Press Releases

Ambiance is the Official Store For Valentine's Day

CLEVELAND, Ohio (February 8, 2012): Normally on Valentine’s Day, couples take for granted that there will be a romantic dinner, some chocolates and cute greeting cards. They often overlook the real importance of this special day created to celebrate love, romance and passion. Ambiance, The Store For Lovers offers a much more rewarding option for their Valentine’s Day festivities.

Unlike big box and mall stores, Ambiance specializes in items meant to enhance couples’ romance. And yet, unlike “adult” stores, Ambiance recognizes women are as interested in the quality of their love life as their partner. Accordingly, The Store For Lovers offers a shopping experience that is light-hearted, fun, and especially woman-friendly.

With “Monogamy shouldn’t be monotonous!” as Ambiance’s motto, it’s not surprising that Valentine’s Day, “the official day for lovers” is the biggest holiday of the year for the retail chain.

“Valentine’s Day reminds us how important it is to nourish the intimacy and passion in our love lives,” says Jennifer Downey, president of Ambiance. “It is the perfect occasion for couples to reconnect and reignite their intimate relationships.”

Valentine’s Day falls on Tuesday this year, so there is an opportunity to celebrate the lovers’ holiday through the following weekend. “When Valentine’s Day is in the middle of the week, we find that couples will recognize the actual holiday, but then make additional plans to really celebrate the following weekend,” says Downey.

Ambiance offers the latest in sexy lingerie and Gifts of Passion™, including “romantic technology” designed to spark an exciting encounter for couples. “Most presents are fleeting,” Downey says, “but gifts from Ambiance last far beyond February 14th. Because couples enjoy them together, not just once, but over and over again, it creates an ongoing adventure guaranteed to enhance the romance in their lives.”

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If you’d like more information about Ambiance Inc., or to schedule an interview with Jennifer Downey, please contact Katherine Schneider at 440.234.6996 or kschneider@ambiance.com.

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Ambiance, the Store for Lovers has been a staple in Northeast Ohio for 30 years, and is the number one destination for women and couples looking to enhance the passion in their relationships. An upscale lingerie store and a romantic gift boutique, Ambiance provides a fun retail shopping experience aided by a sensitive, caring and well-trained staff of Certified Romance Consultants. Based in Cleveland, Ambiance operates seven retail stores in Northeast Ohio and an eCommerce site at StoreforLovers.com. For more information, visit Ambiance.com.

Ambiance Has A Heart

Ambiance, The Store For Lovers Committed to the American Heart Association

CLEVELAND, Ohio (February 3, 2012): It's an annual tradition, one that is not taken lightly. Every January and February, Ambiance, the Store for Lovers collects money for the American Heart Association, in the hopes of one day eradicating heart disease in the lives of those who are dear to us.

Since 2003, Ambiance has helped raise more than $30,000 for the American Heart Association.

The campaign works like this: Ambiance Romance Consultants ask each of their customers to donate one dollar or more to the American Heart Association. This contribution “buys” a heart on which the customer can write his or her name or a declaration of love to a Valentine. Come February 28th, Ambiance stores display a sea of red hearts.

These efforts have really paid off. In February of 2011 alone, 43% of all customers who shopped at Ambiance donated to the cause.

John Meiners, Executive Vice President of the Ohio Valley Affiliate of the American Heart Association is grateful for Ambiance’s support. “It is because of companies like Ambiance that the American Heart Association is able to continue its successes in our mutual fight against cardiovascular disease. Their donations will help us face this enemy’s devastating effects in our community, nationwide and throughout the world.”

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If you’d like more information about Ambiance Inc., or to schedule an interview with Jennifer Downey, please contact Katherine Schneider at 440.234.6996 or kschneider@ambiance.com.

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Ambiance to Open Columbus Store

The Store For Lovers Caters to Women and Couples

CLEVELAND, Ohio (November 18, 2011): Women today strive to be smart, strong, supportive—and sexy. Ambiance, The Store for Lovers, helps empower women and encourages them to embrace their sensuality. In mid-December, Ambiance is spreading its message that “Monogamy Shouldn’t be Monotonous” to women and their romantic partners in Columbus, Ohio, with the opening of its 8th retail location.

Located at 175 E. Campus View Blvd., just north of I71 off of Rt. 23, the store will provide an upscale shopping experience featuring an extensive selection of lingerie as well as personal, romantic and intimate products. “We provide a comfortable place for women and couples to tap into their sensuality and discover fun ways to enrich their love lives,” says Jennifer Downey, president of Ambiance. “Enjoying a fulfilling love life is essential to having a healthy, balanced relationship.”

Since 1981, woman-owned Ambiance has been enhancing the romance of committed couples at stores throughout northeast Ohio. Each store employs Certified Romance Consultants, who complete an extensive, “Think Like a Customer,” six-week training program to ensure they understand the products and their customers. Ambiance has won numerous awards for its world-class customer service as well as its commitment to the communities it serves.

