Have the Happiest of Holidays at Rookwood Commons & Pavilion

The busy holiday shopping season is in full swing. From frantic trips to massive malls to online shopping fiascos, getting the perfect presents for friends, family, and coworkers can be, well…stressful. 

Not at Rookwood Commons & Pavilion. 

Our shops make the holiday shopping experience simpler and more enjoyable for all. One visit is all you need to get a personal, thoughtful present for everyone on your list. 

At Rookwood, you can:

Give Good Health 

It’s no secret that our society is focusing on health more than ever before. Of course, “health” can be defined in many ways. For some, it’s a heart-pumping group fitness class. For others, it’s a delicious piece of dark chocolate at the end of a long day. At Rookwood, we have it all. 

Stop by Cyclebar for a class pack gift card. It’s a perfect push for self-care for both regular riders and newbies alike. Then, visit Maverick Chocolate for dark chocolate crafted in small batches with care. 

But our health-focused options don’t end there: 

• Whole Foods is the perfect place to find conscious – and delicious – gifts. 
• Churchill’s Fine Teas has every type of tea blend, from herbal to green and everything between. 
• Mitchell’s Salon & Day Spa brings indulgent beauty care in a range of expert services. 

Give Parent-Approved Presents 

Rather than add to a family’s clutter with new toys that will be left untouched shortly after receiving, give something the kids – and parents – will actually use. Our shops at Rookwood have more than the typical toy store. 

Joseph Beth Booksellers brings the love of reading to every child with books for every interest. For the more active children on your list, Recreational Equipment Inc (REI) is the best place to inspire outdoor activity of all types. 

The average parent will adore receiving clothes for their growing children. A few of our favorites include:  

• Carter’s, who brings cute and comfortable clothes to every kid. 
• Gap Baby and Gap Kids, who sells trendy attire for the most fashion-forward children. 
• Athleta, who promotes health and fitness to young girls with activity-oriented apparel. 

Give the Comfort of Home 

We’re so excited to welcome West Elm, our newest store, to Rookwood Commons and Pavilion. This luxurious home decor store has something for every room in the home and everyone on your list, from newlyweds to new homeowners. Yankee Candle, on the other hand, brings the same level of housewarming on a smaller scale for a cozy gift for all ages. 

For a more interactive, inspiring gift, head to Sur La Table. Not only do they have everything for the favorite room in the house, they also offer cooking classes to help ensure your gift recipients knows how to use their new kitchen tools. 

Give Glamour

For the most fashionable on your list, the shops at Rookwood Commons & Pavilion have a wide selection for beauty from head to toe. 

You can adorn your favorite fashionistas with age-appropriate accessories at Claire’s or special high-end jewelry at William Effler Jewelers. Then, complete the look at DSW for the best – and biggest – footwear selection.  

Individual style varies person to person. You can complete your loved one’s personalized look right in our shopping center: 

• TJ Maxx is the perfect spot to find on-trend, on-budget pieces. 
• Nordstrom Rack brings high-end designers at a price you can’t beat. 
• Motherhood Maternity has pieces that make expectant mamas feel beautiful at every stage. 

Give the Gift of Time 

No matter what type of presents a person asks for, we all can agree that time together is the greatest gift of all. We have a range of restaurants to please everyone’s tastes, from P.F. Chang’s to Buca di Beppo, J. Alexander’s to Buffalo Wild Wings. Whether as a gift card for future use or a scheduled gathering, bring your friends and family together for a meal at Rookwood Commons & Pavilion. 

You really can get it all here. 

With all these shops to choose from, don’t be surprised if you find a few things for yourself, too. Don’t forget to gift yourself while giving to others. 

Happy holiday shopping, Cincinnati!

It’s no surprise that the time between Thanksgiving and the New Year is the busiest shopping period of the year. As we all prepare for the rush of the holidays, it’s important to consider where, when, and how you’ll get it all done. Many of us plan to flock to Black Friday sales or wait patiently at our keyboards for Cyber Monday. But this year, we invite you to take part in Small Business Saturday. 

The annual Small Business Saturday shopping event offers more than just an opportunity to save money on holiday shopping. It’s a chance to support your community in the best possible way. 

