Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce and Firstrust Bank Present
Family Business Excellence Award to Jan’s Boutique (Cherry Hill) on Nov. 5
Philadelphia, PA – October 2009 – The Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce will present Jan’s Boutique as the 2010 Family Business of the Year award at the 27th Annual Excellence Awards Honoring the Region’s Small Businesses dinner on Thursday, November 5.
The Excellence Awards recognize exceptional achievements of entrepreneurs and the impact the small business community has on our regional economy.
The Family Business award category is proudly sponsored by Firstrust Bank, which will celebrate the accomplishments of Jan’s Boutique and nine other Excellence Award winners with the business community at the November 5 awards dinner at the Hyatt Regency at Penn’s Landing.
In addition, The Vanguard Group will receive the Visionary Award as a special tribute to an outstanding corporation that began as a small business and continues to contribute to the growth and success of our region.
While the winners’ business models may vary, they share a similar passion, determination and drive to succeed. Jan’s story is an excellent example of that formula.
As one of South Jersey’s finest women’s specialty apparel stores, Jan’s Boutique is a fashion oasis for women looking for the wow factor. For over 35 years, the company’s core customers, numbering in the thousands, have faithfully shopped at this unique and innovative store for four reasons: carefully selected name-brand designers, the largest inventory selection in the region, affordable to moderate prices, and stellar customer service.
Founder Janice M. Davis started her business in Burlington, NJ, with a $10,000 loan from the bank and a $5,000 loan from her father. She and her two young sons lived above the shop until moving to expanded space in Rancocas Woods in the ’80s and Marlton in the ’90s. Three years ago, they landed in a 6,000 sq. ft. store with 20 lavish dressing rooms in Cherry Hill, and are planning to double the space by next summer to become the largest of its kind on the East Coast.
With in-store and online selections offering thousands of options in styles, sizes and colors, they sell more evening and sportswear than any other independent family-run boutique in the Greater Philadelphia area. The business was built on one-on-one service to the mother-of-the-bride, broadening its appeal over the years to a wider market: prom girl to plus-size woman.
Their 10 full-time staff balloons to 30+ full- and part-time employees starting each winter for the traditional wedding/prom season. With 4,000 gowns and special occasion dresses in sizes 0 thru 28, their customers travel from as far as Virginia, Connecticut and upstate New York for a sophisticated look and shopping experience, haute couture designer wear, and prices ranging from $250 to $5,000.
After graduating from college in the mid-1990s, sons Paul and Peter Virilli found their own niche in the business they grew up around. Paul is the merchandizing/marketing engine and Peter manages the finances, while Jan still keeps a keen eye on the buying and is always highly visible on the sales floor to personally take care of all her customers.
To learn more about the Excellence Awards dinner and the 2010 winners, please visit greaterphilachamber.com or call 215-790-3654.
About the Excellence Awards Honoring the Region’s Small Businesses
Since 1982, the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce has presented the Excellence Awards Honoring the Region’s Small Businesses — the most esteemed honor bestowed on small businesses in Greater Philadelphia. Nominated by their peers throughout our 11-county region, the awards are presented in 10 categories: Small Business Person of the Year, Young Entrepreneur of the Year, Customer Service, Emerging, Family, Green, Manufacturer, Non-Profit, Retailer and Technological. The Chamber’s 5,000 member-company composition mirrors the general business community, with 85% represented by small businesses.
About the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce
As the premier advocate for the region’s business community, the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce works to attract, retain and grow jobs for companies and residents, promotes sound public policy, and offers outstanding programs and benefits. The Chamber represents 5,000 member companies in 11 counties across three states with one voice. Join us. greaterphilachamber.com
Contact:
Linda Brooke 215-790-3615 (cell 267-324-6759)
Mary Flannery 215-790-3813 (cell 215-900-6263)