“There’s nothing like Ambiance in central Ohio,” says Downey. “We’re excited to be able to give mainstream couples a place to shop that encourages and celebrates a healthy love life.”

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If you’d like more information about Ambiance Inc., or to schedule an interview with Jennifer Downey, please contact Katherine Schneider at 440.234.6996 or kschneider@ambiance.com.

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Ambiance Store Now Open in Columbus

The Store For Lovers Caters to Women and Couples

CLEVELAND, Ohio (December 21, 2011): Just in time for Christmas, Ambiance has opened the doors to its first Columbus store. This is the 8th retail location for Ambiance, the store dedicated to the notion that “Monogamy Shouldn’t be Monotonous.”

Located at 175 E. Campus View Blvd., just north of I71 off of Rt. 23, the store will provide an upscale shopping experience featuring an extensive selection of lingerie as well as personal, romantic and intimate products. “The holidays are hectic for so many couples, but you can’t leave your love life out in the cold,” says Jennifer Downey, company president. “Ambiance can help spark passion and romance, especially during this busy season. Couples can find the perfect intimate gifts for one another to ignite passion during the holidays and throughout the new year.”

Since 1981, woman-owned Ambiance has been enhancing the love lives of committed couples at stores throughout northeast Ohio. Each store employs Certified Romance Consultants, who complete an extensive “Think Like a Customer” six-week training program to ensure they understand the products and their customers. Ambiance has won numerous awards for its world-class customer service as well as its commitment to the communities it serves.

“We’re thrilled to bring couples in central Ohio a place to shop that promotes a healthy love life,” says Downey. “It’s a great way to start off 2012.”

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If you’d like more information about Ambiance Inc., or to schedule an interview with Jennifer Downey, please contact Katherine Schneider at 440.234.6996 or kschneider@ambiance.com.

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Ambiance to Open Columbus Store

The Store For Lovers Caters to Women and Couples

“There’s nothing like Ambiance in central Ohio,” says Downey. “We’re excited to be able to give mainstream couples a place to shop that encourages and celebrates a healthy love life.”

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If you’d like more information about Ambiance Inc., or to schedule an interview with Jennifer Downey, please contact Katherine Schneider at 440.234.6996 or kschneider@ambiance.com.

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Halloween

CLEVELAND, Ohio (October, 2011): Halloween, the holiday that allows the masses to bring out their wild, wacky and sultry sides, is right around the corner. When women in Northeast Ohio want a sexy Halloween costume, they know to go to the premier adult costume retailer in Northeast Ohio: Ambiance, the Store for Lovers.

Current trends show that women prefer to dress a little sexier than normal on Halloween, rather than look silly or scary as many men do. Ambiance celebrates sexiness year-round, and no seasonal costume shop can match their selection of popular outfits, from this year's sexy pirate costume to the always-popular seductive nurse.

The Store for Lovers offers a discreet shopping experience with help from Certified Romance Consultants, with sexy adult costumes in misses and plus sizes that can't be found anywhere else. Women trust Ambiance as an an upscale boutique devoid of child shoppers, where they can try on costumes in a stress and chaos-free environment.

Women can also create their own unique costumes with Ambiance's extensive selection of corsets and Halloween costume accessories, from masquerade masks to feather boas, stockings and garters to bodystockings.

Ambiance President Jennifer Downey to Be Honored at Pink Carpet Gala

CLEVELAND, Ohio (October 3, 2011): Ambiance President Jennifer Downey will be recognized by the JD Breast Cancer Foundation* (JDBCF) at its first Pink Carpet Gala during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Ms. Downey has achieved celebrity status and become a recognized face in Northeast Ohio, with frequent media coverage, appearances on radio talk shows as well as numerous TV and print interviews. She is also a popular speaker for women's and business groups, but more than that, she is a believer in building self-esteem through strong loving partnerships; something every woman diagnosed with breast cancer doesn’t always have during treatment.

“I am humbled to be honored at such a prestigious event,” states Downey. “ In return for their generosity, Ambiance stores will be selling pink ribbons at all of our retail locations in October, with all proceeds going to JDBCF.

On October 22nd at the Club at Key Center in Cleveland, Ohio, the Pink Carpet Gala event will recognize and celebrate the lives of 10 women who have battled or currently fighting the brave fight against breast cancer. Each woman will receive a complete makeover with a new outfit, accessories, hair and makeup and a special recognition gift commemorating their experience – a night made special just for them. The evening will be full of celebration of personal triumph, fun, food, dancing and music from the “Flashback Rock n’ Soul Band.”

