FINDING FASHION

Finding the components of a fashion statement is not a difficult task in Orange County. More than 2,000 retail clothing outlets serve residents, according to first quarter, 1989, State Board of Equalization numbers--the most recent information available. Costa Mesa, Irvine and Santa Ana residents saw their options grow the most between 1988 and 1989.

While there are lots of outlets, folks living in Laguna Beach and Costa Mesa are least likely to find the crowds hard to buck; Stanton and Yorba Linda have the most residents per store.

Here’s a look at the countywide picture. Stores here are those that sell men’s, women’s or family apparel, or shoes.

1989 Change 1989 Total from Residents City Stores 1988 Per Store Anaheim 121 -1 2,090 Brea 66 +5 525 Buena Park 91 +7 745 Costa Mesa 303 +17 303 Cypress 25 -3 1,673 Fountain Valley 23 +5 2,442 Fullerton 54 +3 2,079 Garden Grove 91 +11 1,540 Huntington Beach 121 -2 1,577 Irvine 56 +14 1,828 Laguna Beach 71 +6 271 La Habra 40 +1 1,249 Los Alamitos 14 +5 877 Mission Viejo 87 N/A 821 Newport Beach 183 -3 370 Orange 165 -2 645 Placentia 16 +1 2,496 San Clemente 31 No change 1,177 San Juan Capistrano 17 +2 1,574 Santa Ana 271 +37 931 Seal Beach 19 No change 1,471 Stanton 9 +3 3,239 Tustin 45 +2 840 Westminster 149 -6 498 Yorba Linda 14 -3 3,309 CITIES TOTAL 2,082 +186 899

Note: Comparable information not available for Dana Point, Laguna Niguel, La Palma and Villa Park.

Source: California State Board of Equalization