With every purchase you make at a small shop, not only will you bring joy to your loved ones with a uniquely local gift, you’ll also support our Cincinnati community. In fact, according to grasshopper.com, when you spend $100 at a local business, nearly two-thirds will stay in our local community. That’s quite a big difference compared to shopping at a big-box store. When you spend the same amount at a national retailer, less than half will stay in the local community. 

Just like any other Cincinnatian, we at Rookwood Commons & Pavilion love our local businesses. So, in honor of Small Business Saturday, we’re highlighting three of our local businesses found right here in our shopping center.

Let’s start with the most delicious of them all: Maverick Chocolate Co. 

Maverick Chocolate Co. 

When you gift someone a Maverick chocolate bar, you give more than just a delicious treat. Every chocolate bar made in Cincinnati is crafted with care, using only the finest ingredients. Maverick Chocolate Co., aptly named for their independent and nonconformist ways, is a family owned and operated bean-to-bar craft chocolate company. 

You can visit their Rookwood location every Monday through Saturday from 10:00am to 9:00pm or Sundays from noon to 6:00pm. There, you can sample every chocolate bar before purchasing to find the best treat for every loved one. 

But, even better than samples alone are their daily tours, which gives an insider’s look to the day-to-day operation of a local chocolatier. Tours are free and available every Monday through Friday at 2:00pm. It’s on a first come, first serve basis, so if you want to get your entire family involved with a private tour, call 513-834-8369 or email sales@maverickchocolate.com. 

We recommend gifting your favorite chocolate bar (after sampling, of course) with a “coupon” for one tour. It’s sure to be a gift to remember. 

You can learn more about Maverick Chocolate Co. here.

Even more precious than handcrafted chocolate is handmade jewelry. Our favorite jeweler is our very own William Effler Jewelers. 

William Effler Jewelers

Our favorite local jeweler has been a Cincinnati staple since 1920. Founded by William and Clara Effler in Mt. Healthy, fourth-generation owners, Adam and Marianne, carry on the tradition of superior customer service and quality products in their Rookwood location. What began as a small mom-and-pop operation has grown to a full-service operation, which now includes two certified gemologist appraisers and two expert craftspeople on staff. 

In addition to their gorgeous designer jewelry, you can find an extensive selection of estate jewelry at great value, which came from the Elder Effler Gallery at their original Mt. Healthy location. And, we love how they make every piece of jewelry unique through engravings and custom design services. You can visit William Effler Jewelers every Tuesday through Saturday between 10:00am and 5:30pm. 

When you shop at William Effler, you experience more than an incredible selection. The family mission of serving clients with the “Golden Rule” continues into its 100-year anniversary. 

We recommend coming in the store to talk with the William Effler team directly. They can help you find the perfectpiece that will become a cherished family heirloom. 

Learn more about William Effler here. 

Last, but certainly not least, is our most “family-friendly” and “perfect hangout” spot: Joseph-Beth Booksellers. 

Joseph-Beth Booksellers 

In addition to the incredible range of books for all types of readers, Joseph-Beth Booksellers carries incredible one-of-a-kind gifts. More than a bookstore, Joseph-Beth Booksellers acts as a community hub in Rookwood Commons & Pavilion. Over the last 25 years, they’ve hosted more bestselling authors, public figures, and politicians than any other organization. 

You can browse for the best gifts every Monday through Thursday from 8:00am to 9:00pm, Fridays 8:00am to 10:00pm, or Sundays 9:00am to 8:00pm. Or, you can enjoy a delicious meal or warm coffee on weekdays, 7:30am to 9:00pm, and on weekends, 8:00am to 9:00pm.

We recommend reserving extra time when you visit Joseph-Beth Booksellers on small Business Saturday. Take your time to wind through every aisle to find the best book for everyone on your list before sipping freshly brewed coffee to re-energize for your all-day shopping excursion. 

Learn more about Joseph-Beth Booksellers here.

This year, Small Business Saturday is Saturday, November 30th. Many of our shops will have special sales all day long. We can’t wait to see you there!

West elm was born in Brooklyn in 2002. A branch of Williams-Sonoma, Inc., we’re focused on the intersection of modern design, affordability and community. Everything we sell – from sofas and tables to bedding and vases – is made with one goal in mind: to help our customers express their personal style at home and in the world.

