Downtown Los Angeles Brooks Brothers closes its doors after 71 years
In case you missed my compatriot Shelby Grad's recent mention of it, Monday is the last day of business for the downtown Los Angeles Brooks Brothers store, which has occupied its 604 S. Figueroa St. location for more than two decades.
The following statement, released by the company's chairman and chief executive Claudio Del Vecchio, seems to indicate the issue was one of timetable problems rather than declining business or a desire to exit the downtown core:
“Brooks Brothers has had a presence in downtown LA since the 1930’s and opened the current location 21 years ago. We believe very strongly in downtown locations and in fact planned to open a (previously unannounced) 11,000 sq ft. flagship store within the Grand Avenue complex.
The delay of the Grand project coincided with the expiration of our current lease and unfortunately we were unable to reach an agreement with the landlord."
Del Vecchio's statement went on to say that the company is "actively searching for alternate locations" in case the Grand Avenue complex never comes to pass.
But, in the meantime, the denizens of downtown will have to head for the hills (of Beverly that is) or Century City to dip their toes in the nearest Brooks.
-- Adam Tschorn
What a shame. I remember my father taking me to the Downtown Brooks for my first suit 25 years ago. It was one of those places that was an institution and will be missed on Figueroa. Just doesn't feel the same on Rodeo Drive.
Posted by: Grown Up | April 08, 2010 at 05:42 PM
I was saddened to learn Brooks Brothers closed their downtown Los Angeles store. It was a convenient place for downtown business people, such as myself, to shop for quality clothing. What I liked most about downtown Brooks was the personal, attentive service of my long time sales representative, Linda Recabaren-Riley. When I found out Linda had not been transferred to a Brooks store on the westside, I felt lost in the world of retail clothing.
Linda has a great sense of style and knows what clothing best suits the individual. I know she had a large clientele at Brooks Brothers and I'm sure they would like to know where she is now.
Fortunately, I learned Linda continues to provide her same uncomparable service for another quality clothier, Carroll & Co., on 146 S. Lake Ave. in Pasadena. Carroll is relatively close to downtown Los Angeles and is the best high end clothing store near downtown (closer than the westside Brooks stores).
Posted by: Nick | June 06, 2010 at 10:24 PM