Neighborhoods to Watch
Some of Los Angeles’ top retail neighborhoods have suffered store closings this year, yet stores also have opened on these thoroughfares during this tough time. California Apparel News recently talked to the merchant associations and retailers of a few key streets to ask why their street will survive the poor economy. —Andrew Asch
West Third Street, Los AngelesHow many fashion stores have closed in this neighborhood in the past year?18 storesHow many fashion stores have opened in this neighborhood in the past year?Five storesAny new projects planned for this neighborhood?A new commercial building planned for 8231–37 W. Third Street. It will offer 10,000 square feet of retail on its street level. There will be 56 parking spaces in this building. It is scheduled to debut in 2010.What makes this neighborhood a good bet to do business? Why will it continue to be a high-profile fashion street?“Its one of the only streets in L.A. that has an urban, independent feel. It’s where something individual and fresh can pop up.” —Deborah Wolsh, owner of West Third Street fashion boutique EthelRobertson Boulevard, Los Angeles
How many fashion stores have closed in this neighborhood in the past year?Seven storesHow many fashion stores have opened in this neighborhood in the past year?Two storesAny new projects planned for this neighborhood?NoneWhat makes this neighborhood a good bet to do business? Why will it continue to be a high-profile fashion street?“It’s one of the few street scenes where you can dine, walk and stargaze. Celebrities still come here to shop. As long as rents continue to come down, some new blood will move into the neighborhood.” —Alison Muh, owner/president of Robertson boutique Surly Girl4600 block of Hollywood Boulevard in Los FelizHow many fashion stores have closed in this neighborhood in the past year?Two storesHow many stores fashion have opened in this neighborhood in the past year?Eight storesAny new projects planned for this neighborhood?A post-production studio located at 4640 Hollywood Blvd.What makes this neighborhood a good bet to do business? “Los Feliz has the cachet of trendier areas but remains under the radar. There’s also new entrepreneurs starting a variety of fashion and design business.” —Jonathan Harrison Kanarek, owner of boutique Everything’s JakeMontana Avenue, Santa MonicaHow many stores have closed in this neighborhood in the past year?27 stores, estimated according to the Montana Avenue Merchants AssociationHow many stores have opened in the neighborhood in the past year?Three storesAny new projects planned for this neighborhood?Some street-beautification efforts What makes this neighborhood a good bet to do business?“Santa Monica is a well-to-do city. Montana has individual, interesting stores that you can’t find anywhere else. These stores will survive if they have the right product.”—Jane Walker, manager of fashion store Three Bags FullMain Street, Santa MonicaHow many stores have closed in the neighborhood in the past year?Seven stores How many stores have opened in the neighborhood in the past year?Two stores, and new boutique Lucy Pearl opens on Main Street this summer.Any New projects planned for this neighborhood?Ongoing street beautificationWhat makes this neighborhood a good bet to do business?“It’s still a viable shopping district. We’re a couple of blocks away from the beach. We’re situated not far from premier hotels such as The Viceroy. We get a nice cross section of traffic here from tourists and adjacent neighborhoods like Venice.”—Gregory Niebel, owner of B.NYMalibu Update* Malibu Lumber Yard luxury retail center debuted in April of this year in the wealthy surf and celebrity city of Malibu, Calif. According to a city spokesperson, more development might be on the horizon on Malibu’s main drag of Pacific Coast Highway.* The Trancas Country Market has proposed to expand by 37,000 square feet. A public hearing on the expansion might be held this summer. * La Paz commercial development will offer 112,000 square feet of retail, but it is undergoing review from the California Coastal Commission. The project was approved in November 2008.* The Malibu Village retail center, adjacent to the popular Malibu Country Mart, will be undergoing cosmetic improvements this year.
