The retail scene in Orange County is constantly changing. Stay up to date on store openings and closures with our new tracker, Open and Shut. Are we missing any? Send tips to lleung@ocregister.com or 714-796-7927.
OPEN
Foothill Ranch-based Wet Seal has rolled out its plus-size store concept at The Shops at Mission Viejo and 30 other U.S. locations.
The shift follows the apparel company’s decision in April to wind down its underperforming Arden B. brand, which targeted women in their late 20s and 30s, and convert its more than 50 Arden B. locations to either Wet Seals or Wet Seal Pluses.
Such shops have also opened at Fashion Square in Sherman Oaks and Azalea Shopping Center in South Gate.
Arden B.’s website is still operational, and as of Wednesday, was hosting a going-out-of-business sale.
Also new at The Shops at Mission Viejo: an Essie vending machine. The beauty company has been rolling out these “color boutique” digital kiosks at airports since July and shortly followed with malls.
The machine, which is loaded with 48 varieties of nail polishes, was installed at The Shops in August and is among eight located inside malls across the country.
Makeup brand Urban Decay will open its first standalone store this fall at Fashion Island.
The 1,000-square-foot site will feature six makeup stations, a digital video wall and coffee bar.
The Newport Beach-based company, which launched in 1996, is owned by L’Oreal.
SHUT
The Seal Beach location of women’s clothing chain Coldwater Creek, which filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the spring, has closed its doors. Its Mission Viejo location has also shuttered.
It’s unclear what will become of those spaces. However, some of the company’s leases have been sold as part of bankruptcy proceedings.
Private equity firm Sycamore Partners has acquired Coldwater; its website says the company is rebranding as “Coldwater Creek Direct online,” which will feature a different, yet-to-be-announced strategy.
ON THE HORIZON
Buena Park mega-development The Source, which will feature eateries, shopping and residences, will miss its original 2014 launch date.
Instead, the project is expected to open in the second half of next year, says developer M&D Properties.
The project will include 450,000 square feet of retail space, entertainment, rooftop gardens and a hotel, according to its website.
Contact the writer: lleung@ocregister.com