We care about impact too. By designing over 90% of our products in – house, our design team has steadily increased our selection of organic, handcrafted, sustainably sourced and Fair Trade Certified products. There’s a story behind everything we sell – one that starts in Brooklyn and lives on with you.

On Wednesday, October 30^th Rookwood Commons & Pavilion will host a special Halloween-themed Stroll & Shop. No tricks here, just great sales and lots of fun! All ages and shoppers are welcome, because there’s something for everyone in your entire family, including free Rookwood Commons & Pavilion shopping bags as well as many of our shops’ exclusive sales and giveaways.  You won’t want to miss this free event, because these will be available only during the Stroll & Shop.

For all you smart shoppers out there, be sure to stop by Athleta and Yankee Candle.

Athleta will be offering discount cards to all guests for 20% off any item. You can walk out of the store with a fresh pair of joggers for more comfortable shopping during the rest of your Stroll & Shop fun. Be sure to put your name in their raffle for a $25 shop card for your next visit to Athleta Rookwood, too!

Yankee Candle will get you into the the seasonal spirit with their launch of new fall and winter candle scents. They’ll have a sampling table outside their Rookwood store for guests to experience their fresh fragrances firsthand. You’ll definitely want to stop inside their store, too. All guests will receive Halloween candy and a coupon for “buy 2, get 2 candles.”

For those that are looking for some fun mid-shopping trip, especially if you have busy and active kids, swing by Sur La Table and William Effler Jewelers.

Sur La Table will have your kids dreaming of becoming a chef when they grow up with a special fall-themed cookie decorating table. They’ll have everything from frosting to sprinkles, so your kids are sure to leave happy…and you will, too. Of course, if you’re just looking for a sweet treat without the prep work, still stop by. Sur La Table will have freshly decorated cookies prepared for you to simply indulge in and enjoy.

William Effler Jewelers, on the other hand, will be inspiring future jewelry designers with their costume bead necklace activity. Your kids will have so much fun creating their own jewelry that you can browse around the shop and buy a new necklace or pair of earrings. Of course, adults are encouraged to join in on the creative fun, too. This could be a perfect time to create your own trick-or-treat night accessory.

Not only will our stores be bringing all the fun for this Halloween-themed Stroll & Shop, the Cincinnati Circus, Norwood Fire Department, and Norwood Police Department will keep the kids entertained between your stops in each store.

The Cincinnati Circus will be bringing the best of their circus onsite. They will have everything from face painters for an on-the-spot, on-demand costume to entertaining jugglers for a family friendly show. The Norwood Fire Department will bring back their “Touch a Truck” to this month’s Stroll & Shop, while the Norwood Police Department will have a cruiser in our lot. Back by popular demand, this feature is always a crowd favorite for all ages.

Guests are encouraged to get into the holiday spirit. After all, it will be the day before Halloween.

Of course, if you are still in need of a costume, stop by newly opened Spirit Halloween who will also be participating in the event.

We hope to see each of you at the shops between 11:00am & 1:00pm on Wednesday, October 30^th. If you are able to attend, please share your photos with us. You can tag us on Facebook @Rookwood or Instagram @shoprookwood for a chance to be featured. We can’t wait to see all your happy Halloween faces!

WE’RE HIRING FOR THE HOLIDAYS!

Join our team and enjoy a 50% discount at our family of brands.* Apply below through the link:

https://corporate.gapinc.com/en-us/jobs/29/34/seasonal-brand-associate-rookwood-commons

ABOUT THE ROLE

As a Brand Associate, you’re an integral part of our team and bring our brand to life for our customers. You’re responsible for engaging and connecting with our customers by providing excellent customer service resulting in brand loyalty. You’re an expert in product and use your knowledge and experience to educate, inform, inspire and wardrobe the customer. Through collaboration with your leadership team, you’ll deliver a best-in-class customer experience using an omni-channel approach.

*Applicable to regular-priced merchandise at Gap, Banana Republic and Old Navy, 30% off at Outlet and 25% at Athleta.

It’s football season here in the Queen City. From the east side to the west side, the city is beginning to buzz with excitement and hope for the season. Can you feel it in the air?

It may not be the perfectly crisp, fall football weather just yet, but you can get everything you need to prepare for the season at Rookwood Commons & Pavilion.