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*The JD Breast Cancer Foundation was created in honor of Jacqueline Dobransky who was a vibrant young woman when she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1997 at the young age of 33 and died only 1 year later. During her illness, Jackie realized the need for breast cancer education and supportive services for younger women afflicted with breast cancer. They are found online at www.jdbcfoundation.org.

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Ambiance Celebrates 30 Years of Passionate Success

CLEVELAND, Ohio (March 14, 2011): Ambiance, The Store for Lovers is celebrating its thirtieth year in business. The Cleveland-based retail chain currently has seven locations in Northeast Ohio and an eCommerce site, but it humbly began as a gathering of a dozen women in a home in Berea.

With $300 and experience from working in a family business, founder and Vice President Henry Keiluhn started Ambiance in 1981 as a home party venture. A year later, over-the-counter stock trader and model Jennifer Downey joined him, eventually becoming president and company spokesperson in 1998.

“It’s been an amazing thirty years,” states Downey. “We are now seeing a second generation of customers come in, saying that Ambiance is the reason they were conceived. We have certainly done our part to help combat the population decline in Northeast Ohio,” she laughs.

“We have always recognized the importance of marriage and family, and strongly feel that using intimate lingerie and marital aids to ignite passion in a relationship should be applauded. We believe that couples should get as much joy, fulfillment and emotional rewards from the intimate side of their long-term relationship as any other part,” she says. “This approach has helped us become a vital part of the communities we’re in. From the national hotel chains we partner with, offering discounts on romantic getaways, to the PTAs, churches and charitable organizations who ask us for help, it’s rewarding to have the opportunity to give back and be so well-respected.”

The journey hasn’t always been easy, however. “Ambiance promotes sex as a healthy part of relationships and thus, offers marital aids,” states Downey. “There are still places in the US where it is illegal to sell sex toys, and we encounter prejudice because we sell them. The funny thing is, Ambiance only started carrying what we call ‘romantic technology’ because our female customers asked us to. They wanted a respectable place to buy intimate items, so we gave it to them. We will continue to fight to give couples a safe, reputable place to do so.”

Sexy Fidelity: Ambiance Makes Marriage Hot

CLEVELAND, Ohio (February 16, 2011): When you see the image of a woman’s raised legs, clad in stiletto heels and fishnet stockings, on the cover of a magazine, one wouldn’t assume the title of the publication to be Bloomberg’s Business Week. But this week’s cover, dateline February 14th, includes that image with the headline: “The Infidelity Economy.” The featured story profiles Noel Biderman, CEO of Ashley Madison, the online “dating” service for married people looking to cheat on their spouses. The headline certainly caught the eye of Jennifer Downey, president of Ambiance, the Store for Lovers, whose chain promotes the idea that ‘Monogamy shouldn’t be monotonous.’

Simply put, Ashley Madison sells extramarital sex, and does so quite successfully with a current membership of 8.5 million. With that kind of popularity, you’d think that there are a lot of unfulfilled lovers out there. Downey would agree.

“The sex drive is a powerful motivator, and when there’s no sexual fulfillment, people get frustrated,” she concurs. “The difference is, Ashley Madison became successful by helping people cheat. Ambiance is a success because we help couples discover that the lover they’ve always fantasized about is the one they’re sleeping with every night.”

Rather than promote excitement outside of marriage, Ambiance helps to create the same titillation and novelty Ashley Madison boasts, but at home. The Ashley Madison tagline: “Life is Short. Have an Affair.” Downey’s version? “Have an affair... with your spouse.”

“When the person who usually sleeps next to you in flannel pajama pants comes to bed in fishnets, garters and a barely-there teddy, the whole dynamic changes. It’s the same when your lover pulls a new sex toy out of the nightstand drawer. That action alone tells you tonight is going to be different, tonight we’re going beyond our routine,” Downey says.

Even daytime self-help shows like Dr. Oz and Oprah are promoting sex aids like vibrators and position-enhancing furniture to couples. “These shows empower couples, and especially women, to solve their sexual problems. Having a mainstream celebrity endorse vibrators as a means to greater sexual satisfaction opens the floodgates. Women are demanding the high tech devices promoted on these shows because it’s ok to talk about these things openly now.”

She concludes, “Why screw around when you can get the same excitement at home, with the person you’ve committed to? When we say ‘Monogamy shouldn’t be monotonous,’ we’re saying that if you’re not clutching the sheets and screaming out in ecstasy when you’re having sex with your long term partner, you don’t need to cheat. You just need more Ambiance.”

Ambiance, The Store For Lovers, Announces Expansion into the Greater Columbus Market

CLEVELAND, Ohio (July 7, 2010): Romantic retailer Ambiance, The Store for Lovers, announced today that it is launching an expansion into the Greater Columbus Metropolitan area. This expansion builds upon nearly 30 years of successful operations in Northern Ohio and will allow the company to reach a new market segment.

