4 of Ohrbach’s Retail Stores in Southland Shut
Ohrbach’s, the Dutch-owned department store chain hurt by Americans’ preference for brand-name clothing, has closed four of its six Southern California stores but continues to operate two others as it negotiates with prospective buyers.
The 63-year-old chain, which previously said it would discontinue operations in Southern California, Sunday closed stores at 6060 Wilshire Blvd. in Los Angeles, at Los Cerritos Center in Cerritos and at Topanga Plaza in Canoga Park, according to Margaret Tan, manager of the Cerritos store. The Ohrbach’s store in Panorama City was sold in September to developer Gary Leff, who has since leased it to an operator of indoor swap meets.
Ohrbach’s stores continue to operate at Del Amo Fashion Center in Torrance and at Glendale Galleria.
Last-Ditch Attempt
Amcena Corp., a unit of Netherlands-based Brenninkmeyer N.V., announced last June that it would close the stores after an expensive last-ditch attempt to succeed in the competitive Southern California market. Amcena had spent more than $1 million to modernize the Glendale and Canoga Park stores in the past three years in an effort to restore the chain’s earlier success.
Amcena is converting the remaining five Ohrbach’s stores, all located in metropolitan New York, to specialty clothing outlets.
The chain was founded in 1923 by two entrepreneurs who prospered by selling fashionable women’s apparel at lower prices than department store competitors, not relying on well-known designers or brand names. Amcena officials acknowledged in June that Ohrbach’s sales may have been hurt by American consumers’ taste for branded apparel.
The Wilshire, Cerritos and Canoga Park stores closed their doors after offering 40% discounts on all items during a three-day sale last Friday, Saturday and Sunday, said Cerritos store manager Tan.
Mall officials said Ohrbach’s sold its building at the Cerritos Center to the Mervyn’s clothing chain, which tentatively plans to open a store in April. Ohrbach’s leased its space in the Topanga Plaza; replacement tenants have not yet been picked.
Senior Ohrbach’s officials declined to provide further details, and Amcena officials could not be reached for comment.