Every fan needs top-notch gear to represent their team well. No matter if you’re rooting for the Bengals or Steelers, UC or UK, Xavier or Notre Dame, University of Dayton or Miami of Ohio, you’re sure to find something you (and your entire family) will love at Rally House. Make your way through row after row of apparel and accessories and you’ll discover everything from stadium-approved translucent purses with your team’s mascot to cozy blankets that are fit for your home viewing party. Even when it isn’t game day, you can prove your fandom every other day of the year with home décor and office-approved apparel at Rally House. Plus, their new location is even more convenient than before. Make sure to snag a fresh Starbucks coffee for the necessary pre-shopping trip caffeine boost.

Once you get your gear, you’ll be ready to catch the big game. While we agree that watching a football game live at one of our local stadiums is an experience unlike any other, in our (semi-biased) opinion, posting up at one of our restaurants is even better.

Here, you can watch multiple games at once, which is perfect for friend groups filled with a range of fans. And, for the biggest sports fans or fantasy football league fanatics, our bars and restaurants feature multiple televisions broadcasting the biggest games at the same time.

If you’d prefer to avoid the crowds, snag a seat at one of the great sports bars at both the Commons & Pavilion sides of Rookwood. No matter who you’re rooting for, they’ll keep you cool and comfortable with delicious tailgate-worthy food and drinks, without the stadium prices.

Our top three places to watch your team on (one of many) big screen(s) are:

Rusty Bucket

This Rookwood staple has been known for its excellent hospitality and friendly service for years. Here, you’ll avoid angry fans and instead be welcomed by an extensive bar menu and made-from-scratch meals.

Buffalo Wild Wings

Football and wings is a tradition we celebrate alongside good friends and plenty of napkins. The only thing more impressive than the wing selection at Buffalo Wild Wings might be the amount of televisions you can choose to watch.

BJs Brewhouse

The newest sports bar in our community is making a name for itself. This fan favorite is known for its pizza and beer selection. Don’t worry, you can invite your health-conscious friends, too. Their EnLIGHTened menu features a selection of low-calorie, superfoods, vegetarian and gluten-free options.

Even the best hosts and biggest homebodies can prep for the big game at Rookwood Commons & Pavilion. Stop by our favorite grocer: Whole Foods. They have everything you need to create a healthier at-home tailgate. Choose from classic favorites like deli meat trays and chips with guacamole or change things up with artisan cheeses and fresh veggies with dip. Our favorite? All the skewers. From chicken teriyaki to beet and goat cheese, skewers make the perfect (and more sanitary) game day snack.

Are you ready for the season to begin? Snap a pic of you and your fellow fans at your favorite Rookwood restaurant for a chance to be featured on our Facebook page. (Bonus points if you’re wearing you favorite new find from Rally House) Don’t forget to tag us!

Job Title: MIT/Manager in Training

Hours: Full Time

The Manager in Training position is an entry level Manager role for someone looking to further their career in Retail Management. MIT’s assist the Store Manager in sales objectives, customer service, employee relations management, payroll and operating expenses, loss prevention and merchandise presentation to achieve store goals. Managers in Training are in charge of keeping the sales floor presentable and delegating daily projects to Key Holders and Sales Associates. Candidates must be focused, nurturing, possess the ability to train others while maintaining an enthusiastic attitude, detail oriented and of course a sports fan.

Duties and Responsibilities

Sales: Proven ability to generate sales, add-on and develop and direct the sales team
Human Resources: Proven ability to interview, select and develop sales team
Client Service: Ability to function as a role model, ensuring that the client remains the top priority
Organization: Ability to organize, delegate, prioritize, meet deadlines and follow-up on all activities within the store
Leadership: Proven ability to challenge and motivate the management team and associates in an atmosphere of mutual respect
Merchandising: Knowledge of visual standards and techniques, and ability to implement and substitute within guidelines
Communication: Demonstration of strong verbal and written communication skills to store team, Operations Managers, District Manager, Corporate Office and Store Associates

Qualifications

1-2 years of retail clothing experience
1 year supervisory experience
Associates or Bachelor’s degree preferred
Excellent communication and analytical skills
Training and Coaching experience
Enthusiastic attitude, outgoing
Link to Apply: https://www.rallyhouse.com/careers

Rusty Bucket is hosting a Culinary Hiring Pop-Up for all restaurant locations companywide. Open interviews will be held for heart of the house positions, including chefs, line cooks and dishwashers, on August 10. Additionally, Rusty Bucket is offering a one-day only $200 culinary signing bonus (paid out after 90 days with the company), food samples and chances to win fun prizes.

