The Southern California wildfires took its toll on local businesses, as many reported dismal foot traffic in retail outlets while others had to shut down some stores.
Costa Mesa-based Anna’s Linens, a discount home furnishings chain, said it evacuated two stores in San Diego County by 1 p.m. Monday.
“The fires have had a significant impact on business for us in Southern California today. Shoppers are not going outside for unnecessary trips as the air quality continues to erode, ” said Scott Gladstone, chief operating officer for Anna’s Linens. “The fires have also created some difficulty for our employees to get to work and some have even had to stay at home to monitor the situation as they are located in danger zones.”
The two store closures were in Vista and the Viejas Outlet Center, both in San Diego County, where more than 14,000 acres are under fire.
If more fires erupt, Gladstone said it’s possible Anna’s Linens will have to evacuate more stores. “I anticipate that the next 2-3 days will have an unfavorable impact on our business.”
Bill Rams, a spokesman for the Irvine Co., said the developer is monitoring the Irvine fire’s proximity to its various retail properties. The fire has burned roughly 8,800 acres of dry brush north of Irvine.
“At this point, they (fire authorities) have not indicated a need to close any of our shopping centers,” said Rams. “We recommend that shoppers call ahead to make sure the store they plan to visit is open.”
Rams said access to Orchard Hills Village Center, at Culver Drive and Portola Parkway, is limited.
At the Albertsons shopping center off Irvine Boulevard and Culver Drive, tenants reported slow foot traffic as nearby residents huddled indoors.
A spokeswoman for The Shops at Mission Viejo and Laguna Hills Mall, both owned by Simon Property Group, said Monday that those malls are not closing.
Stonefire Grill’s Irvine restaurant closed early Sunday so employees could travel home safely. The restaurant re-opened Monday.
A spokesman for Foothill Ranch-based Oakley said some employees had trouble getting to work Monday morning. Beyond that, it was “business as usual” for the sunglass-maker, said Lance Allega.
At Lake Forest-based Del Taco, spokesman Barbara Caruso said flames can be seen from the chain’s headquarters and the staff is down to a small crew.
“People are going home to take care of their houses and families,” she said. “As of right now, we do not have any restaurants at risk but we are keeping a close eye on our restaurants and needs of employees.”
Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort is offering discounts to evacuees. For more information, call 949-729-3863.
[...] Retailers scramble to size up wildfire impact [...]
[...] Retailers scramble to size up wildfire impact [...]