Costa Mesa : Crystal Court Opening Brings Out the Curious

As South Coast Plaza’s long-awaited expansion officially opened Friday, one of the greatest bargains may have been the free parking.

“It’s like a gold mine when you find a parking space--you could probably sell it,” said Ann Hunter of Diamond Bar, who spent 20 minutes hunting for hers.

Spaces were at a premium because an estimated 10,000 to 20,000 shoppers descended on the 70-store Crystal Court expansion for its formal grand opening. The ribbon cutting officially launched J. W. Robinson’s and the Broadway department stores, plus about 10 smaller shops of about 48 that so far have leased space.

Those who were able to park were greeted by balloons and four trumpeters in multicolored Renaissance costumes, who stood outside a main entrance periodically blowing musical greetings. “We’re waiting for Princess Di,” one of them deadpanned.

Although shoppers’ unfamiliarity with the three-tier structure may have brought on the parking crunch, that shortage wasn’t the only opening day hazard. Some salespeople were so new they didn’t know how to accept traveler’s checks or were unfamiliar with the specials.

For the most part, though, the minor glitches didn’t matter much to shoppers, who were in a festive buying mood.

As customers entered the department stores, a small army of young women descended, offering little squirts of this, teensy dabs of that and the chance to sign up for seemingly infinite giveaways. Strolling one-woman fashion shows, with models in bright, upscale ensembles, mingled through the mob. In Robinson’s menswear department, a steady stream of mostly female customers stood in line to meet and ogle San Diego Padres star Steve Garvey.

On the mall’s second floor, a tuxedoed string quartet played Mozart amid racks of merchandise in neon, high-tech displays. “It’s beautiful, fabulous. We went to Disneyland yesterday--this almost beats it,” said Alice Boschetto of Laguna Hills, who brought her husband and two out-of-town guests.

By midday, officials reported that sales were on target. Managers at smaller stores reported brisk business as well. “We have a lot of looky-loos, and the purchasers aren’t far behind,” said Jon Heaton, assistant curator at the American Museum of Historical Documents, where the stock ranges from autographed photos of Ricky Nelson and William O. Douglas ($995 each) to a letter by George Washington ($79,900).

Those who want to beat the crowds may have an option across the street. Indications now are that many shoppers won’t hike the block or so across the street and parking lot to the original mall, although a tram is promised.

“It’s far and inconvenient,” said Donna Capps, a shopper. “Besides, everything’s so gorgeous here. I could spend thousands.”