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Unwrapping the Gift Wrap
OC's retailers display cautious optimism as the holiday season kicks in.
By Melissa AdamsPublished: November 27, 2003
Forget silent nights. After three disappointing holiday seasons, retailers are hoping for a chorus of cha-chings this Christmas. If the fury of recent wildfires has singed shoppers' passions for delivering the perfect present for all on their holiday lists, it's not apparent in the optimism of local retailers. In the aftermath of last year's hugely disappointing holiday sales season and the below-par returns of two previous years, Orange County vendors we interviewed express cautious hope about holding the Grinch at bay during the critical fourth quarter of 2003.
Their cheeriness is buoyed by the prophecies of national retail analysts. According to Dr. Anthony Liuzzo, professor of business and economics at Pennsylvania's Wilkes University and a forecaster of holiday retail sales for the past 15 years, all signs point to the best holiday retail season since the start of the millennium. The International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) concurs, pointing to increased disposable income kick-started by tax cuts, a booming housing market and a luxury market revival.
Reasons for caution remain, the Council concedes. Energy prices remain high, the job market has yet to prove it's on the mend, and sales growth during the back-to-school season may have been excessively reliant on one-off factors, such as the child tax credit checks.
On the bright side: "Retail sales have exceeded the forecasts of almost all the major retail players," Liuzzo says. "Consumers are demonstrating that they are willing to spend the tax cuts they are now seeing in their paychecks." From November through the end of the year, that spending typically accounts for 20 to 40 percent of a retailer's annual sales volume, both online and in traditional stores.
Locally, Shayne Voorheis, director of sales and marketing at Fashion Island, echos Liuzzo's confidence. "Since July, we've seen a strong increase in sales and traffic and we're prepared for a great holiday season," she says. Her assurance may be well grounded, since a robust back-to-school shopping season typically forecasts strong holiday returns.
Equally bright is the outlook at The Shops at Mission Viejo, where such outlets as Girl Mania, Banana Republic and Pottery Barn Kids cater to well-heeled families. "We had a huge back-to-school season and we expect Christmas to be just as positive," says Patsy Sanquist, The Shops' marketing director.
Elves across the nation
Across the U.S., Liuzzo predicts retailers will see sales increases totaling about 4 percent over last year for the 2003 holiday season. In 2002, the U.S. Census Bureau reported sales increases of a scant two percent compared to a giddy 8.3 percent in 1999, 3.7 percent in 2000 and 3.9 percent in 2001.
Other analysts have even jollier outlooks. Projections from the National Retail Federation (NRF) call for a 5.7 percent jump in holiday sales over last season, bringing November through January spending to $217.4 billion.
Carl Steidtman, chief economist for Deloitte Research, envisions a picture that's sweeter still, calling for last year's coal to be replaced by sugar plums in retailers' stockings: 6-7 percent jumps in holiday sales. Outlays for general merchandise, apparel and furniture are projected to climb even higher.
"After several strong months of retail sales growth, it seems clear the economy is picking up momentum just in time for the holidays," says Rosalind Wells, NRF chief economist. Citing low interest rates, low inflation, rising equity markets and mounting consumer confidence as favorable factors, she predicts, "Retail sales gains for the 2003 holiday season will be far better than the meager increases experienced a year ago."
"Consumers have spent the last several years on an emotional and economic roller coaster," concludes Tracy Mullin, NRF president. "Now, Americans appear to be ready to shop and ready to spend, just in time for the biggest shopping season of the year."
Local creatures are stirring
To gear up for the onslaught, South Coast Plaza, Orange County's largest shopping center, has doubled its concierge staff to about 60 shopping counselors and increased staff at its five valet stations by 25 percent, to 100 employees, for the season.
"We expect the increases we saw going into the fourth quarter to continue through the end of the year," says Debra Gunn Downing, executive director of marketing at South Coast Plaza, where more than 23 million annual visitors account for more than $1 billion in annual sales.
Recently opened stores at the 114-acre retail Mecca that bills itself as "The Ultimate Shopping Resort" include Bottega Veneta, Paul Frank, Eileen Fisher and Sony Style. In September, jeweler Temple St. Claire debuted with the first of her upscale boutiques featuring couture collectibles and a new line of engagement rings. Heading into its second holiday season is the only West Coast David Yurman flagship store, with luxury watch designs and fine jewelry.
Seasonal specialty stores include Christmas Dazzle, stocked with ornaments from around the world, and Home Holidays & Traditions, offering up collectibles, personalized stockings and complimentary personalization of ornaments. Partygoers can find gift baskets filled with novelty foods at Hickory Farms or chock-full of gourmet-baked goods, chocolates and premium wines at Mrs. Beasley's and The Wrapper.
Closer to the coast, The Irvine Co.'s Fashion Island also has new tenants and hopes to attract shoppers with additional concierge services, personal shoppers and other conveniences for its end-of-year season. Back for 2003 are Macy's Holiday Lane and The Art of Christmas - seasonal shops offering a wide selection of artificial Christmas trees, ornaments and holiday dÈcor.
In November, Indigo Palms Denim Company, a division of Tommy Bahama, unveiled its first retail store at Fashion Island, housing Indigo Palms denim sportswear for men and women alongside an Island Soft collection for men featuring trousers, shorts, shirts and jackets in cashmere, silk, linen and suede. In October, MaxStudio.com, known for leading-edge women's fashions, opened its doors near the koi pond at the open-air center.
"People wear jeans not only with T-shirts, but with cashmere sweaters," says George Santacroce, president of Tommy Bahama Retail. "The combination of Indigo Palms and Island Soft offers our guests the opportunity to blend luxury and denim in a way that reflects their casual lifestyle."
Santa Claus is coming to town
With the same scrutiny they apply to consumers' lifestyles, executives who guide the destinies of retailers strive to create a total shopping experience. "Our centers offer more than great shopping," says Nina Robinson, vice president of marketing for The Irvine Co.'s retail properties. "This time of year, they provide a true sense of the holiday spirit, with an ice rink at Irvine Spectrum Center, the traditional Christmas tree at Fashion Island and strolling carolers at our neighborhood and community centers."
Customer service also figures into the mix. At Fashion Island, shoppers can streamline seasonal chores through gift-wrapping and shipping services at The Mail Room, near the service shops adjacent to Tutto Mare, near The Ultimate Invitation in Atrium Court and near Gold Crown Hallmark, close to Barnes & Noble.
At the Concierge Center in Atrium Court, they can purchase gift certificates, pick up a complimentary wheelchair or stroller, make a restaurant reservation and obtain assistance for finding the perfect holiday gift for that special someone. A personal shopper is available at the main Concierge Desk, to assist with corporate and personal selections. Bloomingdale's and Neiman Marcus also have personal shoppers who can help with wish list fulfillment.
"Our concierge staff is very knowledgeable about what stores are featuring," explains Fashion Island's Voorheis. "If you call or come in, looking for a sweater for your teenage niece or a Louis Vuitton bag to match your holiday outfit, they can tell you where to find it."
