StanleyVanBuren
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Well... and to be perfectly frank, I think there is a strong argument to be made for downtown as well. But that's a much riskier proposition for the time being since there is basically no high-end retail yet (other than den.m bar, which is somewhat similarly situated and even a complimentary business now that Epaulet isn't selling denim anymore -- but they're the only ones). New high-end restaurants and loft apartments are opening up every week downtown and there's a huge workforce of people whose work attire is precisely what Epaulet is selling (or at least, it should be if they have any taste). It is in theory a perfect fit, but it's effectively an entirely untested space. Downtown residents are craving high-end retail but I suspect someone larger than Epaulet would need to jump first. Figat7th may provide the launching pad but that's still half a year to a year away.
Whereas Abbot Kinney is more mature and saturated with other stores in this space, and under the "rising tide raises all ships" theory, a much less riskier bet for an LA location. Westsiders are well-known to drop heavy coin on clothing, too. I know there are people in the Silverlake/Los Feliz area who do as well, or Confederacy, etc. would not be able to survive there, but it doesn't have the buzz that AK has. Silverlake is still full of hipsters but I feel like it peaked a couple of years ago. On the other hand, GQ just called Abbot Kinney the trendiest street in America (or something to that effect). That might be a sign it's peaked but based on having lived there up until recently, I still think it's below its saturation point. Development in Venice continues and there is still plenty of space on AK that is vacant or occupied by businesses who probably won't last much longer under current conditions.
You may be able to tell I've thought about this a little bit. Wishful thinking, mostly... but someday...
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