An exclusive store preview was recently held on Nov. 1 at the Lord & Taylor store in Manhasset, which has been under renovation and will launch its grand reveal this holiday season on Dec. 7 and 8. Members of the media were invited to an intimate breakfast with Lord & Taylor President Vanessa LeFebvre, who showcased some of the store’s new features and provided a behind-the-scenes tour of some of the still in-development locations.
“We are proud to be a part of the Manhasset community that has been serving many generations for the past 77 years,” said Georgia Dandolos, general manager of the Manhasset Lord & Taylor. A few days earlier, Dandolos hosted a special breakfast for hometown heroes.
It was with that sentiment in mind that she invited the heroes that are the core of this community to a special Community Breakfast on Oct. 27. The store was filled with supporters honoring 15 heroes of the local community who are the fiber and backbone of the community. 
Honorees came from all walks of life including police officers, a fireman, publishers, chamber of commerce representatives, doctors, teachers, local organizations and research. Manhasset resident Frank Coughlin was recognized for his work with Nassau County PAL; Katie Miller was recognized for her work with the Manhasset Chamber of Commerce as well as the Coalition For A Safer Manhasset. Dr. Jason Naidich and Alex Tiven were recognized for their work with Northwell Health. Alyssa Noelle Pitaluga, a teacher at St. Mary’s School Manhasset, Martha Tina Henderson, The Josephine Foundation, Angela Lostritto, Manhasset Rotary Club, Jeff Stone, Lt Governor of LI Kiwanis Club North Division and Joanna Phillips of St. Jude’s Research were acknowledged for their service with children and the community. Police officers Joseph Nakelski of Port Washington and Richard Piscitelle of Manhasset, along with MLFD First Lieutenant Alan Graggosia were recognized for their efforts in keeping the community safe. Nadine Grindell from North Shore Animal League and publisher Victoria Schneps-Yunis of Schneps Communications rounded out the honorees of the breakfast.
LeFebvre had an opportunity to address the community and speak a bit about what is ahead for the retailer. Lord & Taylor was a part of LeFebvre’s growing up. She described visiting the store with her grandmother. She also started her retail career as an assistant buyer in the chain. LeFebvre brought one of her three adorable daughters with her to the breakfast, acknowledging that her efforts to run the store will provide continuity for generations to come. LeFebvre was brought in earlier in 2018 by the Hudson Bay Company, a Canadian retailer that owns Lord & Taylor, Saks Fifth Avenue, Saks OFF Fifth, Hudson’s Bay and Home Outfitters. A full scale interview with LeFebvre outlining her strategy and ideas will be in an upcoming edition of the Manhasset Press.
The event was held in the newly built atrium and was catered by delicious treats from Sarabeth’s Restaurant.
This premier location, which was the first for the chain, opened in 1941. The store has undergone a renovation and expansion practically doubling the size of the original footprint to 122,000 square feet. The construction of the project began in January 2016 under the guidance of then-president Liz Rodwell. LeFebvre had developed a successful career at Macy’s and the online retailer Stitch Fix.
There will be more insights to come in next week’s article with LeFebvre.