On rainy days, loaner umbrellas can be had at the Fashion Island Concierge and at valet stations between Robinsons-May and Apple Computer and between Thaifoon and Daily Grill. Shop 'til you drop types can purchase an annual valet parking pass for $100 at the Concierge Desk - a perfect gift for the avid shopper on your list.
If you don't want to get in your car at all to patronize local centers, you're in luck thanks to The Irvine Co.'s new online gift certificate program. For the ultimate marriage of clicks and bricks, visit www.shoptheirvinecompany.com before Dec. 31 to enjoy complimentary shipping when you purchase a gift certificate for $50 or more for Corona del Mar Plaza, Crystal Cove Promenade, Fashion Island, Irvine Spectrum Center or The Market Place in Tustin.
Almost as easy for gift givers who want to wrap up holiday shopping without worrying about wrong sizes or boxes to wrap is the Simon Gift Card, redeemable anywhere in the U.S. where Visa is accepted. Available in denominations of $20 to $500, the cards can be purchased locally at Brea Mall, Westminster Mall and Laguna Hills Mall, as well as at some 230 Simon Property Group malls across the nation.
New on the scene
In addition to retailers at major shopping centers, local consumers have new options for parting with $637 - the average intended holiday budget for 2003 according to a recent poll by the NPD Group, a market research firm in Port Washington, N.Y.
Hoping to attract style mavens of Newport Coast, where the median annual income is $164,653 (more than both the $145,859 average household income within a three-mile radius of Fashion Island and the $146,301 average income in homes within the same radius of Corona del Mar Plaza) is Ambrosia Home. The upscale furniture and accessories shop opened this month in The Bluffs Shopping Center, The Irvine Co.'s newest collection of casual dining and retail shops that debuted in summer 2003 at the corner of MacArthur and Bison.
The brainchild of model home merchandiser Debra Newell, Ambrosia Home features nine interior vignettes in different styles - including contemporary, nautical, island tropical, European transitional and shabby chic - on its showroom floor. "We take the guesswork out of what furniture styles, fabrics and accessories go together," says Newell, who likens her decorating concept to the Garanimals children's clothing line that uses code tags to make it easy to match kids' separates. A half-dozen interior designers at her outlet for turnkey dÈcor are available to help shoppers sift through portfolios of furnishings and accessories, to pull together a scheme throughout a home.
In the same center, Newell - who has headed up Ambrosia Interior Design in Tustin for 21 years - opened Madison Avenue in October. The chic women's clothing boutique features classic to contemporary sportswear and eveningwear, including lingerie and some 150 lines of designer dresses, suits and accessories.
To provide a first-class shopping experience, Newell offers up robes and champagne for her discerning clientele. To nurture the patience of male tag-a-longs, she's set up what amounts to a husband- or boyfriend-tending station at the center of the shop, with a large-screen television tuned in to sports channels and a magazine rack stocked with the likes of Golf Digest, Money Magazine and Sports Illustrated.
One-of-a-kind options
A different wardrobe adventure can be had at Ginger's Island in Irvine. Named for the sexy starlet who found herself stranded on a South Pacific island in one of television's most popular sitcoms, the outlet for custom swimwear, fitness and nightlife apparel provides an economical, made-to-order alternative to off-the-rack women's clothing. Expect a laid-back, island ambiance when you walk into the kid-friendly shop on Jeronimo Road, complete with a playroom where owner Lissa Walker's three young boys often hang out.
"Ginger was the smartest one on Gilligan's Island," says Walker, a former figure skater who designed all of her own outfits. "She brought along enough clothes on a three-hour tour to last a lifetime."
Just as the enterprising sitcom character fashioned her own luscious attire out of Mrs. Howell's hand-me-downs, Ginger's Island customers can fashion made-to-order wardrobes for cruise or resort vacations. Custom-created using personal measurements rather than manufacturers' size specifications, garments can be crafted in hundreds of styles and fabrics, with design features limited only by a customer's imagination.
"If you have a vision of a crushed velvet, plum-colored holiday dress with puffy sleeves and a short, slim skirt, you can have it in your closet in one to three weeks," says Walker. For such a custom garment, expect to pay between $150 and $400 at Ginger's Island.
Made-to-order swimwear in mix 'n match styles and fabrics typically runs $75 to $125. In 2004, Walker plans to offer custom clothing for everyone in the family, with Hawaiian shirts for Dad, Lil' Buddy sportswear for boys and Lil' MaryAnn clothing for girls. Matching clothing for kids and parents also will be available. A retail store in Irvine Spectrum Center or Las Vegas is on the horizon, and Walker plans to go nationwide within two years.
Need a custom fragrance to go with that one-of-a-kind sarong or bikini? Head for The Fragrance Shop on South Coast Highway in Laguna Beach, where owner Lee Rasmussen offers more than 500 designer fragrances in pure oil form, without alcohol or other fillers. Modeled after stores in Miami and New Orleans, Rasmussen's shop is heading into its second holiday season.
"The economy is a lot better this year than last and we're hoping for 30 to 40 percent of our holiday sales to come from local repeat business," says Rasmussen, who will open a second shop in Las Vegas next year. For under $50, his customers can make scents based on Joy, Escape, Obsession or any other favorite designer fragrance. Or, they can opt for a custom fragrance, specially blended to suggest floral, fruity, vanilla or any other nuances. A dozen house blends include Rain, China Musk, True Gardenia and Arabian Sandalwood. Boutique-quality bath and body products also are available, either unscented or scented with The Fragrance Shop's pure version of virtually any fragrance.
What's hot for 2003
Presumably, some of the credit for seasonal retail success lies with marketers who lie awake on many eves prior to the night before Christmas, dreaming up hot holiday gifts that can command full price sales all season long. For 2003, gotta-have-it goods in line to replicate the success of such hot sellers of past seasons as pashmina shawls and Furby dolls include GI Joe 40th anniversary figures and "Built to Rule" Transformers for kids.
According to the ICSC, gift giving 2003 is leaning toward a "retro-theme" that will give new life to toys that were hot two decades ago. Watch for new incarnations of Cabbage Patch babies and Strawberry Shortcake, and for toys that fall into one of three camps - nostalgia (Hokey Pokey Elmo, My Little Pony, Care Bears, Barbie); high tech (Neopets); and educational (Leapfrog).
The return to the '80s also will bring back tweed clothing; statement boots embellished with buttons, fur and buckles; white shirts and vintage linens. Furnishings in such unusual colors as citrus, Tabasco, aqua, cinnamon and khaki will be popular this season, as will any home dÈcor in copper, according to ICSC forecasters. Glitzy, metallic evening sandals, diamonds in fancy shapes, aromatherapy oils and MP3 players the likes of Apples IPOD also are destined to be hot gift items.
Primal passions to ignite sales
If shoppers fulfill the forecasts of Faith Popcorn, America's foremost trend diviner and founder of the marketing consultancy BrainReserve, they'll be motivated by some of the most basic human needs and emotions in this year's holiday shopping extravaganza. Following a period of economic downturn, global turmoil, corporate scandal, terrorism and emotional recovery, the 2003 end-of-year marketplace will be fueled by Primal Passions, says the trend-tracker who foretold such behaviors as "cocooning," "anchoring," "being alive" and "pleasure revenge." Food, family, love and vanity will drive what's hot this holiday season.
In the consumable category, shoppers might turn to Beverages & More, the Concord, California-based beverage superstore, for holiday party needs and edible gifts. Founded in 1994, the retail beverage "category killer" now has 31 stores throughout California and has tripled in size since 2001.
"We now have a real presence in Orange County, with stores in Brea and Irvine, as well as our newest store in Fashion Island's Atrium Court where we're optimistic about our second holiday season," says Joel Weis, Southern California area manager.
With gift baskets that were designed and ordered by summer's end, as well as thousands of wines and spirits, Weis hopes to attract customers who are "drinking less but drinking better." Predicted hot sellers include champagnes, imported red wines and domestic varietals in the $8-$15 range, and such premium spirits as Ketel One Citroen Vodka. Also available at the warehouse-style stores are hand-rolled cigars, specialty food items, glassware and beverage accessories. For the wine lover in the family, consider a Beaulieu Napa Cabernet Basket stocked with Beaulieu Napa Cabernet, caramel cookies, vanilla biscottis, Camembert cheese and cheese swirls, all for $35.99.
Popcorn's predicted focus on family may manifest itself in fast-selling monogrammed items, available for girls from ages 4-14 at such stores at Girl Mania at The Shops at Mission Viejo. "Customizing clothing and accessories with initials is hot," says The Shops' Patsy Sanquist. Teens through thirtysomethings will be drawn to Banana Republic clothing in vibrant colors, in such luxury fabrics as cashmere, merino wool and suede, Sandquist predicts. For a younger set, toy kitchen appliances in blue and stainless are available at Pottery Barn Kids in The Shops at Mission Viejo.
To kindle love, shoppers can head into Between the Sheets at Fashion Island, home of exotic bed dressing in such tactile fabrics as satin, natural silk, velvet, latex, hi-gloss PVC and super soft micro-fleece. "The soft economy hasn't hurt us," notes Nicole Serpico, store manager. "We've seen a huge sales increase since 9/11. Now more than ever, people treasure their homes and want to make the time they spend there special."
If you're in the market for 1,020-count imported Egyptian sheets, sumptuous comforters, sheepskin mattress pads, bed or bath accessories or inlaid wood furniture, Between the Sheets is the place. For something truly special, check out a Tuscan bed that goes for $15,000 or an Italian marble table with a bronze lion base that will set you back $29,000.
Female vanity has always impacted holiday sales, but this year male vanity or "manity," as Popcorn terms it, is going mass. "Men from every demographic group are realizing they won't lose their machismo by caring about or improving how they look," the trend psychic says. "Watch for the growth of numerous male institutions once reserved for women, such as men's day spas and salons."
That might explain the popularity of such virtual escape venues as Burke Williams in The Block at Orange and on Crown Valley Parkway in Mission Viejo, where men can opt for such stress busters as "Gentlemen's Choice" - a three- to five-hour getaway that includes a massage, facial, herbal wrap, exfoliating salt glo treatment, scalp treatment and spa pedicure for $410. Gift certificates are available for individual treatments, day packages or specified dollar amounts.
The women on your list are likely to appreciate such a gift, as well. According to an online study by Frank About Women, a marketing to women consultancy that helps companies build brand relationships with women, the most desired holiday gift for women this season is the gift of escape, whether it's a vacation, a cruise, or a day at the spa. By contrast, almost half the men in that study said they would prefer a gift from the electronics department.
To satisfy their desires, Asian manufacturers of electronic gadgets have been busy meeting increased holiday orders from American retailers. If strong sales of everything from semiconductors to finished cell phones, digital cameras and DVD recorders are any indication, the long-awaited tech recovery is in sight.
According to executives at Sony Corp and Matsuhita Electric Industrial Co., Japan's consumer electronics leviathans, DVD players are poised for a boom this holiday season. Available for between $450 and $1,200 at such electronics superstores as Best Buy, Fry's and Circuit City - down from retail prices beginning at about $800 last year and $1,700 in 2001 - the recorders could replace VCRs and their cumbersome tapes as the preferred technology for archiving the last episode of "The OC" or little Jessica's first birthday party.
Gadget hunters looking for a less pricey option will find 10 DVD player models at Best Buy at Costa Mesa's Metro Pointe for under $100. Other hot sellers are likely to include cell phones with built-in cameras, available for as little as $250 at Best Buy after a mail-in rebate, DVD-writing drives for PCs priced from about $100 to $250, and flat-screen TVs that can be had for under $300.
Fabulous fur and other trends
"Fur is back," reports Hunter Tate, general manager at Giorgio Armani, opposite Macy's in South Coast Plaza's chi-chi Jewel Court wing. Also big this holiday season, according to the former St. John exec, are exotic skins, luxury cashmere and brooches studded with semi-precious stones.
If the must-haves on your significant other's holiday list include gloves or shoes crafted of crocodile skin, a handbag that started life as a python, a limited edition mink and silk scarf or an evening bag studded with Swarovski crystals, head for this upscale venue. "Many of our customers are buying a single luxury item rather than several smaller gifts - one great leather jacket, a cashmere overcoat or a fox stole," Tate observes.
If you're in the market for such big-ticket items, prepare to dig deep. You'll part with $800 to $4,000 for a python handbag and at least $4,000 for a similar item fashioned of crocodile skin. For $850, purchase a fox wrap in navy, red or cream. If you're truly smitten, you may not think twice about unloading $1,400 for a mink and silk scarf stocking stuffer. Purchase 10 of those for what a reversible suede and mink coat will run.
"Based on the response we had to our fall collection this year, we anticipate a great holiday season," Tate says. "People are shopping earlier because they know we might have just a dozen of a certain item in the entire nation. They're also in a more giving spirit, because they're thinking, 'It's been a roller coaster year. We've gone through a lot and it's time to do a little extra for the holidays.'" Already, Tate has worked with victims of the recent wildfires from San Diego and Big Bear, trying to re-establish their lifestyles after devastating losses.
"After the fires and the war, we're bound to have a better year," predicts Heidi Miller, owner of Tight Assets stores in Newport Beach and Laguna Beach, as well as Carlsbad and Palm Desert. "With interest rates holding at low levels and the economy looking up, people are parting with cash. They're not spending like they used to, but they are spending."
Chances are, the founder of Heidi's Frozen Yogurt knows whereof she speaks. In 1981, when interest rates were in double digits, she opened the first of her healthful snack shops and grew the chain to 120 stores in nine states over a 12-year period. "People were anxious about buying big ticket items back then, but they were comfortable dropping a buck or two for frozen yogurt," recalls the former gymnast and body builder.
Decades later, similar consumer hesitancy has impacted Miller's holiday retail strategy at boutiques where she proffers trendy workout, dance and hip street wear. Of current inventory ordered in late summer, she says, "I don't rely on big-ticket items. My customers want something unique and different, but they don't necessarily want to spend a lot of money. They come here for great-fitting workout wear, one-of-a-kind gift items and party accessories." Popular sellers, many imported from Brazil, run between $35 and $65.
To attract customers, Miller relies on her fashion sense and gut instinct. "I buy shallow, not deep, unlike the big department stores," she explains. "I turn merchandise around quickly. There's always something new in the stores, so that customers are tempted every time they turn around."
Reality bytes and beyond
Beyond bricks and mortar, Melody Vargas' About Retail Industry guide predicts a growth of 25 percent in U.S. e-commerce retail sales, to $17 billion during the fourth quarter compared with $13.8 billion during the same period last year. That would be a year-over-year increase of 27 percent - the highest growth rate since e-commerce went mainstream in the 2000 season.
Among local retailers capitalizing on the cyber-shopping boom is Beverages & More, which reports almost doubling its Internet business since it began retailing online in 1999. Customers can make purchases on the Web and pick up their orders an hour later, or have them shipped or delivered.
On the other end of the spectrum is "total immersion," says retailer Lindy Lu Bartlett, whose Beach 'N Backyards opened on Labor Day this year along Costa Mesa's 17th Street. After a hectic day at the office, customers can don bathing suits to personally experience a hydro-spa they might purchase for between $3,100 and $7,900. Also available at the indoor and outdoor home dÈcor outlet is Lindy's hip "Lu Lu's Closet" Bohemian line of clothing and accessories, featuring such must-haves as silk drawstring pajama pants and beaded tank tops from Bali.
If that's not exotic enough for you, steer clear of Fashion Island's Neiman Marcus and head for your keyboard, where you'll find the 77th edition of the mega-retailer's Christmas Book at www.neimanmarcus.com. Among this year's 11 fantasy gifts are his-and-hers interactive, remote-controlled male and female robots designed by International Robotics, priced at $400,000 for the adult-size pair. Make a true fashion statement with a 44.6-carat yellow diamond ring set in 18-karat gold, for $800,000, or get to that New Year's bash in style in your choice of Bombardier Learjet, from $7.7 million to $12.7 million.
Still chewing on a holiday gift list but can't sink your teeth into any of these big-ticket indulgences? To retailers' chagrin, you might know all too well about reality's hard-to-swallow pills that may or may not take a bite out of 2003 sales.
Melissa Adams is a Newport Beach-based freelance writer.
The Busiest shopping day?
Contrary to popular misconception, Thanksgiving weekend - including Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving - is not the busiest shopping period of the year.
According to the International Council of Shopping Centers, that honor actually belongs to the last weekend before Christmas, when 30 percent of holiday retail sales are typically rung up, compared to 10 percent during the three days following the annual turkey-fest.
If there is any deep message in knowing these facts, it is this: Shop early.
Shopping Wonderland
Explore these 26 new stores in Orange County.
By Lynn Armitage
This holiday season, you'll have even more ways to spend your hard-earned cash. A robust boom of new stores has hit Orange County. Here's a snapshot of what's ready to be unwrapped when you do the shopping at just three of the county's dozens of shopping centers:
Fashion Island
Indigo Palms Denim Company: This first-ever store of its kind, owned by Tommy Bahama, features relaxed, sophisticated styles focusing on denim, with coordinates in suede and cashmere.
MaxStudio.com: A boutique of leading-edge fashions for trend-conscious women.
Babystyle: Offers maternity wear, clothing for babies and toddlers, toys, nursery furniture and dÈcor, baby gear and gifts.
Forever 21: Chic, trendy fashions for girls and young women.
Chuck Jones Gallery: Features favorite animated characters created by Chuck Jones. Relocated from Laguna Beach.
First Cut: An upscale hair salon exclusively for children. Also offers party packages with mini spa treatments and mock facials.
Pampolina: The first store in the U.S. by one of Europe's most exclusive designers of children's clothing, from newborn to size 12.
South Coast Plaza
Aldo: Specializing in fashion footwear, leather goods and accessories.
Stila: Featuring cosmetics galore. Experience the world's first cosmetic vending machines at this Orange County exclusive store.
Kiehl's since 1851: Founded as an Old World apothecary, Kiehl's offers a unique selection of cosmetic, pharmaceutical, herbal and medicinal products.
The Silk Trading Company: Known for luxury textiles, drapery, paint and home furnishings, The Silk Trading Company inspires clients to realize their own style.
Claim Jumper Restaurant: A popular dining establishment for families and busy professionals, known for its generous portions and good value.
MAX & Co.: Part of the MaxMara fashion group, this Italian label is a collection of fashion-forward contemporary silhouettes with plenty of feminine flair.
Paul Frank: His first store within a shopping center, featuring his characters Julius and friends on clothing, sleepwear, swimwear and accessories for both men and women.
Marina Rinaldi: Fuller, Italian fashions for the woman size 10 through 22, constructed with the same craftsmanship as those created by luxury good designers who cater to the smaller frame.
Vertigo: Fabulous, chic designs from this Paris-based retailer.
Eileen Fisher: Simple clothes inspired by movement and freedom, inviting women to stretch, dance, work and play without constraint.
Sony Style: A showcase of Sony's most innovative electronics and entertainment products and services, as well as the latest music and movies from Sony Music and Sony Pictures Entertainment.
Temple St. Clair: Timeless jewelry pieces that feature an elegant restraint, a clean modern line and a sensitivity to color.
Roberto Cavalli: The first West Coast boutique of this Italian designer-to-the-stars. Menswear, lingerie, swimwear, fragrances, handbag collections and unique runway pieces not available at other stores.
The Shops at Mission Viejo
BeBe Sport: The latest fashions in bold lines, great fabrics and style.
Girl Mania: Completely cool fashions and accessories for girls 4-14! Also a great place for parties, makeovers, dance jams and more.
Janie & Jack: Adorable clothes and accessories for little ones, from preemies to 3T's.
Paper Doll: A showcase of cards, stationery, pens, gorgeous wrapping paper, tissue, collectibles and jewelry.
Sephora: A dazzling, international array of cosmetic brands, colors, styles and types to put a wonderful face on things.
Oceans 33: A cosmopolitan dining environment featuring a rotisserie, wood-burning oven and grill. OCM
Lynn Armitage is a senior writer with Churm Publishing, Inc.
Sheriff's 10 Wishes
Michael Carona is wishing for a good hair day.
One thing you can count on when Orange County Sheriff Michael Carona is asked for a holiday wish list: It won't be of the usual kind. Instead of pricey gifts, he's thinking of ways to make the world a safer, better place. His trademark sense of humor shines through, as well (we'll work on Wish No. 2, sir, but we don't want to appear overly optimistic on No. 5). So, read on:
1. Orange County remains the safest county in America.
2. That I am selected, for the third time, as one of OC METRO Magazine's Hottest 25.
3. A quick and safe return for all American troops abroad.
4. Every state in the nation adopts the Amber Alert and that they NEVER have to use it.
5. The development of stronger shampoos to stimulate hair growth.
6. That each of us harbor respect and tolerance for one another.
7. Scientists discover that steaks and Ketel One martinis actually are good for you.
8. Solutions to the budget crisis.
9. Learn to spell "Schwarzenegger" correctly.
10. We continue to reach out to our youth, building strong foundations for their future. OCM
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Their cheeriness is buoyed by the prophecies of national retail analysts. According to Dr. Anthony Liuzzo, professor of business and economics at Pennsylvania's Wilkes University and a forecaster of holiday retail sales for the past 15 years, all signs point to the best holiday retail season since the start of the millennium. The International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) concurs, pointing to increased disposable income kick-started by tax cuts, a booming housing market and a luxury market revival. Reasons for caution remain, the Council concedes. Energy prices remain high, the job market has yet to prove it's on the mend, and sales growth during the back-to-school season may have been excessively reliant on one-off factors, such as the child tax credit checks. On the bright side: "Retail sales have exceeded the forecasts of almost all the major retail players," Liuzzo says. "Consumers are demonstrating that they are willing to spend the tax cuts they are now seeing in their paychecks." From November through the end of the year, that spending typically accounts for 20 to 40 percent of a retailer's annual sales volume, both online and in traditional stores. Locally, Shayne Voorheis, director of sales and marketing at Fashion Island, echos Liuzzo's confidence. "Since July, we've seen a strong increase in sales and traffic and we're prepared for a great holiday season," she says. Her assurance may be well grounded, since a robust back-to-school shopping season typically forecasts strong holiday returns. Equally bright is the outlook at The Shops at Mission Viejo, where such outlets as Girl Mania, Banana Republic and Pottery Barn Kids cater to well-heeled families. "We had a huge back-to-school season and we expect Christmas to be just as positive," says Patsy Sanquist, The Shops' marketing director. Elves across the nation Across the U.S., Liuzzo predicts retailers will see sales increases totaling about 4 percent over last year for the 2003 holiday season. In 2002, the U.S. Census Bureau reported sales increases of a scant two percent compared to a giddy 8.3 percent in 1999, 3.7 percent in 2000 and 3.9 percent in 2001. Other analysts have even jollier outlooks. Projections from the National Retail Federation (NRF) call for a 5.7 percent jump in holiday sales over last season, bringing November through January spending to $217.4 billion. Carl Steidtman, chief economist for Deloitte Research, envisions a picture that's sweeter still, calling for last year's coal to be replaced by sugar plums in retailers' stockings: 6-7 percent jumps in holiday sales. Outlays for general merchandise, apparel and furniture are projected to climb even higher. "After several strong months of retail sales growth, it seems clear the economy is picking up momentum just in time for the holidays," says Rosalind Wells, NRF chief economist. Citing low interest rates, low inflation, rising equity markets and mounting consumer confidence as favorable factors, she predicts, "Retail sales gains for the 2003 holiday season will be far better than the meager increases experienced a year ago." "Consumers have spent the last several years on an emotional and economic roller coaster," concludes Tracy Mullin, NRF president. "Now, Americans appear to be ready to shop and ready to spend, just in time for the biggest shopping season of the year." Local creatures are stirring To gear up for the onslaught, South Coast Plaza, Orange County's largest shopping center, has doubled its concierge staff to about 60 shopping counselors and increased staff at its five valet stations by 25 percent, to 100 employees, for the season. "We expect the increases we saw going into the fourth quarter to continue through the end of the year," says Debra Gunn Downing, executive director of marketing at South Coast Plaza, where more than 23 million annual visitors account for more than $1 billion in annual sales. Recently opened stores at the 114-acre retail Mecca that bills itself as "The Ultimate Shopping Resort" include Bottega Veneta, Paul Frank, Eileen Fisher and Sony Style. In September, jeweler Temple St. Claire debuted with the first of her upscale boutiques featuring couture collectibles and a new line of engagement rings. Heading into its second holiday season is the only West Coast David Yurman flagship store, with luxury watch designs and fine jewelry. Seasonal specialty stores include Christmas Dazzle, stocked with ornaments from around the world, and Home Holidays & Traditions, offering up collectibles, personalized stockings and complimentary personalization of ornaments. Partygoers can find gift baskets filled with novelty foods at Hickory Farms or chock-full of gourmet-baked goods, chocolates and premium wines at Mrs. Beasley's and The Wrapper. Closer to the coast, The Irvine Co.'s Fashion Island also has new tenants and hopes to attract shoppers with additional concierge services, personal shoppers and other conveniences for its end-of-year season. Back for 2003 are Macy's Holiday Lane and The Art of Christmas - seasonal shops offering a wide selection of artificial Christmas trees, ornaments and holiday dÈcor. In November, Indigo Palms Denim Company, a division of Tommy Bahama, unveiled its first retail store at Fashion Island, housing Indigo Palms denim sportswear for men and women alongside an Island Soft collection for men featuring trousers, shorts, shirts and jackets in cashmere, silk, linen and suede. In October, MaxStudio.com, known for leading-edge women's fashions, opened its doors near the koi pond at the open-air center. "People wear jeans not only with T-shirts, but with cashmere sweaters," says George Santacroce, president of Tommy Bahama Retail. "The combination of Indigo Palms and Island Soft offers our guests the opportunity to blend luxury and denim in a way that reflects their casual lifestyle." Santa Claus is coming to town With the same scrutiny they apply to consumers' lifestyles, executives who guide the destinies of retailers strive to create a total shopping experience. "Our centers offer more than great shopping," says Nina Robinson, vice president of marketing for The Irvine Co.'s retail properties. "This time of year, they provide a true sense of the holiday spirit, with an ice rink at Irvine Spectrum Center, the traditional Christmas tree at Fashion Island and strolling carolers at our neighborhood and community centers." Customer service also figures into the mix. At Fashion Island, shoppers can streamline seasonal chores through gift-wrapping and shipping services at The Mail Room, near the service shops adjacent to Tutto Mare, near The Ultimate Invitation in Atrium Court and near Gold Crown Hallmark, close to Barnes & Noble. At the Concierge Center in Atrium Court, they can purchase gift certificates, pick up a complimentary wheelchair or stroller, make a restaurant reservation and obtain assistance for finding the perfect holiday gift for that special someone. A personal shopper is available at the main Concierge Desk, to assist with corporate and personal selections. Bloomingdale's and Neiman Marcus also have personal shoppers who can help with wish list fulfillment. "Our concierge staff is very knowledgeable about what stores are featuring," explains Fashion Island's Voorheis. "If you call or come in, looking for a sweater for your teenage niece or a Louis Vuitton bag to match your holiday outfit, they can tell you where to find it." On rainy days, loaner umbrellas can be had at the Fashion Island Concierge and at valet stations between Robinsons-May and Apple Computer and between Thaifoon and Daily Grill. Shop 'til you drop types can purchase an annual valet parking pass for $100 at the Concierge Desk - a perfect gift for the avid shopper on your list. If you don't want to get in your car at all to patronize local centers, you're in luck thanks to The Irvine Co.'s new online gift certificate program. For the ultimate marriage of clicks and bricks, visit www.shoptheirvinecompany.com before Dec. 31 to enjoy complimentary shipping when you purchase a gift certificate for $50 or more for Corona del Mar Plaza, Crystal Cove Promenade, Fashion Island, Irvine Spectrum Center or The Market Place in Tustin. Almost as easy for gift givers who want to wrap up holiday shopping without worrying about wrong sizes or boxes to wrap is the Simon Gift Card, redeemable anywhere in the U.S. where Visa is accepted. Available in denominations of $20 to $500, the cards can be purchased locally at Brea Mall, Westminster Mall and Laguna Hills Mall, as well as at some 230 Simon Property Group malls across the nation. New on the scene In addition to retailers at major shopping centers, local consumers have new options for parting with $637 - the average intended holiday budget for 2003 according to a recent poll by the NPD Group, a market research firm in Port Washington, N.Y. Hoping to attract style mavens of Newport Coast, where the median annual income is $164,653 (more than both the $145,859 average household income within a three-mile radius of Fashion Island and the $146,301 average income in homes within the same radius of Corona del Mar Plaza) is Ambrosia Home. The upscale furniture and accessories shop opened this month in The Bluffs Shopping Center, The Irvine Co.'s newest collection of casual dining and retail shops that debuted in summer 2003 at the corner of MacArthur and Bison. The brainchild of model home merchandiser Debra Newell, Ambrosia Home features nine interior vignettes in different styles - including contemporary, nautical, island tropical, European transitional and shabby chic - on its showroom floor. "We take the guesswork out of what furniture styles, fabrics and accessories go together," says Newell, who likens her decorating concept to the Garanimals children's clothing line that uses code tags to make it easy to match kids' separates. A half-dozen interior designers at her outlet for turnkey dÈcor are available to help shoppers sift through portfolios of furnishings and accessories, to pull together a scheme throughout a home. In the same center, Newell - who has headed up Ambrosia Interior Design in Tustin for 21 years - opened Madison Avenue in October. The chic women's clothing boutique features classic to contemporary sportswear and eveningwear, including lingerie and some 150 lines of designer dresses, suits and accessories. To provide a first-class shopping experience, Newell offers up robes and champagne for her discerning clientele. To nurture the patience of male tag-a-longs, she's set up what amounts to a husband- or boyfriend-tending station at the center of the shop, with a large-screen television tuned in to sports channels and a magazine rack stocked with the likes of Golf Digest, Money Magazine and Sports Illustrated. One-of-a-kind options A different wardrobe adventure can be had at Ginger's Island in Irvine. Named for the sexy starlet who found herself stranded on a South Pacific island in one of television's most popular sitcoms, the outlet for custom swimwear, fitness and nightlife apparel provides an economical, made-to-order alternative to off-the-rack women's clothing. Expect a laid-back, island ambiance when you walk into the kid-friendly shop on Jeronimo Road, complete with a playroom where owner Lissa Walker's three young boys often hang out. "Ginger was the smartest one on Gilligan's Island," says Walker, a former figure skater who designed all of her own outfits. "She brought along enough clothes on a three-hour tour to last a lifetime." Just as the enterprising sitcom character fashioned her own luscious attire out of Mrs. Howell's hand-me-downs, Ginger's Island customers can fashion made-to-order wardrobes for cruise or resort vacations. Custom-created using personal measurements rather than manufacturers' size specifications, garments can be crafted in hundreds of styles and fabrics, with design features limited only by a customer's imagination. "If you have a vision of a crushed velvet, plum-colored holiday dress with puffy sleeves and a short, slim skirt, you can have it in your closet in one to three weeks," says Walker. For such a custom garment, expect to pay between $150 and $400 at Ginger's Island. Made-to-order swimwear in mix 'n match styles and fabrics typically runs $75 to $125. In 2004, Walker plans to offer custom clothing for everyone in the family, with Hawaiian shirts for Dad, Lil' Buddy sportswear for boys and Lil' MaryAnn clothing for girls. Matching clothing for kids and parents also will be available. A retail store in Irvine Spectrum Center or Las Vegas is on the horizon, and Walker plans to go nationwide within two years. Need a custom fragrance to go with that one-of-a-kind sarong or bikini? Head for The Fragrance Shop on South Coast Highway in Laguna Beach, where owner Lee Rasmussen offers more than 500 designer fragrances in pure oil form, without alcohol or other fillers. Modeled after stores in Miami and New Orleans, Rasmussen's shop is heading into its second holiday season. "The economy is a lot better this year than last and we're hoping for 30 to 40 percent of our holiday sales to come from local repeat business," says Rasmussen, who will open a second shop in Las Vegas next year. For under $50, his customers can make scents based on Joy, Escape, Obsession or any other favorite designer fragrance. Or, they can opt for a custom fragrance, specially blended to suggest floral, fruity, vanilla or any other nuances. A dozen house blends include Rain, China Musk, True Gardenia and Arabian Sandalwood. Boutique-quality bath and body products also are available, either unscented or scented with The Fragrance Shop's pure version of virtually any fragrance. What's hot for 2003 Presumably, some of the credit for seasonal retail success lies with marketers who lie awake on many eves prior to the night before Christmas, dreaming up hot holiday gifts that can command full price sales all season long. For 2003, gotta-have-it goods in line to replicate the success of such hot sellers of past seasons as pashmina shawls and Furby dolls include GI Joe 40th anniversary figures and "Built to Rule" Transformers for kids. According to the ICSC, gift giving 2003 is leaning toward a "retro-theme" that will give new life to toys that were hot two decades ago. Watch for new incarnations of Cabbage Patch babies and Strawberry Shortcake, and for toys that fall into one of three camps - nostalgia (Hokey Pokey Elmo, My Little Pony, Care Bears, Barbie); high tech (Neopets); and educational (Leapfrog). The return to the '80s also will bring back tweed clothing; statement boots embellished with buttons, fur and buckles; white shirts and vintage linens. Furnishings in such unusual colors as citrus, Tabasco, aqua, cinnamon and khaki will be popular this season, as will any home dÈcor in copper, according to ICSC forecasters. Glitzy, metallic evening sandals, diamonds in fancy shapes, aromatherapy oils and MP3 players the likes of Apples IPOD also are destined to be hot gift items. Primal passions to ignite sales If shoppers fulfill the forecasts of Faith Popcorn, America's foremost trend diviner and founder of the marketing consultancy BrainReserve, they'll be motivated by some of the most basic human needs and emotions in this year's holiday shopping extravaganza. Following a period of economic downturn, global turmoil, corporate scandal, terrorism and emotional recovery, the 2003 end-of-year marketplace will be fueled by Primal Passions, says the trend-tracker who foretold such behaviors as "cocooning," "anchoring," "being alive" and "pleasure revenge." Food, family, love and vanity will drive what's hot this holiday season. In the consumable category, shoppers might turn to Beverages & More, the Concord, California-based beverage superstore, for holiday party needs and edible gifts. Founded in 1994, the retail beverage "category killer" now has 31 stores throughout California and has tripled in size since 2001. "We now have a real presence in Orange County, with stores in Brea and Irvine, as well as our newest store in Fashion Island's Atrium Court where we're optimistic about our second holiday season," says Joel Weis, Southern California area manager. With gift baskets that were designed and ordered by summer's end, as well as thousands of wines and spirits, Weis hopes to attract customers who are "drinking less but drinking better." Predicted hot sellers include champagnes, imported red wines and domestic varietals in the $8-$15 range, and such premium spirits as Ketel One Citroen Vodka. Also available at the warehouse-style stores are hand-rolled cigars, specialty food items, glassware and beverage accessories. For the wine lover in the family, consider a Beaulieu Napa Cabernet Basket stocked with Beaulieu Napa Cabernet, caramel cookies, vanilla biscottis, Camembert cheese and cheese swirls, all for $35.99. Popcorn's predicted focus on family may manifest itself in fast-selling monogrammed items, available for girls from ages 4-14 at such stores at Girl Mania at The Shops at Mission Viejo. "Customizing clothing and accessories with initials is hot," says The Shops' Patsy Sanquist. Teens through thirtysomethings will be drawn to Banana Republic clothing in vibrant colors, in such luxury fabrics as cashmere, merino wool and suede, Sandquist predicts. For a younger set, toy kitchen appliances in blue and stainless are available at Pottery Barn Kids in The Shops at Mission Viejo. To kindle love, shoppers can head into Between the Sheets at Fashion Island, home of exotic bed dressing in such tactile fabrics as satin, natural silk, velvet, latex, hi-gloss PVC and super soft micro-fleece. "The soft economy hasn't hurt us," notes Nicole Serpico, store manager. "We've seen a huge sales increase since 9/11. Now more than ever, people treasure their homes and want to make the time they spend there special." If you're in the market for 1,020-count imported Egyptian sheets, sumptuous comforters, sheepskin mattress pads, bed or bath accessories or inlaid wood furniture, Between the Sheets is the place. For something truly special, check out a Tuscan bed that goes for $15,000 or an Italian marble table with a bronze lion base that will set you back $29,000. Female vanity has always impacted holiday sales, but this year male vanity or "manity," as Popcorn terms it, is going mass. "Men from every demographic group are realizing they won't lose their machismo by caring about or improving how they look," the trend psychic says. "Watch for the growth of numerous male institutions once reserved for women, such as men's day spas and salons." That might explain the popularity of such virtual escape venues as Burke Williams in The Block at Orange and on Crown Valley Parkway in Mission Viejo, where men can opt for such stress busters as "Gentlemen's Choice" - a three- to five-hour getaway that includes a massage, facial, herbal wrap, exfoliating salt glo treatment, scalp treatment and spa pedicure for $410. Gift certificates are available for individual treatments, day packages or specified dollar amounts. The women on your list are likely to appreciate such a gift, as well. According to an online study by Frank About Women, a marketing to women consultancy that helps companies build brand relationships with women, the most desired holiday gift for women this season is the gift of escape, whether it's a vacation, a cruise, or a day at the spa. By contrast, almost half the men in that study said they would prefer a gift from the electronics department. To satisfy their desires, Asian manufacturers of electronic gadgets have been busy meeting increased holiday orders from American retailers. If strong sales of everything from semiconductors to finished cell phones, digital cameras and DVD recorders are any indication, the long-awaited tech recovery is in sight. According to executives at Sony Corp and Matsuhita Electric Industrial Co., Japan's consumer electronics leviathans, DVD players are poised for a boom this holiday season. Available for between $450 and $1,200 at such electronics superstores as Best Buy, Fry's and Circuit City - down from retail prices beginning at about $800 last year and $1,700 in 2001 - the recorders could replace VCRs and their cumbersome tapes as the preferred technology for archiving the last episode of "The OC" or little Jessica's first birthday party. Gadget hunters looking for a less pricey option will find 10 DVD player models at Best Buy at Costa Mesa's Metro Pointe for under $100. Other hot sellers are likely to include cell phones with built-in cameras, available for as little as $250 at Best Buy after a mail-in rebate, DVD-writing drives for PCs priced from about $100 to $250, and flat-screen TVs that can be had for under $300. Fabulous fur and other trends "Fur is back," reports Hunter Tate, general manager at Giorgio Armani, opposite Macy's in South Coast Plaza's chi-chi Jewel Court wing. Also big this holiday season, according to the former St. John exec, are exotic skins, luxury cashmere and brooches studded with semi-precious stones. If the must-haves on your significant other's holiday list include gloves or shoes crafted of crocodile skin, a handbag that started life as a python, a limited edition mink and silk scarf or an evening bag studded with Swarovski crystals, head for this upscale venue. "Many of our customers are buying a single luxury item rather than several smaller gifts - one great leather jacket, a cashmere overcoat or a fox stole," Tate observes. If you're in the market for such big-ticket items, prepare to dig deep. You'll part with $800 to $4,000 for a python handbag and at least $4,000 for a similar item fashioned of crocodile skin. For $850, purchase a fox wrap in navy, red or cream. If you're truly smitten, you may not think twice about unloading $1,400 for a mink and silk scarf stocking stuffer. Purchase 10 of those for what a reversible suede and mink coat will run. "Based on the response we had to our fall collection this year, we anticipate a great holiday season," Tate says. "People are shopping earlier because they know we might have just a dozen of a certain item in the entire nation. They're also in a more giving spirit, because they're thinking, 'It's been a roller coaster year. We've gone through a lot and it's time to do a little extra for the holidays.'" Already, Tate has worked with victims of the recent wildfires from San Diego and Big Bear, trying to re-establish their lifestyles after devastating losses. "After the fires and the war, we're bound to have a better year," predicts Heidi Miller, owner of Tight Assets stores in Newport Beach and Laguna Beach, as well as Carlsbad and Palm Desert. "With interest rates holding at low levels and the economy looking up, people are parting with cash. They're not spending like they used to, but they are spending." Chances are, the founder of Heidi's Frozen Yogurt knows whereof she speaks. In 1981, when interest rates were in double digits, she opened the first of her healthful snack shops and grew the chain to 120 stores in nine states over a 12-year period. "People were anxious about buying big ticket items back then, but they were comfortable dropping a buck or two for frozen yogurt," recalls the former gymnast and body builder. Decades later, similar consumer hesitancy has impacted Miller's holiday retail strategy at boutiques where she proffers trendy workout, dance and hip street wear. Of current inventory ordered in late summer, she says, "I don't rely on big-ticket items. My customers want something unique and different, but they don't necessarily want to spend a lot of money. They come here for great-fitting workout wear, one-of-a-kind gift items and party accessories." Popular sellers, many imported from Brazil, run between $35 and $65. To attract customers, Miller relies on her fashion sense and gut instinct. "I buy shallow, not deep, unlike the big department stores," she explains. "I turn merchandise around quickly. There's always something new in the stores, so that customers are tempted every time they turn around." Reality bytes and beyond Beyond bricks and mortar, Melody Vargas' About Retail Industry guide predicts a growth of 25 percent in U.S. e-commerce retail sales, to $17 billion during the fourth quarter compared with $13.8 billion during the same period last year. That would be a year-over-year increase of 27 percent - the highest growth rate since e-commerce went mainstream in the 2000 season. Among local retailers capitalizing on the cyber-shopping boom is Beverages & More, which reports almost doubling its Internet business since it began retailing online in 1999. Customers can make purchases on the Web and pick up their orders an hour later, or have them shipped or delivered. On the other end of the spectrum is "total immersion," says retailer Lindy Lu Bartlett, whose Beach 'N Backyards opened on Labor Day this year along Costa Mesa's 17th Street. After a hectic day at the office, customers can don bathing suits to personally experience a hydro-spa they might purchase for between $3,100 and $7,900. Also available at the indoor and outdoor home dÈcor outlet is Lindy's hip "Lu Lu's Closet" Bohemian line of clothing and accessories, featuring such must-haves as silk drawstring pajama pants and beaded tank tops from Bali. If that's not exotic enough for you, steer clear of Fashion Island's Neiman Marcus and head for your keyboard, where you'll find the 77th edition of the mega-retailer's Christmas Book at www.neimanmarcus.com. Among this year's 11 fantasy gifts are his-and-hers interactive, remote-controlled male and female robots designed by International Robotics, priced at $400,000 for the adult-size pair. Make a true fashion statement with a 44.6-carat yellow diamond ring set in 18-karat gold, for $800,000, or get to that New Year's bash in style in your choice of Bombardier Learjet, from $7.7 million to $12.7 million. Still chewing on a holiday gift list but can't sink your teeth into any of these big-ticket indulgences? To retailers' chagrin, you might know all too well about reality's hard-to-swallow pills that may or may not take a bite out of 2003 sales. Melissa Adams is a Newport Beach-based freelance writer. The Busiest shopping day? Contrary to popular misconception, Thanksgiving weekend - including Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving - is not the busiest shopping period of the year. According to the International Council of Shopping Centers, that honor actually belongs to the last weekend before Christmas, when 30 percent of holiday retail sales are typically rung up, compared to 10 percent during the three days following the annual turkey-fest. If there is any deep message in knowing these facts, it is this: Shop early. Shopping Wonderland Explore these 26 new stores in Orange County. By Lynn Armitage This holiday season, you'll have even more ways to spend your hard-earned cash. A robust boom of new stores has hit Orange County. Here's a snapshot of what's ready to be unwrapped when you do the shopping at just three of the county's dozens of shopping centers: Fashion Island Indigo Palms Denim Company: This first-ever store of its kind, owned by Tommy Bahama, features relaxed, sophisticated styles focusing on denim, with coordinates in suede and cashmere. MaxStudio.com: A boutique of leading-edge fashions for trend-conscious women. Babystyle: Offers maternity wear, clothing for babies and toddlers, toys, nursery furniture and dÈcor, baby gear and gifts. Forever 21: Chic, trendy fashions for girls and young women. Chuck Jones Gallery: Features favorite animated characters created by Chuck Jones. Relocated from Laguna Beach. First Cut: An upscale hair salon exclusively for children. Also offers party packages with mini spa treatments and mock facials. Pampolina: The first store in the U.S. by one of Europe's most exclusive designers of children's clothing, from newborn to size 12. South Coast Plaza Aldo: Specializing in fashion footwear, leather goods and accessories. Stila: Featuring cosmetics galore. Experience the world's first cosmetic vending machines at this Orange County exclusive store. Kiehl's since 1851: Founded as an Old World apothecary, Kiehl's offers a unique selection of cosmetic, pharmaceutical, herbal and medicinal products. The Silk Trading Company: Known for luxury textiles, drapery, paint and home furnishings, The Silk Trading Company inspires clients to realize their own style. Claim Jumper Restaurant: A popular dining establishment for families and busy professionals, known for its generous portions and good value. MAX & Co.: Part of the MaxMara fashion group, this Italian label is a collection of fashion-forward contemporary silhouettes with plenty of feminine flair. Paul Frank: His first store within a shopping center, featuring his characters Julius and friends on clothing, sleepwear, swimwear and accessories for both men and women. Marina Rinaldi: Fuller, Italian fashions for the woman size 10 through 22, constructed with the same craftsmanship as those created by luxury good designers who cater to the smaller frame. Vertigo: Fabulous, chic designs from this Paris-based retailer. Eileen Fisher: Simple clothes inspired by movement and freedom, inviting women to stretch, dance, work and play without constraint. Sony Style: A showcase of Sony's most innovative electronics and entertainment products and services, as well as the latest music and movies from Sony Music and Sony Pictures Entertainment. Temple St. Clair: Timeless jewelry pieces that feature an elegant restraint, a clean modern line and a sensitivity to color. Roberto Cavalli: The first West Coast boutique of this Italian designer-to-the-stars. Menswear, lingerie, swimwear, fragrances, handbag collections and unique runway pieces not available at other stores. The Shops at Mission Viejo BeBe Sport: The latest fashions in bold lines, great fabrics and style. Girl Mania: Completely cool fashions and accessories for girls 4-14! Also a great place for parties, makeovers, dance jams and more. Janie & Jack: Adorable clothes and accessories for little ones, from preemies to 3T's. Paper Doll: A showcase of cards, stationery, pens, gorgeous wrapping paper, tissue, collectibles and jewelry. Sephora: A dazzling, international array of cosmetic brands, colors, styles and types to put a wonderful face on things. Oceans 33: A cosmopolitan dining environment featuring a rotisserie, wood-burning oven and grill. OCM Lynn Armitage is a senior writer with Churm Publishing, Inc. Sheriff's 10 Wishes Michael Carona is wishing for a good hair day. One thing you can count on when Orange County Sheriff Michael Carona is asked for a holiday wish list: It won't be of the usual kind. Instead of pricey gifts, he's thinking of ways to make the world a safer, better place. His trademark sense of humor shines through, as well (we'll work on Wish No. 2, sir, but we don't want to appear overly optimistic on No. 5). So, read on: 1. Orange County remains the safest county in America. 2. That I am selected, for the third time, as one of OC METRO Magazine's Hottest 25. 3. A quick and safe return for all American troops abroad. 4. Every state in the nation adopts the Amber Alert and that they NEVER have to use it. 5. The development of stronger shampoos to stimulate hair growth. 6. That each of us harbor respect and tolerance for one another. 7. Scientists discover that steaks and Ketel One martinis actually are good for you. 8. Solutions to the budget crisis. 9. Learn to spell "Schwarzenegger" correctly. 10. We continue to reach out to our youth, building strong foundations for their future. OCM |
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