New Concepts Fuel CMC Rebound
The California Market Center in Los Angeles is starting to fill up sections of its “C” building, once designated as an exclusive wing for gifts and home furnishings, but it was a concept that never fulfilled itself because of changing market conditions. However, a number of new apparel and marketing concepts are beginning to fill up the space.
Manufacturer/consultant Bamko and sportswear company Pansun’s are among those, taking up spaces on the 10th and 11th floors, respectively. In addition, several retail tenants have taken space in the CMC’s lobby.
Bamko is a full-service consultancy that helps companies with design, manufacturing, promotional, importing, licensing, fulfillment, logistics and e-commerce.
The company launched 10 years ago on the campus of the University of Southern California as a source for making custom T-shirts for fraternity organizations. It has since evolved into a multi-dimensional company that does everything from sourcing to quality-control monitoring, with offices in Los Angeles, Hong Kong, Shanghai and three other Asian cities. Clients have included Guess? Inc., Skechers, Reebok, Macy’s, Old Navy, Target and Adidas.
“Some of our major clients are fashion-focused,” said company founder Philip Koosed. “Moving to the California Market Center makes a lot of sense for us.”
Added Eli Schneider, director of international operations for Bamko: “I believe our entire company is excited for this change. We have definitely outgrown our old space, and it will be nice to spread out and create a work space as unique as our company.”
Bamko needed a space large enough to accommodate its expanding Los Angeles staff of approximately 25 employees as well as a place that would promote creativity, Schneider said. Its operations have been growing as a result of newer projects such as COMPARE, a testing and auditing program that is aimed at streamlining operations and avoiding labor incidents, recalls, chargebacks and other events. It also supplies promotional products such as pens, notepads, spa kits, golf accessories and other items. The company is located in suite C1069. For more information, visit www.bamko.net.
Sportswear maker Pansun’s is from China and has recently set out to market a branded line of contemporary tops, bottoms, dresses and denim to the U.S. market. Clients include Dillard’s. The company is located in suite C1145 and is taking more than 4,000 square feet of space. Senior Vice President Michael White is heading up operations in Los Angeles.
New tenants on the CMC’s ground floor include Entire Collection, a sunglasses and eyewear retailer, and Troy Designs, which carries fashion accessories, gift items and pet accessories.
Meanwhile, the CMC’s launch of its Area 4 showrooms for contemporary brands has been pushed back to March 2010, said leasing rep Michal Goldvasser.
“It’s mainly been an issue of getting permits and lighting issues in place,” she said of the delay. Area 4 will consist of loft-like showrooms catering to contemporary labels in an upscale design created by noted architect Eva Sobesky of EIS Studio. —Robert McAllister