“We see a great opportunity in Columbus,” stated Ambiance president Jennifer Downey. “We’ve wanted to open stores there for years, and the conditions are finally right to pursue an expansion. In spite of the economy, we see everyday how couples are still willing to invest in improving their relationships. So, it’s time that couples in Columbus have the same opportunities for passion and fulfilling relationships that their neighbors to the north have been enjoying for 30 years!”

As part of this expansion, Ambiance announced that it Retained Realty Corporation of America to assist it with its real estate needs.

“We are honored to have been awarded this assignment,” said Tony Viola, President of Realty Corporation of America. “We are looking forward to working with property owners, developers and real estate agents throughout Central Ohio as we identify excellent locations for Ambiance. It is a pleasure to work with such a successful operation with an outstanding track record of success.”

Charles Andrews of USA Management, a 20-year Ambiance landlord, knows the company will do well in Columbus. “They are an upscale, tasteful store that easily compliments other retailers,” he said. “From a landlord perspective, their history in Cleveland is excellent.”

Ambiance, the Store for Lovers is the most popular destination for couples looking to enhance the passion in their relationships in Northeast Ohio. An upscale lingerie store and a romantic gift boutique, Ambiance provides a fun retail shopping experience aided by a sensitive, caring and well-trained staff of Certified Romance Consultants. Based in Cleveland, Ohio, the Ambiance operates seven retail stores in Northeast Ohio. For more information, visit Ambiance.com.

Ambiance Wins Second World Class Customer Service Award

Fourth-Time Honoree Named “Best Training Systems”

CLEVELAND, Ohio (June 14, 2010): For the fourth time, Smart Business honored Ambiance, the Store for Lovers for its customer service, and for the second year in a row, awarded Ambiance one of the eleven top honors in customer service excellence. Ambiance is one of only four companies, and the only retailer, to be honored all four years the awards have been handed out. This year, Smart Business named Ambiance “Best Training Systems”.

Smart Business held its annual World Class Customer Service Awards on Tuesday, June 8th. The magazine recognizes businesses that excel at raising the bar for customer service at this prestigious event, held at Executive Caterers at Landerhaven. Award winners for 2010 included Cox Communications, Huntington National Bank, Inc., and Ambiance, the Store for Lovers.

“The key to world-class customer service is the ability of a company to train its employees to provide consistent, client-focused service,” stated Dustin Klein, editor of Smart Business. “Without strong training systems in place, it’s impossible to ensure top-notch service every time.”

“Ambiance takes training very seriously, and its systems for training are the real key to its success,” Klein continued. “The concept of world-class customer service is introduced to new associates immediately upon hire and after a rigorous training process, they are expected to deliver the company’s 13 mandatory service standards and embrace its “Think Like a Customer” mantra.”

“We are so thrilled to be recognized for our exceptional customer service training systems,” beamed Ambiance President Jennifer Downey. “We believe that every couple is entitled to a fulfilling love life, and we develop our training programs to ensure the most attentive, compassionate service to every customer who walks in our door,” she stated. “As the president of this company, I want to tell you how proud I am of our staff at the stores and Support Center. They are the reason that Ambiance continues to be recognized for its World Class Customer Service.”

Ambiance, the Store for Lovers, is a chain of romantic boutiques with locations in Northeast Ohio. For location information or to shop online, visit Ambiance.com.

Ambiance Collects Record Donation for American Heart Association in February!

CLEVELAND, Ohio (March 3, 2010): Every February, the American Heart Association “Have a Heart” campaign launches at Cleveland-area retailers. It is a large part of the Association’s fund raising campaigns and one in which local chain Ambiance, the Store for Lovers, participates enthusiastically.

Ambiance’s Romance Consultants collected $5,793 in donations this February, a 21% increase over 2009. This goal is almost half of the Northeast Ohio goal for the American Heart Association’s Ohio Affiliate, which hopes to raise $13,000 in the month of February.

These efforts have really paid off. Since 2003, Ambiance has donated more than $26,000 to the American Heart Association. In February of 2010 alone, 43% of all customers who shopped at Ambiance donated to the cause.

John Meiners, Executive Vice President of the Ohio Valley Affiliate of the American Heart Association is grateful for Ambiance’s support. “It is because of companies like Ambiance that the American Heart Association is able to continue its successes in our mutual fight against cardiovascular disease. Their donations will help us face this enemy's devastating effects in our community, nationwide and throughout the world.”

Ambiance, the Store for Lovers is the only destination for couples looking to enhance the passion in their relationships in Northeast Ohio. An upscale lingerie store and a romantic gift boutique, Ambiance provides a fun retail shopping experience aided by a sensitive, caring and well-trained staff of Certified Romance Consultants. Based in Cleveland, Ohio, the retailer operates seven stores in Northeast Ohio and offers online shopping at StoreForLovers.com.