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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: Julie on 7/02/2007 1:11PM
I Love me some Oprah, yeh she is a little out of touch with our black low and middle class population. You still have to give her credit for giving back, and most of all furthering her Education and receiving her PHD. We sit and do nothing to stop all the killing of our people in Africa and most of us who can afford to visit our Home Land will never go, due to the poor conditions we are linked to on TV. Stevie Wonder's KJLH station (Front Page) has influenced many skilled blacks to travel to Africa to render services for construction,which they have been doing for many Years, yet you hear nothing. Why can't the Black wealthy people in the U.S come together, buy main TV stations and make bigger things happen for self dependence for our people? Remember when Arsenio Hall had Farachan on his show? he spoke of the above. Yes that was the end for Arsenio. They always try to pick our leaders, never the strong who speeks of togetheness. (WE ARE A VERY STRONG PEOPLE)Together we stand and devided we fall. Oprah has done a great thing in Africa, it brings tears of happyness to your eyes. If she can do that much on her own, just dream the impossible of wealthy Black togeherness. Many wealthy Blacks think the same as Oprah said "I got mines and you get yours". There are several wealthy Black famous people. I can't understand why they don't get together and make bigger things happen as a whole.
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By: Delphine Waters on 7/02/2007 1:35PM
[Page 1] I know a little girl that well be reciveing her four years of college for free upon finishing High School with honor .She is now 17 year has made honor first grade until now. I think that Oprah have been a blessing to us as people.She has open a lot of doors. I personly hope that I get to meet her in person one day. Hats off to you OPRAH!!!
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By: LadyD on 7/02/2007 1:34PM
Do people out there readed or watch real T.V. some of the things that you are saiding are just so negative. So STOP HATEING !!!!
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By: CAROLYN on 7/02/2007 2:01PM
CECILE, YOU ARE SOOOOOO IGNORANT! OPRAH HAS IN FACT INVESTED HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS IN THE BLACK YOUTH OF THIS COUNTRY.
PEOPLE LIKE YOU SHOULD JUST KEEP YOU MOUTH SHUT UNTIL YOU DO YOUR HOMEWORK, THAT'S IF YOU CAN READ.
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By: CAROLYN on 7/02/2007 2:02PM
CONGRATS, OPRAH. YOU ARE SUCH A WONDERFUL ROLE MODEL AND A BLESSING. I FEEL SO HONORED, TO SEE IN MY LIFETIME, A PERSON OF COLOR WHO HAS BEEN ABLE TO RISE ABOVE HER BEGINNINGS AND REMAIN CARING ENOUGH TOUCH THE LIVES OF OUR YOUTH IN SUCH WONDERFUL WAYS. I AM SO PLEASED THAT YOU SOUGHT OUT THE CHILDREN IN SOUTH AFRICA. THEY TOO, ARE GOD'S CHILDREN AND A PART OF US. YOUR GIFTS WILL INDEED BECOME A LEGACY, AS I AM SURE MOTHER AFRICA IS WAITING TO ONCE AGAIN SHO HERSELF IN ALL OF HER GLORY.
I ONLY WISH MY GRANDFATHER, WHO TAUGHT ME WAY BACK IN THE 40'S TO BE PROUD OF AFRICA AND MY BLACKNESS, COULD BE HERE TO WITNESS YOUR GENEROSITY. MY GOD KEEP YOU AND GIVE YOU LONG LIFE.
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By: Li li on 7/02/2007 2:40PM
Donna, your ignorance is showing! There's no way "an airhead" could do what Oprah had done, nor accomplish what she has. She's a visionary with a humble background and should be applauded rather than scorned. STOP the negative noise!
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By: Linda Addo on 7/02/2007 2:46PM
I think you are doing a wonderful job in investing in children in Africa. They are less fortunate than we are over here. These peoples are down right jealous and need to pray more about their own self-center ambition. You got money and they don't. I just can't wait till you open one of your store in Houston. It probably will be outstanding.
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By: Vernice on 7/02/2007 2:45PM
Oh my goodness #14 sounds like you have some real issues with Oprah and HER money...What in the world have you done with YOUR money...Have you given to the poor blacks in your neighborhood? Have you fed the elderly in your neighborhood? That's what I thought. That's why you don't have anything but resentment for those that do...Get up and do something positive and maybe your good deeds will make the news and then you can appreciate others..Stop hating and dooming other people to a place that you have no say-so as to who goes there but you......Be kind, speak kind words, and
kindness will come your way.
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By: Rev;. Ayana on 7/02/2007 2:48PM
"Judge not, least you be judged." Very few people would handle wealth in a charitable and gracious way. It is OK to not agree with everything she does or says...she is not God Almighty, after all. But it is wrong to judge her motivations, be accusatory, etc. God has blessed her to bless others. And he blesses each of us to bless others in our own way. We need to look in the mirror.
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By: Renee on 7/02/2007 3:36PM
Hello:
I love and admire oprah. She is my second idol only to her grandmother's 18th cousin-Elvis! I would shop until i drop in any ''OPRAH'' store. God-bless her.
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