Brooks Brothers is closing in downtown L.A.

Downtown L.A. has attracted some hip clothing stores in recent years. But it's losing one of its oldest.

Brooks Brothers, which has been selling suits in downtown since 1939, is closing, according to the Downtown News.

The closure is something of a blow to downtown, which has been struggling to draw high-end retailers. There has been a boom in high-end condo and loft construction over the last decade, but residents have complained about a lack of shopping opportunities.

Downtown boosters have hoped the Frank Gehry-designed Grand Avenue complex on Bunker Hill would draw more luxury retailers. But that development has been delayed because of the bad economy. Brooks Brothers tended to cater to the downtown office set.

The store will close next week. Customers will then have to go west to stores in Century City and Beverly Hills.

No reason was given, and sorry, there will be no close-out sale. 

-- Shelby Grad

Photo: A Brooks Brothers clothing store in New York. Credit: Richard Drew / Associated Press

More breaking news in L.A. Now:

First Hebrew-language charter school gets approval in Santa Clarita Valley

L.A. County to announce federal health grants

Octuplets mother Nadya Suleman, children could be evicted from La Habra home

Serial killer's photos of women could identify more victims; police flooded with calls

Comments

[Jon Wright]

Having worked in Downtown for over 30 years (now retired but still live nearby in Mt. Washington), I regret the store's closing but have to say I never shopped there or ever liked the clothes they carried. At 62, they are way too old fashioned looking even for me!! I do shop Downtown in the fashion district where suits are much cheaper, service great and styles as hip as you can take it. Also Macy's has great bargains every so often.

[bettie]

Anybody who would pay Brooks Bros. prices for a suit or dress shirt should have their head examined.

Great quality of both can be had for half to two-thirds the price.

[Marcotico]

To everyone who complains about the parking at this store, you do realize that it is one block away from the red/purple line station. Try exploring your city a little.

[wilson0004]

Having grown up in a family in the clothing business, it hurts to see another big name in downtown L.A. bite the dust. I remember the days of all the big names down there.

[Alex Bensen]

I've worked for Brooks Brothers in the past .. and comments like bad customer service, dressing sloppy, and quality commensurate to places like Mens Wearhouse just astound me. Because of how "off" they are, and exaggerations, to say the least. What's wrong with some of you? The store comprised of two male employees. Both of whom I know ... made a point to dress up accordingly!! The others are female. 3 of them, with one more, who was the supervisor. As the store's focus was men's clothing, less on women's, I don't think how the women dressed .. would be a focus in a store about men. And to the best knowledge .. they made a point to dress right, as they have been longtime employees, and have more professionalism than most retail employees who are here today, gone in 6 months!

I also worked for the Mens Wearhouse as well. So I know very well, the quality between Brooks, and Men's W. and as I worked .. I was actually surprised to see .... we actually get what we pay for! Brooks quality stood out! The non-iron shirts at Men's W. are actually crap .. but the Brooks were actually great!

I'm really upset with some of the stupid comments here. Some responders are actually clueless!

And to why the store closed - The economy is one indicator .. but one thing few know, the LA store was actually a Union store. One of only 2 in all of California. The other union store is in San Francisco. South Coast Plaza, Beverly Hills, Century City - non union stores.

Seems this day and age ... companies try to distance themselves from unions. May have nothing to do with this closure .. but just a guess.

[Alex Bensen]

The only bad thing anyone could say about this store, was the parking situation. It was valet only, but you always could get your ticket fully validated at no cost.

Next ... the style. Not for everybody, it's a "staid" traditional look that is very conservative. But that's the beauty of dressing up. You get a good quality suit at BB. But then dressed up with a different tie and shirt .. to mix things up, and create your own look.

Next ... if the employees looked dressed down, it may have been on a Saturday, only, as that was the one day on selected Saturdays throughout the year .. where employees could dress a little more casual.

And finally .... the quality truly stood out. Suits of truly good construction. If you were paying 1,000 dollars on a suit .. you were getting 1,000 dollars worth of quality craftsmanship. Meanwhile .. the craftsmanship at a lesser store like Mens Wearhouse was actually mediocre. You could tell in the quality of how it's put together, and the fabrics themselves. But not everyone necessarily has the eye to pick that out. (Hence, the less than half-brained comments earlier).

So ..... if guys felt better off with the fast talking sleazy stores in the Fashion District, I feel sorry for you. I think it's a better experience when a shopper can work with employees that don't have a slick fast-talking vibe .. like it's a used car lot.

Brooks Brothers had a stodginess about it .. but you could always count on a more comfortable high end shopping experience!