TOURISM & LEISURE

Recent and archived news stories on: hospitality, retail, restaurants, style, travel, sports

Mattel Expects Tough Times Will Continue

‘Retail disruptions’ likely to hit second-quarter results

Mattel Inc. executives did not provide revenue guidance during a recent call with analysts, but their evident sentiment can be summed up as “it will get worse before it gets better.”

Anxious Times for Restaurants

Owners are on edge as they await the new normal

Some 30,000 restaurants and bars in Los Angeles County have had to figure out how to stay afloat during pandemic-induced restrictions on social gatherings.

Hightimes Acquires 13 Dispensaries

Media company pays $80M in big retail play

Venice-based Hightimes Holdings Corp. has made a major play in the retail cannabis market with the purchase of 13 dispensary locations across California.

Macerich Taps Credit Line for $550 Million

Mall operator also cuts dividend and capital expenses

Macerich Co., coping with the fallout of the Covid-19 pandemic, recently borrowed $550 million on its revolving line of credit.

Revenues Give Boost to Skechers

Footwear manufacturer sees strong rebound in market cap

Shares of Skechers USA Inc. rose about 25% after the footwear and apparel manufacturer reported first-quarter sales that were 2.7% below results for the same period a year earlier.

Mochi Brand Tries Single Servings

Ice cream-maker touts safety benefits of new packaging

Mochi Ice Cream Co. is adjusting its product line to accommodate coronavirus-induced social norms.

Retail Process Remains Stalled

Costs piling up as applicants await licenses

At 10 a.m. on Sept. 3, more than 200 people signed into an online application for L.A.’s latest round of cannabis business licenses.

Puzzles Help Stores Pick Up the Pieces

Demand is soaring for jigsaws at local toy shops

Jigsaw puzzles are “the new toilet paper,” according to Jill Wahlquist, vice president at Tom’s Toys.

LA Car Dealers Get Green Light

City clarifies, OKs resumption of online car sales

Confusion about the intent of Mayor Eric Garcetti’s revised Safer at Home order prompted some 70 auto dealers with Los Angeles addresses to cease all sales for weeks while other retailers pivoted to ecommerce.

Wooden to Depart Tourism Board

CEO will retire at the end of June

Ernest Wooden Jr. will retire at the end of June as president and chief executive of the Los Angeles Tourism and Convention Board.

Smoke Signals

Most cannabis businesses are experiencing a virus-driven surge

This spring has been a rollercoaster ride for many cannabis dispensaries in Los Angeles.

Trader Joe’s Boosts Worker Safety

Grocer expands cleaning efforts, offers bonuses

Measures implemented by Trader Joe's last week include temporary closure of seven stores where crew members have tested positive for Covid-19, including locations in West Los Angeles, Encino and South Pasadena.