Max & Clara Fortunoff
Founded: 1922, Brooklyn, New York
1922 Opened a neighborhood housewares store. Between 1922-1956 8 more stores were opened. 1957 Jewelry and watches added to the store by Alan Fortunoff’s (son) wife Helen. 1964 stores moved from Brooklyn to a Superstore in Westbury, Long Island. This store became a Shopping Mecca and in the 1970s specialty jewelry stores were opened in Manhattan and Paramus, New Jersey. In the 1980s 3 full line stores were opened. 1999 website and online bridal registry launched. 2001 Fortunoff Backyard Stores opened. 2003 opened in White Plains, New York. 2005 Company sold by Fortunoff and Mayrock families to 2 private equity firms. 2008 company files chapter 11. 2009 Fortunoff family re-acquires company. 2010-2014 Backyard store reopens in several locations and fine jewelry opens a physical store in Westbury. 2021 fine jewelry store closes to focus on online sales only. Still Operating.