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By Olin
Ericksen
Staff Writer
December 13 -- Another "ma and pa" shop is
going out of business in Downtown Santa Monica, but it’s
parents and kids who will likely be crying this time.
The independently-owned Bright Child -- a regular jungle gym bustling
with activities for kids and their parents to enjoy together --
is the latest victim of rising retail rents that are among the
highest in Southern California.
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| A letter was posted on the
door of Bright Child. (Photo by Olin Ericksen) |
The business began breaking the news last week in a letter to
concerned parents posted on the front door of the storefront on
Fourth Street near Santa Monica Boulevard.
"It is with deep sadness that we deliver this letter to
you," the letter read. "After over ten years of business,
service and great memories; Bright Child Santa Monica will be
closing at the end of December."
"This comes as a result of circumstances beyond the control
of Bright Child," continues the letter. "We have tried
every avenue possible to keep our doors open to you, but unfortunately
our landlord has other interests."
According to Bright Child employees, the business saw the writing
on the wall after February of 2005, when Toys-R-Us sold its 42,250-square-foot
space on Santa Monica and Fourth -- next door to Bright Child
-- for a reported $24 million to Hollywood based CIM Incorporated.
When CIM leased the building to REI, the outdoor megastore decided
not to purchase a space directly above Bright Child previously
used by Toys-R-Us.
With the ten-year lease expiring at the end of this month, CIM
informed Bright Child they would either need to pay considerably
more for the space or move out.
"I understand that it's the reality of the market,"
said Bright Child's owner, manager, and primary founder, who wished
to remain anonymous. "Who would have thought we would have
outlasted Toys-R-Us?"
CIM officials could not be reached for comment.
Still, he said, the business started as a "labor of love"
by a small group of parents will be missed.
"Parents are kind of a little bit shocked after bringing
their kids here for so long," he said.
While not a daycare center -- which are expensive and in short
supply on the Westside -- many parents found the sea of plastic
balls, slippery chutes and wide open play areas of Bright Child
a refuge.
"It's a safe place where parents can take their foot off
the gas and spend time with their kids," the owner said.
"It's kind of sad that these mom and pop stores are moving
out, but that's how it goes."
Three stories tall, the building that houses Bright Child is
just a block from the highly successful Third Street Promenade,
where rents are hitting an all-time high.
In fact, rents may be so steep in the area, even corporate chains
crowding in may not be generating enough sales to cover their
monthly leases and are using the stores as flagships, boosting
public visibility, retail experts have said.
While funky barber shops and dance studios still dot Fourth Street,
Downtown has lost some of Santa Monica's most unique businesses,
including Midnight Special, the much-celebrated independent book
store.
Bright Child’s owner declined to say how much he currently
pays in rent or what he was asked to pay by CIM to cover the terms
of the new lease, but he readily acknowledges the rate hike is
the reason he’s going out of business.
"We just simply couldn't afford it," said the owner,
who said he will need to take some time and reexamine if the business
can reopen elsewhere. With rents rising, though, it may be an
uphill battle, he said.
For parents and kids who want a similar Bright Child experience,
employees suggested visiting FoFoFigley's in Oak Park, nearly
30 miles north, near the 101-Highway.
"We understand that it is a bit of drive, but offers the
same great experience you have come to love at Bright Child,"
continues typewritten letter. "Remember it has always been
a Bright Day at Bright Child. We will miss you very much."
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