CONTACT: Diane Hurd, Inspire PR Group, diane@inspireprgroup.com

Rusty Bucket Restaurant & Tavern to Host Culinary Hiring Pop-Up

Open interviews for all 23 Rusty Bucket locations will be held August 10

You might know her from “Toria with Traffic,” but we at Rookwood Commons & Pavilion know her as one of our top shoppers. We love seeing her stop by our shops and eateries regularly. Toria makes Rookwood Commons & Pavilion a part of her routine for all of her errands because it’s convenient and efficient. Her Q102 office is located right on Reading, so a quick stop after work is easy to make before heading home.

“I literally plan my day around my trip to Rookwood,” she said.

Toria enjoys visiting our beautiful east-side location, thanks to the ease that the I-71 North exit provides. She frequents Victoria’s Secret, Charming Charlie’s, and DSW, to name a few. But it’s the Nordstrom Rack that she shops at the most.

“You can get some really good deals on some great clothes,” she said. “And sometimes that gets me in trouble.”

Even though Rookwood isn’t in her neighborhood, Toria says it’s still the most convenient shopping center in the area.

“It’s a one-stop shop that doesn’t require me to walk the length of a typical indoor mall,” she said. “You can run in and run out, or easily drive down to the next store on cold [or lazy] days.”

She loves how easily accessible Rookwood is from every part of the Tri-State, including her newly built home in Northern Kentucky.

“I have much bigger closets I have to fill up now,” she said.

Even beyond her closet alone, Toria has come to Rookwood to fill every room in her new home. From Home Goods to Sur La Table to Bed Bath & Beyond, it’s been easy for her to furnish and decorate at this one convenient location. With her newfound space in her larger home, only Rookwood makes it easy for her to get what she needs in one quick trip. She loves her new home, but her local community doesn’t offer the shopping options she’s after.

“There’s no outdoor malls, but there are plenty of strip malls,” she said. “Really, the only shopping I do in my neighborhood regularly is for groceries.”

Toria says she chooses Rookwood for the open-air walkability and its expansive selection of high-end retailers.

“Plus, at Rookwood, you’re not restricted to just one restaurant or mall food,” she said.

This one stop shop has helped her find things for others, too. She’s able to get the perfect gifts for every occasion, from the sentimental card at Hallmark’s to the most delicious, locally made sweets at Maverick Chocolates, and has helped her stay consistent during her health kicks with wellness-conscious spots like Whole Foods, First Watch, and Athleta.

Most might assume that with all these options, both the Commons & Pavilion might get a bit overcrowded, but Toria says there’s always space for every visitor because of the amount of shops and restaurants to choose from.

“Even on a Friday or Saturday night, it isn’t overwhelming,” she says. “Jon and I can usually walk right into The Pub with no issue because there are so many options available.”

We’re so glad Toria is a part of our Rookwood community. Why do you choose Rookwood? Let us know in the comments below!

Get to Know Rookwood Commons & Pavilion

Rookwood Commons & Pavilion has been a part of the Norwood Community for nearly two decades. The 20-plus-acre site is a shopper’s staple and is home to foodies’ favorites. Whether grabbing a quick coffee or staying for an extended brunch, shopping for last-minute gifts or leisurely window-shopping, there’s truly something for everyone here.

There are countless things we love about both the Commons & Pavilion – the open-air strolls, the local community, the retail options – we could go on and on…and on. But we’ve narrowed it down to just three of our favorites things.

Even if you visit regularly, you might be surprised to learn that:

1. Rookwood Commons & Pavilion is home to more than 70 shops and restaurants.
We are proud to offer an abundance of stores and eateries, but you won’t find standard fast food restaurants or basic big-box stores here. Instead, we are home to local favorites and well-known national brands alike.

