Venus Jewelers at 940 Easton Ave. in Somerset — Courtesy: Levin Management Corp.
By Joshua Burd
A jeweler has nearly doubled its footprint at a shopping center in Franklin Township, where it now occupies 5,700 square feet after a deal arranged by Levin Management Corp.
According to the leasing team, Venus Jewelers’ new space at Rutgers Plaza has an open-concept showroom and coffee bar, a dedicated bridal boutique to provide an intimate setting for couples and private consultation rooms where patrons can discuss custom designs and explore collections without distraction. It also has a modern, full-service jewelry repair shop at the expanded store on Easton Avenue, its home of more than 45 years.
Levin is the leasing and management agent for the Stop & Shop-anchored property, which spans 266,000 square feet in the township’s Somerset section.
“When tenants grow and thrive it’s always exciting news,” said Ed Vasconcellos III, a leasing representative with Levin. “With this expansion, Venus Jewelers offers a modern, inviting store design with fresh new service and jewelry offerings — it’s simply a gorgeous space.”
Led by Dr. Peter Stavrianidis, who represents the business’ fourth generation alongside his sister, Dora Fount, Venus Jewelers benefits from Rutgers Plaza’s presence at the intersection of Kennedy Boulevard. LMC noted that the property serves a growing residential population of 277,000 within a five-mile radius, drawing 1.6 million visitors per year, according to real-time traffic data from Placer.ai.
The property also recently welcomed a newly built McDonald’s location, while it’s home to additional tenants such as Crunch Fitness, Dollar Tree, Moral’s Village Hot Pot, Chase Bank and Flame Kabob House, among others.
“With 46 years of serving the community here at Rutgers Plaza, we are proud to be a trusted name in jewelry,” said Stavrianidis, whose son Jason represents Venus Jewelers’ fifth generation. “The comfortable atmosphere we have created makes every customer feel like part of our extended family. Venus Jewelers is more than a business; it’s a legacy. Our reputation is built on craftsmanship, honesty and care — and these values are present in every part of our new store.”
