Queen Mary Gives Shops 30 Days To Vacate, Make Room For Newer Retail Stores
LONG BEACH (CBSLA.com) — The general manager running the legendary luxury-liner-turned-hotel RMS Queen Mary has sent a letter to staff and management of the ship's numerous shops, telling them they have 30 days to vacate the ship to make room for newer retail shops.
The letter, according to an article by the Long Beach Post, is reportedly from Queen Mary General Manager John Jenkins and advises the stunned workers and shop-owners that they have 30 days in which to close and leave, as the ship begins a consolidated retail agreement with a new company.
The company, called Event Network, is said to be entering a five-year agreement with the Queen Mary, starting Oct. 13.
Event Network provides retail services and operates "stores on behalf of outstanding cultural attractions," according to the company's website, which suggests the inclusion of museums and aquariums.
The letter to the shops' staff and management reads:
"With careful evaluation and discussion, it has been decided by current ownership that the retail spaces aboard the Queen Mary will be consolidated into one institution and will have the sole responsibility to run day-to-day operations of each outlet; this includes stock personnel and management. Please accept this letter as (a) 30-day notification to dissolve our current working relationship or presumed agreement.
"Additionally, it is our expectation that you and current staff be held accountable to the highest level of service, agreeing to surrender the premises in good order and condition without negative or unnecessary repercussion.
"We sincerely appreciate your partnership over the years and wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors."
The Queen Mary, which earned a reputation as one of the grandest luxury ocean liners of all time after launching in 1934, was converted into an immobile hotel in Long Beach after being retired in 1967.
She served as a troop ship for the Allies in World War II, earning the nickname "Gray Ghost," based on her tendency to disappear into thick fog after she was painted entirely gray.
Operational control of the Queen Mary went to Evolution Hospitality LLC in 2011. She is owned by the Garrison Investment Group.