Our community offers a uniquely exclusive selection, including the sole Cincinnati location of Soft Surroundings, the only local Nordstrom Rack, and the only Maverick Chocolates outside of the Findlay Market flagship.

With stores like Athleta, Victoria’s Secret, and Yankee Candle, you can skip the inconvenience of a large, indoor shopping mall and instead enjoy open-air strolls between shopping and dining. Plus, in just a few weeks, you’ll even be able to swing by Bath & Body Works on your visit. With all those options, favorites like BJ’s Brewhouse, First Watch, and The Pub will keep any “hanger” at bay from a long day of shopping.

2. The open-air mall was once the site of a renowned manufacturer.
Rookwood Commons & Pavilion was home to the R.K. Le Blond Machine Tool Company from 1918 to 1989.

Both in peacetime and wartime, Le Blond was known for their expertise in specialized lathes. In fact, from the 1920’s to the 1950s, Le Blond claimed almost all stateside production and approximately 70% of the international market share of lathes.

If you didn’t already know this, you must have missed our last blog post. Click here to learn the full (and fascinating) story behind our center.

3. We are less than 10 miles from many communities across the Tri-State.
You don’t have to live or work on the east side of Cincinnati to enjoy the luxuries of Rookwood Commons & Pavilion. No matter if you’re coming from Blue Ash, Downtown, Northside, or Fort Thomas, you can get to the Commons & Pavilion in less than 20 minutes. The short commute on I-71 connects shoppers and restaurant goers to a one-stop shop for every errand and indulgence.

Even if you prefer to arrive by foot, Rookwood Commons & Pavilion is easy to access in its centralized location. And it’s about to be even more convenient. The Wasson Bike Trail will soon have steps directly from the trail to Rookwood Commons, taking the ease of “run in and run out” simplicity to a new level.

These are a few of our favorite things. But now, we’d love to hear some of yours! Let us know your top three things you love about Rookwood Commons & Pavilion in the comments below or tag us on Facebook with #RookwoodFavorites.

Bath and Body Works is currently looking for full time managers and associates for our new location at Rookwood Commons. If you are interested please go to www.bathandbodyworks.com to apply and select Cincinnati, OH and then select Rookwood Commons. Come and join this amazing team and receive an employee discount to get the best fragrances out there. #ginghampride

Want to bring the Athleta mission to life in a community near you? We’re looking for leaders in Cincinnati, OH to do just that. Rookwood Commons is a new location, opening this Spring. Come join us and be part of something bigger! Check out the Assistant Manager and Sales Associate positions available and apply here:

Assistant Manager – Rookwood Commons | Gap Inc. Link when clicking on Assistant Manager https://corporate.gapinc.com/en-us/jobs/26/93/assistant-manager-rookwood-commons#.XGxBUURPGtE.linkedin
Sales Associate – Rookwood Commons | Gap Inc.

I, Paul, traveled around the world as an engineer for many years; always returning home to Marlene with new and interesting chocolate. The more chocolate we tried, the more interested we became in how chocolate was grown and made.

When my travel stopped early 2013, Marlene and I soon finished our supply of chocolate. We were sitting at the kitchen island when the idea struck–let’s make our own world-class chocolate right here in Cincinnati.

After transforming our kitchen into a chocolate factory, we invited our friends over for a number of chocolate tastings. Everyone was impressed and the demand for our chocolate grew.

Now we are the proud owners of Maverick Chocolate Company. Our shop at Findlay Market in Cincinnati, Ohio is a complete chocolate factory. Using only ethically sourced cacao beans, we hand craft our chocolate in small batches from bean to the finished bar. Customers are encouraged to watch and smell the chocolate being made and to taste the final products.

Since our humble beginnings back in 1978, we’ve continued to refine our brewhouse experience to make BJ’s a place where you can make the most of any meal. We want BJ’s to be a place where the moment you leave is the moment you plan on coming back.

We pride ourselves in our craft and attention to detail. Our guests come here for our award-winning handcrafted beer. They come here for the Southern California twist we’ve put on the Chicago-style pizza. And they come here for our Pizookies, our world-renowned dessert. But above all we know people come here to make their good times better.

So in many ways we haven’t just crafted a brand, but a mindset. And our guests are the reason for this. And it’s because of you we’re continually striving to make sure every moment you choose to spend with us counts.