Norman Lewis and wife Donna are the new owners of Tootsies
The big news that Norman and his lovely wife, Donna have made it official and purchased Tootsies from the Rosmarin family after six months of talks, was announced at the Women of Wardrobe (WOW) event at Tootsies on Wednesday evening. This event, Tootsies Summer Soire, which traditionally kicks off the party season in Houston was just the right place for such an announcement. To say the crowd was happy to hear the news is an understatement. The crowd was euphoric with excitement at the news that this Houston fashion institution was staying ‘in the family’ and locally based was the best news we could hear! So many of us worried about the possibility that it would be sold to some conglomerate who would permanently change the mystique that was Tootsies in our community!
Norman Lewis addressing the crowd at Tootsies/W.O.W. Summer Soire event at Tootsies
Norman Lewis has this to say about this major undertaking ………
“Tootsies has always been family-owned and it will continue to be family-owned. It’s important to our customers, the community and staff. I worked with Mickey on a day-to-day basis and have a good understanding of his vision and philosophy for Tootsies. That vision means the customers are at the heart of everything we do,” Lewis said.
For many of us, Tootsies has been our go-to luxury retail destination for all things fashion and for their philanthropic support for several decades. For me it was more than just a boutique that I shopped in, it was a place that was so comfortable where I felt like I was part of the family…. you know, the familiar song…..”where everybody knows your name” starting at the top down. Much of that was because it’s owner and founder was my life-long friend, Mickey Rosmarin, who we lost in 2016 but another significant part of that stemmed from Mickey’s working partnership with Norman Lewis who has been with Tootsies for 21 years and has held many titles, currently its CEO and President.Norman has had the tough job of keeping Tootsies together in the last couple of years……not an easy task but one that we are all grateful for.
Norman has remained committed to keeping the vision that the store was founded on intact…..one of awesome fashion, support of philanthropic causes that were important to our community and great customer service which Tootsies has always thrived on. Norman says he looks forward to partnering with his team to take Tootsies to even new heights!
Norman Lewis who officially became the owner on Thursday, August 16th was very much available to receive his due hugs and congratulations at the Recipe for Success event this week.
For me, personally, to Norman……Congrats and Thank you!