Rawlings-Blake hails Pandora’s move to Baltimore
Jewelry company to bring 600 employees and its name in bright lights to the Inner Harbor
Now one of the country’s best-dressed mayors will have to supplement her colorful necklaces and Under Armour cap with Pandora rings and gemstone charms.
To the jubilation of City Hall, the Danish “lifestyle” jewelry company today announced it is relocating its U.S. headquarters from Howard County to Baltimore’s Inner Harbor.
It will take over five floors – and the naming rights – of the 24-story building at 250 West Pratt Street. It’s a far hipper location than its current abode on Robert Fulton Drive in Columbia.
With 600 employees, the company’s relocation was hailed today as proof of the city’s resurgence by Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake.
“Baltimore City is a place where businesses increasingly want to locate because the city offers a live, work, play environment that companies require to attract and retain professional talent in today’s economy,” the mayor said in a press release issued by her office.
An artist’s rendering of Pandora’s street sign at 250 West Pratt Street. (Baltimore Business Journal)
“What a great company, and a great fit for Baltimore,” added Brenda McKenzie, president of the Baltimore Development Corporation (BDC). “Pandora’s move brings a talented workforce to the city and will be a key addition to Baltimore’s corporate corridor.”
The new company headquarters will be located in an Enterprise Zone, which offers employment and property tax credits to the company.
Pandora expects to move into the space in the first quarter of 2015 and will brand the building with its logo, said Scott Burger, chief operating officer of Pandora Americas.
Known for its hand-finished designs and their unique “charms,” Pandora jewelry is sold in more than 80 countries and 1,100 retail stores. The 32-year-old company reported $1.6 billion in revenues in 2013.