By Karu F. Daniels, AOL Black Voices
Oprah Winfrey is a serious force of nature.
Not only is she a symbol of empowerment for her loyal television audience but the billionaire media mogul is a force to be reckoned with in the consumer marketplace.
Ask the folks over at Hearst Publishing -- who partnered with her to bring forth her best-selling eponymous magazine, which was recognized as the biggest launch of a title.
Or maybe the power wielders on The Great White Way -- who are experiencing a non-stop renaissance of blacks and the box-office with the Winfrey-blessed Broadway musical 'The Color Purple.'
And her foray into satellite radio (with XM) has proven to be equally fruitful too.
Now comes news that the Mississippi native and empowerment idol has designs to get into the retail game.
And I'm not referring to her doing a line of housewares, or bedding or throwing her name on anyone else's brand, either -- like everyone else seems to do.
I'm referring to her plans to open a store that will sell Oprah-branded merchandise in Chicago near her Harpo Studios compound.
Something in the fashion of The Oprah Store, or maybe Oprah Republic or simply Oprah will see the light of day, possibly as early as this fall -- as she embarks on her 22nd consecutive season on daily television.
Although details are not finalized, a Winfrey spokesperson did confirm to news outlets that construction on the 4500 square feet space started earlier this week.
Fans of the talk show maven and audience members will get to purchase items featured currently in the Boutique section of her Web site, like apparel and DVDs, as well as African-designed baskets and bead art.
Maybe even some of that hoitsy toitsy merch she features her magazine every month will be available ... or on those "Free For The Entire Audience" shows.
So to hell with Hermes (the luxe French boutique who unceremoniously shut out Oprah & Friends during a controversial shopping spree a few years ago).
Oprah is off on her own -- as always.
Comments: (112)
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By: Cecil Jones on 6/29/2007 10:58AM
In the analysis of Oprah Winfrey, we can see what's right and wrong about America. We ask for "Fairness" and equal opportunity, but what we get is Oprah and Rush Limbaugh. Rush is clearly political, funny, and controversial. He makes a great deal of money supporting his politics and his causes. It drives liberals crazy because we don't have an equal opportunity. In contrast, we have Oprah. She is political, focused, and less controversial. She uses her show to make a great deal of money for herself and those who are loyal to her. We don't know Oprah's political affiliation. We assume that because she is Black that she is for Blacks. In this assumption lies the danger of the Obama vote. Oprah refused to invest in the education of our Black youth in America. That sends a message more dangerous than Rush. It says, "I'm Black and I don't care about you!" Wonder why Liberal are stuck fighting for equal access? The people who occupy our time don't stand for anything. They certainly aren't funny enough or focused on anything that makes me want to watch or help their hate driven agenda. Just because you are Black doesn't mean you're not a racist. Self-hate is a greater problem and quickly embraced by others. If you hate yourself, the real racists don't get dirty.
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By: Dalla Mae Matlock on 6/29/2007 5:11PM
Oraph' I give a tosat to her, I 51 year old black woman whom has always dream of going to Africa. After meeting a gentleman introduce to me by the elder in my family and my love for animals watching Trazana has a child is far from how Africa really is.After doing my home work over the internet in which my best friends Mother advise me to do. A woman with wealth such as Oraph opening up doors for young girls to attend school their in Africa is so wonderful. Allot of people here in America are asking why go to Africa "yes" we have youth here also that would like very much for her to open up more doors that have already been open unlocked here in America. But also their are so many here that have and are taking for granted what has been offfered in education and other programs such as health etc: OTSTANDING*
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By: Knazze on 6/29/2007 2:46PM
I'm not a member of the church of Oprah, but I do respect her right to do whatever she is lead to do with her money. What do you mean she refuses to INVEST in our Black youth? This is the richest nation in the world, obviously, the solutions for our youth are much more complicated than money alone can solve. She has chosen to help other BLACKS in a nation where money CAN help . . . and this is what you call self-hatred? I call your criticism of a Black Woman who is giving back to her people in her own way, self hatred. You should save your attacks for someone who is using their extreme wealth to buy monkeys, llamas and amusement parks.
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By: Dalla Mae Matlock on 6/29/2007 5:12PM
Page2. I am one of those persons who took for granted some opportunities given here in America. Dropped out of school I were a special aid student given the chance to pass threw my grades only if I were to make and effort. Even given a part time job to prepare me for the real world to come after out of my parents care. I now have a daughter whom is in a community college and two lovly grand daughter whom are doing very well in the community and school. God willing and if I keep my health I am considering going to Africa and do volunteer work! So many children their would love the opportunity to be. I did notice that they have allot of those that have been blessed to come to America and receive degrees. And have not yet been able to be place with employment which leaves people oppress. Also it is said that women with degrees are look down upon because they have been trained during the years to take care of the home and up bringing of children. So I ask Oprah what is plan B? Sincerely, Dalla Mae
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By: Tracy Wright on 6/29/2007 4:45PM
Oprah is definitely a Powerhouse. She should expand
her brand as far as she can take it. She is an inspiration to All
Women!! To Win A Free Swarovski Crystal T-Shirt Visit
http://executees.net
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By: Dalla Mae Matlock on 6/29/2007 8:18PM
God keep blessing "Oprah" I pray that people in "all Africa" the wealthy, middle class will pitch in and do their part too. I meet a Africa gentleman on a dating site in Ghana Africa we were discussing a matter concerning children being used in Africa to fight in a war over riches that have been found on land their. He says to me not happening here not our problem. But so proud he is to be a black man born in African. Carry each other's burdens, and this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. {GALATIANS 6:2} http://www.youravon.com/dmatlock
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By: Gail Robinson on 6/29/2007 11:00PM
Yeshua has blessed Ophra for a particular reason. When Yeshua gives gifts like the way HE has blessed someone like Ophra it is for those people that HE knows will be BLESS YOU OPRAH!
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By: Tyretha l Nunez on 6/30/2007 1:45PM
I'am very proud of you. I really understand why you choose to spend your money the way you did. It is so sad that our children are so in tuned to being like everybody else. I remember a time when I went to school I didn't want to look like everybody else. If there was any copying to done they copyed off of me. that made me feel good . I am still that way today.
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By: Gene Brown on 6/30/2007 3:51PM
I applaud OPRAH and her ventures into Africa as humanitarian and philanthropic overtures. The Black youth of America live in a Utopia when campared to the Black youths in Africa, and they take it for granted. The Educational System in the U.S. provides the best in computer technology, but most seem to choose "I PODS" and "I PHONES" to download music, and to profile in fashion and footware design, and other degrading paraphernalia. It is my hope, and certainly, Oprah's those chosen African students will cultivate a society that will, someday, welcome Americans, Black and White, to the second largest Continent on Earth(as large as the U.S., Europe, and China put together)as Tourists, et al. It puzzles me as to why the U.S. does not have stronger ties with Nigeria, a major African oil-producing country, who is in disagreement with OPEC's oil exploitations, and whose language is ENGLISH, acquired during English Colonization.
I applaud the tour of the First Lady, Laura Bush to Mali, Africa, and the U.S. contribution to African Education and AIDs Funds. Certainly, there is a Bridge to cross from America to Africa!
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By: Boo on 6/30/2007 9:11PM
Don't condemn Oprah for spending HER money as she sees fit. What should concern people more is the goverment spending OUR tax dollars on a war in a country where the people are doing nothing to try to uplift themselves, yet money that could and should be used here is going to people who don't even want us there.
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