FROM CALI TO TEXAS

California jeweler rides a wave into Dallas-Fort Worth with 2 new stores

The Laguna Beach-based jewelry brand is bringing its collections to Southlake on April 28.

Photo courtesy of Gorjana

Favorite Texas jewelers Kendra Scott and James Avery have some new competition in town: Gorjana, a rapidly growing jewelry brand from California, is debuting two new stores in Dallas-Fort Worth, opening back to back.

A shop in Fort Worth's University Park Village opened its doors on Friday, April 21. A second grand opening will take place in Southlake Town Square on Friday, April 28.

These, on the heels of Gorjana's Dallas debut in West Village last fall. It's a North Texas conquest.

Laguna Beach-based Gorjana (styled "gorjana") touts its jewelry as timeless, delicate, and laid-back.

Husband-and-wife Gorjana and Jason Reidel founded the company in 2004 on the floor of their Laguna Beach apartment. In their nearly two decades of operation, their selection now includes layering necklaces, earrings, bracelets, rings, and more. There are everyday pieces and fine jewelry creations featuring trendy rose gold, 14K solid gold and 18k plated gold, plus affordable diamonds, sapphires, opals, and more. According to the website, prices range from about $35 to several hundred dollars.

The two new DFW storefronts are the latest to open in Texas, following a new store in San Antonio earlier this spring. They also have shops in Austin and Houston.

“Following the exceptional welcome we recently enjoyed in San Antonio and the enthusiastic demand we’ve received from our customers for additional locations in Texas, continuing our expansion across this extraordinary state feels like a natural next step to continue meeting our customers where they are,” says Jason Reidel in a press release. “We’re honored and thrilled to be able to bring our timeless designs and one-of-a-kind, personalized retail experience to the Fort Worth and Southlake communities.”

The new locations, they say, are inspired by coastal bungalows reminiscent of Southern California beaches, complete with subtle mango wood finishes, custom dried floral bouquet decor, and a glimmering crystal quartz chandelier. Shoppers will truly feel like they’re near the Laguna Beach coastline, they add, after admiring the custom hand-dipped Lauren Williams Tapestry backdrop.

gorjana Southlake interior rendering Gorjana's Southlake storefront is located at 321 Grand Ave. West. Photo courtesy of gorjana

In-house stylists are available to help guests navigate the shopping experience. Complimentary engraving on select pieces will be offered for online orders.

Gorjana’s University Park Village store is located at 1600 South University Dr. #608 Fort Worth, and the Southlake storefront will be located at 321 Grand Ave. West. The West Village location is 3699 McKinney Ave., Dallas.

More information can be found on gorjana.com.

Gorjana and Jason Reidel openings fashion-beauty

RETAIL WATCH

Texas AG Ken Paxton opens investigation into fast-fashion giant Shein

Photo courtesy of SHEIN

Shein is now under investigation from the Texas Attorney General.

Critics of fast fashion have found a strange bedfellow in Ken Paxton. The Texas Attorney General announced December 1 he would investigate online retailer Shein for alleged unethical labor practices and unsafe consumer products.

According to a release from Paxton’s office, the inquiry aims to find out if Shein’s “supply chain and manufacturing practices violate Texas law by using toxic or hazardous materials, misleading consumers about product safety, and misleading consumers about ethical sourcing.” The probe will also look into the corporation’s data collection and privacy practices.

In a statement, Paxton put a partisan spin on the investigation.

“Safe, non-toxic material and products are another key ingredient to [Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s] Make America Healthy Again movement,” said Paxton in the release. “Any company that cuts corners on labor standards or product safety, especially those operating in foreign nations like China, will be held accountable.”

Paxton’s move unexpectedly aligns the AG with environmental watchdogs. Nonprofit Yale Climate Connections has long sounded the alarm about the Singapore-based e-tailer, calling it one of the world’s biggest polluters. Paxton has long railed against climate change regulations and sued the Biden administration several times to block emissions rules.

The investigation is part of a larger Republican crackdown on Chinese consumer products. On Capitol Hill, lawmakers are debating new restrictions on Shenzhen-based aerial drone maker DJI, and Senator Tom Cotton has called for investigations of “Communist Chinese” companies Shein and Temu. The September Texas vape ban specifically banned disposable e-cigarettes manufactured in the country.

In a statement emailed to multiple media outlets, Shein said it would comply with Paxton’s investigation.

“Shein takes these concerns seriously and is fully committed to cooperating,” a spokesperson said. “Our mission — to provide affordable, fashionable products to customers around the world — is underpinned by a dedication to safety, compliance, and respect for human rights.”

The controversy will likely have little effect on Shein’s popularity with Zoomers. The company snagged an estimated $38 billion in sales in 2024 and has an average of 24.7 million active app users each month.

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FROM CALI TO TEXAS

California jeweler rides a wave into Dallas-Fort Worth with 2 new stores

RETAIL WATCH

Texas AG Ken Paxton opens investigation into fast-fashion giant Shein

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