LABJ Forum: Heading to the Mall

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LABJ Forum: Heading to the Mall

Angelenos love to shop, and in recent months several new or renovated centers have opened that provide them with plenty of opportunity. Shopping centers represent economic engines for a city because of sales tax revenues. But like other cities, L.A. has become over-stored and there are concerns that even Angelenos will reach their limit. In the meantime, the Business Journal asks: What’s your favorite shopping center?

Jesse P. Meli

President

L.A. Studios Inc.

I avoid malls like the plague. I have a 52-inch chest, 32-inch waist and 20-inch arms, so I’m not an off-the-rack guy. I like shopping on Rodeo Drive because a lot of the stores are made-to-measure. I go to Century City Mall when I need to buy items for my home. I like the selection of stores and it’s open-air. I’ve been to Hollywood & Highland but find the ergonomics confusing. You have to be Magellan to find your car.

Kristen Sager

Chief Operating Officer

Murad Inc.

If I’m in the mood to shop, I go to the Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica. I prefer this sort of mall environment a street lined with shops and closed to traffic over a large complex. After shopping there, I’ll head over to nearby Fred Segal. They always have beautiful, unique things.

Ivy Johnson

Manager of Sales

Sonic Foundry

Hollywood & Highland is kind of touristy, there’s nothing new to see. I’ve been to the Sherman Oaks Galleria to see a movie and I liked the environment. I prefer the Westside Pavilion because its close to where I live and Century City because it has a Bloomingdale’s.

Dena Scaffidi

Engineer, Boy’s Development

Mattel Inc.

My favorite is Paseo Colorado in Pasadena. I like it because it’s outdoors and they have higher-end retail stores, not just standard shops. They also have a great cluster of restaurants so you could spend the day shopping and have a nice meal afterwards. It’s architecturally beautiful there’s a fountain and brick walkways, and everything is brand new.

Rod Beattie

Designer

La Blanca Swimwear

The Grove is like Disneyland, it’s entertainment. But I like South Coast Plaza because it has everything: the sublime to ridiculous, the low end to high end and everything in the middle. It’s one-stop shopping. I live in Pasadena but I don’t mind driving to Costa Mesa for the selection.

Kelli Amundson

President

RE/Max Beach Cities/Westside Properties

I don’t like malls, but when forced to shop I go to Macy’s in Manhattan Village Mall, Manhattan Beach. I enjoy the convenience it’s never been a fully occupied mall, and I like going there because it doesn’t draw a crowd. I grew up near Del Amo Mall in Torrance and when I have to go there I try to figure out what stores I need to go to and stay in that same vicinity.

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