Mar 16, 2011

Stone Market Opens First US Retail Store At Hollywood & Highland Center

(Hollywood, CA) – International gem designer, manufacturer and retailer, Stone Market opens their first United States location at the prominent Hollywood & Highland Center on March 16, 2011. The 319-square-foot store, offers a collection of stylish jewelry and accessories. The store will be located on the Second Level near Aveda.

Selling gem and natural stones, as well as silver accessories, Stone Market brings an array of selections to the west coast fashionable consumer. The minerals, hand selected from around the world, accompany anyone’s wardrobe matching affordability with beauty. With over 100 retail outlets in Japan, they are now considered to be the front-runner in providing fashionistas with accessories that are both attractive and timeless.

Manufacturing over 20,000 items, Stone Market products are tailored for every generational figure and style ranging from trend setting to the uniquely standard. Their goal is to share the passion for stones with Los Angeles and to open more U.S. retail stores.

Stone Market helps build schools with “Happy Power Stone” products. As part of their efforts toward being socially conscious, proceeds from this product line are used to build and operate schools in poverty-stricken countries like Thailand. In 2008, Stone Market partnered with Room to Read, a non-profit organization dedicated to eradicating world poverty through the power of education, to help deprived kids receive an equal opportunity to obtain a solid education.

On March 16, the media is invited to the exclusive grand opening celebration of Stone Market at Voyeur located at 7969 Santa Monica Boulevard, West Hollywood, CA at 7pm. Two Japanese television networks will simulcast throughout the evening highlighting Stone Market’s global business and its first U.S. location while showcasing their products at the venue.

About Hollywood & Highland Center: Situated on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in one of the country’s most densely populated markets, Hollywood & Highland Center attracts over 18 million visitors per year. At this one-of-a-kind, high profile destination, the best in retail, fine dining and unique entertainment venues comes together with the vibrant world of today’s Hollywood.

Featuring the historic Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, an incomparable view of the Hollywood sign and the world renowned Kodak Theatre, the center is a hot spot for locals as well as a “must see” destination for international visitors. The center features over 60 top retailers, nine of L.A.’s finest restaurants, Grauman’s Chinese 6 Cinemas, popular nightclubs and Lucky Strike Lanes, a high tech and trendy bowling alley/nightclub.

The notable center houses an eclectic mix of stores and restaurants including: XXI Forever, Louis Vuitton, Oakley, Guess, Lucky Brand Jeans, BCBGMAXAZRIA, The Grill on Hollywood, Trastevere Ristorante Italiano, California Pizza Kitchen, Sephora and Victoria’s Secret as well as many other popular shopping and dining options. Recent additions include: Crumbs Bake Shop, Hard Rock Cafe and Rolling Stone L.A., the world’s first Rolling Stone branded restaurant and lounge.

Visitors can stroll along the center’s Award’s Walk, the same path that the stars take on Oscar® night to enter the Kodak Theatre. The impressive art deco inspired walkway is lined with plaques commemorating each of the Academy’s Best Picture winners since 1929. The Kodak Theatre offers a guided tour offering guests a chance to view the beautiful five-level theatre lobby, the grand spiral staircase and the Eastman Kodak room where they’ll get an up-close view of a real Oscar. Guests also have the opportunity to stand on the stage and look out into the auditorium where large photo cards mark the seats where famous stars sat during the last Academy Awards® ceremony. Next, they travel through Winner’s Walk, the corridor that the honored stars take from the stage to the press room. The corridor is lined with a historical collection of photos featuring winners posing with their Oscars. The tour also features a display of the elegant table settings, furniture and décor used at the exclusive Governor’s Ball following the awards ceremony.

Just steps away from Hollywood & Highland Center along the famed Hollywood Boulevard, visitors can take in a movie at Disney’s historic El Capitan Theatre, watch a taping of the Jimmy Kimmel show or marvel at wax replicas of Hollywood stars at Madame Tussaud’s Hollywood wax museum. Stores and restaurants on the boulevard include Geisha House, Loteria, Zara, H&M, American Apparel and more.

The Hollywood Walk of Fame, one of the city’s most visited attractions, encompasses five acres of bronze stars featuring the names of famous personalities from Motion Pictures, Television, Radio or Live Theatre. The Hollywood Sign, created in 1923, now an internationally recognized symbol and landmark is best viewed from the bridge on the 3rd and 4th levels of the Hollywood & Highland Center.

The center serves as a central hub for all Hollywood activity, providing Hollywood’s best value in parking for popular venues like the El Capitan Theatre and The Jimmy Kimmel Show. Shuttle service to the Hollywood Bowl is available and the center’s wide selection of popular eateries, offers many convenient options for before or after show dining. The MTA Red Line’s Hollywood/Highland subway station is beneath the center, while ample parking is easily accessible from Highland Avenue and Orange Avenue.

The parking fee is only $2.00 for four hours with validation from shops, restaurants, cinemas and nightclubs. Directions and shuttle schedules are available at www.HollywoodandHighland.com.

The center’s award-winning, Renaissance Hollywood Hotel & Spa features the elegant, chic and state-of-the-art Spa Luce along with 640 sumptuously appointed rooms, including 33 luxury suites.

The Grand Ballroom located on the fifth level of the center is operated by famous chef and restaurateur, Wolfgang Puck. The popular venue draws A-list events, parties and conventions. Most notably, it is the site of the exclusive Governor’s Ball, following the Academy Awards® ceremonies each year.