The first store is expected to open November 1st at Sierra Vista Mall in Clovis, in the same building it once occupied. Former company chairman Joe Levy says it's sort of like the phoenix rising from the ashes. Shoppers are looking forward to having a Gottschalk store back in business.
Instead of enjoying retirement the 78-year-old Levy hatched a plan to re-package a storied Valley brand -- Gottschalk by Joe Levy. Levy said, "We sort of put our toe in the water and we're getting started now to see where it makes sense to bring this company back to life."
Levy says the new Gottschalk era will begin in Clovis but two other stores could also open in November. Levy explained, "We've already had indications from Oakhurst and Auburn by the developers wanting us."
Levy says his management team has been able to raise venture capital and a group in New York has also expressed interest.
New CEO Bob Wiser has been with the company for 23 years. Wiser said, "It was something so special I couldn't see it leaving Fresno."
Gottschalks' most public figures put on a brave face during bankruptcy proceedings a year ago. Now Joe and Sharon Levy celebrate a new beginning.
Sharon Levy, a former Gottschalks board member, said, "Closing doors on many, many lives and now here we are. I guess it's that old adage, from day to day you just don't know what will happen next."
Joe Levy added, "I attended the weekly meetings of our associates who were out of work and felt for them, cried with them and always wanted to see what we could do to bring things back."
Levy would also like to re-open a store in Fresno.
