is possible! Thank u. Jeanniesweeny3@gmail.com