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The Hannoush Family

The vision of America as the land of opportunity where determination and hard work can lead to success has been made a reality by, not just one entrepreneur, but an entire family with a shared goal.  From the first store, which opened in the Fairfield Mall in September 1980, Hannoush Jewelers has grown to more than 70 corporate or franchised stores in 15 states, with total sales well over $100 million, and a manufacturing center in Canada, all run from headquarters in West Springfield, Massachusetts.

The Hannoush success story began in 1971 when Abdullah Hannoush brought his family to America from Zaleh, Lebanon.  The two eldest brothers asked their father if they could emigrate to the United States.  Abdullah agreed, but on one condition - the entire family would go.  With an aunt to sponsor them, the family settled in America before civil war gripped their home country four years later.

Life in the new country was difficult at first, and Abdullah and his wife Suhad each worked two jobs to support the children.  The older brothers had been jewelry apprentices in Lebanon, and found jobs with a jewelry company in Springfield.  Later they opened their own jewelry repair shop, and finally the family pooled their savings to open the Chicopee store. 

The next store was opened in Holyoke.  As the entire family became proficient in the jewelry trade, they gradually opened more stores, and each brother subsequently gained management experience.

From their small beginning to the present day, the family has prided themselves on the fact that the company makes its own jewelry, buying gold and importing diamonds before designing and casting the jewelry.  This allows them to personalize their offerings to their customers, to maintain absolute quality control, and to maintain high value in their pricing.  Hannoush is now the largest privately-held jewelry retailer in New England, and the 11th largest jewelry chain in the country.

The family plans to continue to expand, particularly in the Northeast where name recognition is strong.  A key to their success in the franchising area, started seven years ago, is selecting the right individuals run the stores, maintaining the Hannoush consistency in both product and service.

The brothers all have an equal say in company plans and management; now the second generation of the family is working in this very entrepreneurial business. We are pleased to welcome the Hannoush family into the Western Massachusetts Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame.