Originally Posted By velo Thought I'd posted this earlier but I guess it went away, please excuse if it shows up somewhere else. My company has been approached about opening a store in an "anti-mall" near John Wayne airport called The Lab (and another cute name that I can't remember). Anyway I was wondering if any locals could chime in with any comments on the location, customer demographics etc. The pics that were sent look very "trendy" etc. But I have no idea if anyone really even goes there. Thanks in advance for your help!
Originally Posted By MissCandice Huh. I have never heard of this place, is it really really new? I think I know every major shopping center in SoCal from when I was with AAA and I don't recall one named "The Lab".
Originally Posted By velo Hey Miss Candice!! It's in some area called the "Golden Triangle" which from the map they sent appears to be next to the airport. The pics show a lot of skateboarding, trendy clothes, etc. But, I'm getting the feeling that not many people know of it!
Originally Posted By velo I don't know except that it's south of Harbor and next to the airport. It's got another name as well but I can't remember it - left the brochure at work.
Originally Posted By Mort2 Hey velo - Been to The Lab many times. The name of the other place I assume you're thinking of is called The Camp. As you probably already know their websites are thelab.com and thecampsite.com and they are on opposite sides of Bristol, a very busy street in Costa Mesa, and a mile or so from South Coast Plaza (but certainly not someplace one would walk to from that location.) I haven't been to The Camp enough to offer any real impression. Regarding The Lab, it does draw a young, trendy crowd and the past two times I've tried to go I've actually had a hard time parking. Their website says they have 14 stores and looking over the listing I only see 4 that are still there from opening day: Gypsy Den (coffee house), Habana (Cuban food), Urban Outfitters (chain store), and Crew Salon (hair salon). The other 10 storefronts *seem* to change merchants on a regular basis, but that is JUST MY IMPRESSION. I'm far too old to fit their demographic, so some could have been there for years and it just doesn't register in my mind. The Den and Habana draw a mix aged crowd but all other locations seem targeted to 18 - 30ish. If your company sells goods in the mid-price range, is consistently ahead of the curve in terms of what's trendy, and know how to reinvent yourself in order to stay fresh, you could do well here. But beware: it's my observation not many companies have been able to master that mix. If you don't mind me asking, what does your company sell / offer?
Originally Posted By poohbear14 Here's a link that describes The Lab and The Camp <a href="http://www.costamesa-ca.com/cm_shopping_lab.html" target="_blank">http://www.costamesa-ca.com/cm _shopping_lab.html</a>
Originally Posted By velo Thanks Mort2, that's invaluable info. Our company manufactures (and has retail stores for)natural bath and body products. Similar to Basin in DTD, only better (more natural ingredients). We are very similar to Lush but a much smaller company. Our prices are mid-range for this type of thing, I think. But our customer seems to mostly be in their 30's. We have spa's in some of our stores and the Mall management felt that that aspect would be a good addition to their center. Thank you so much, again, for your feedback!!
Originally Posted By Jim in Merced CA I found the lab to be cool looking, but, with the exception of Urban Outfitters, which frankly can be found in other shopping centers, to be pretty underwhelming. The Camp, again, looks really great from the street, but with the exception of a store offering outdoor stuff [think REI], it was, again, not much else. Both centers seem to be trying too hard to be cool and hip.
Originally Posted By Mort2 velo - Would never have guessed bath/body products is what your company sells. However, combine that with a design feature/flaw at The Lab and you might have an unusual marketing opportunity that could really drive sales at your store. . . As far as I know, The Lab has only one set of public restrooms for the entire complex - - - including the popular coffee shop and Cuban restaurant which draw all ages. (The hair salon may have one for its customers, but I don't know.) So, if your company decides to pursue this opportunity, I would negotiate with the owners that they must stock the restrooms with your products and prominently display signage in the restrooms that these are for sale at your location. That way many people who might never set foot in your location will encounter your goods, test them, and as a result walk to your store and buy them. It's certainly a gamble. As far as I can recall The Lab never had a store that sold what you offer. But if your products are truly good and all people have to do is try them once to like them, then this could be a killer opportunity to get a great cross-section of age groups to encounter your goods. . .
Originally Posted By velo lol, Mort2, my DH builds bikes as a hobby thus my name (I used to ride a lot too). I don't own the company but am in management there (bath & body). Yes, our stuff is great; it could do very well. Also on the hot list are Pasadena and Ashland Ore. We'd like to open another store in the next 6 months. We are already in Santa Barbara and Del Mar with a few other locations up here in Northern Cal.
Originally Posted By Jim in Merced CA Hey velo. From what I understand, the Lather store in Old Town Pasadena does great business.
