Open-concept floorplans have turned kitchens into favorite gathering spots for families in recent years.
Mazda North American Operations Inc., perhaps picking up on cues from the residential market, has introduced a new design direction for its 700 dealerships that’s also all about natural materials and open space.
“Retail Evolution” features glass walls, “allowing customers a transparent view into dealership operations.” The Irvine-based automaker used “warm raw-material tones of wood and metal” inside showrooms for an “upscale look and feel,” while “premium black, clean white, and new chrome Mazda signage” outside provides dealers with “strong curb appeal.”
Each dealership will also feature a Mazda Lounge and digital displays showcasing various vehicle designs.
Worn Out
Asics America Corp.’s title sponsorship of the Los Angeles Marathon has run its course.
The Irvine-based footwear and apparel company, part of Japan-based Asics Corp., said it “recently made the difficult decision not to renew our partnership with the LA Marathon,” though it didn’t say why.
The value of the sponsorship is estimated to range from the high six figures to the low seven figures.
It was replaced by Skechers Performance, a division of Skechers USA Inc. in Los Angeles. LA Marathon, the city’s biggest running event, will be held on Feb. 14 on the “Stadium to the Sea” course. It will be the brand’s first title sponsorship of a major race.
Asics was the “proud partner of the LA Marathon for the last three years,” according to the company. It plans to “absolutely continue its long history of supporting marathon runners in the U.S. and globally, and to develop the most innovative products on the market for runners of all kinds.”
Pop-Up Shop
The Resort at Pelican Hill in Newport Coast hosted a different group of guests a couple of Thursdays ago. They arrived with bags laden with Valentino shoes, Prada handbags, Armani perfume bottles—but they weren’t staying the night.
They were personal shopping stylists from Fashion Island—Sara Aplanalp and Ashley Schlick—there to present the season’s fashion trends from Neiman Marcus to out-of-towners and locals alike. They set up a monthly pop-up shop in the hotel’s “living room,” as Pelican Hill Director of Communication Kate Starr called the newly redesigned Great Room Social Lounge.
Guests perused the offerings on display but were also able to request different styles or sizes to be delivered to the hotel or shipped to their final destinations.
“The service is 100% free,” Aplanalp said. “No fees, no commission, no tips.”
Fashion Island’s personal shopping and styling service is also available outside pop-up shop hours, said Kathleen Spitzer, senior manager of the mall’s guest services. St. Regis Monarch Beach in Dana Point called recently on behalf of a guest who needed socks, a belt and board shorts, and Spitzer’s team delivered them to the hotel. Another call came from a family that was vacationing here got invited to a “white party.” Aplanalp tracked down outfits in the desired color and set them up in a fitting room for a hassle-free shopping experience.
“It’s a nice perk,” she said.
Reflections on 20 Years in Print
OC Weekly marked its 20th anniversary with a 118-page commemorative issue that hit newsstands last month. That’s about double its usual size.
Former and current staff reflected on the challenges and victories since its first publication on Sept. 15, 1995, and Editor Gustavo Arellano talked about the aftermath of Denver-based Voice Media Group Inc.’s decision to put the weekly up for sale in January.
“It’s tough. In this modern era of journalism, you don’t know what’s on the horizon. … And I’m not calling this the end times. This paper has a future. We remain as vicious and funny as always because we’re the Weekly.”
A buyer hasn’t surfaced yet, according to Santa Fe, N.M.-based Dirks, Van Essen & Murray, a firm hired to “explore new strategies,” including sales or acquisitions.
