Wiss will use the new section to display merchandise, most of which is brand new to their stock. It includes lamps, handbags, radios, gifts and occasional furniture, ranging from the popular-priced articles to choice pieces. Actually the wing will be in two parts, the first off West Park for gifts, and the second a special display room for china and glass. The appointments will be of the latest modernistic designs and among the features will be a daylight lighting system. A lounge will be provided at the rear of the wing.
Innovations include a show window of invisible glass, which Wiss announces is the first to be installed in the city. There is no reflection from such glass and an unobstructed view of the interior is thus obtained.
Where the wing adjoins the Broad street store are located the offices and a gemological laboratory. The laboratory is one of the few in this country, and is completely equipped with all the instruments necessary for unknown gem identification. Jerome B. Wiss, president, is a certified gemologist, that title being the highest in the field of gem study. He is one of 50 such authorities in this country.
The Wiss store was established by Jacob Wiss in 1848 when the young Swiss, an instrument maker, opened a shop and shear factory at 26 Bank street, Newark. Since then the business has been expanded and moved to various locations on Broad street by Louis T. Wiss and Frederick C. J. Wiss, sons of the founder. The present head of the business, Jerome B. Wiss, is the son of Louis T. and the grandson of the founder.
Jerome Wiss not only heads the store, but is also president of the Board Street Association, treasurer of the Newark Chamber of Commerce, and is active in many educational and charitable organizations in North Jersey.