Lisa Z: The Retail Therapist Is In
Lisa Zagha’s card lists her occupation as retail therapist. She takes the therapy part as seriously as the retail.
“So much [of the job] is caring for [customers] emotionally,” said Zagha, owner of the Lisa Z boutique in Redondo Beach, Calif. “I like to help them measure up against their insecurities. I like to remind them they are fine the way they are.”
Selling clothes is crucial, though. She often sells fashions that camouflage the physical imperfections of her clients. One of the best-selling items is the “Margot” top from the Dunia brand. The brand is manufactured in Bali, but the label is headquartered in Solana Beach, Calif. The “Margot” top retails for $52.
It covers all of the “danger zones,” such as muffin tops and big waists, Zagha said, and it comes with dazzling colors, such as a bright turquoise. “It’s a top they can wear with any pants.”
There’s an air of permanence about the Lisa Z boutique. The 1,500-square-foot store has been doing business at 1901 S. Catalina Ave. in Redondo Beach since 1990. Zagha grew up working in her family’s boutiques in Los Angeles. When she started her own shop in the South Bay of Los Angeles County, it met with success quickly because it offered clothes for women ages 18 to 80.
“It’s an ageless store,” Zagha said. “It’s fairly mainstream, fashion-wise. It’s for anyone who likes to look up-to-date.”
Other pieces that are doing well are linen pull-on pants by the Fresh Laundry label, which retail for $74, and jackets from the XCVI brand. The white poplin jackets, embellished with studs or lace fabric, retail for $125.—Andrew Asch
