Just a couple of years ago, the 3rd Street Promenade seemed to be on its last legs. Storefront vacancies were higher than they should have been. There was a perception that crime and homelessness were out of control. The outdoor mall was suffering from the triple hits of the pandemic, a drop of foreign tourism caused in large part by the federal government, and an increase in online shopping.
Oh, and there was a crazy property owner going on the news telling everyone to stay away from “Santa Methica.”
But as the pandemic fades further into the rearview mirror and both crime and visible homelessness at the mall are reduced, signs of a comeback are in the air…and on the store front.
Culto Futbol
Culto, a Mexican footwear retailer specializing in soccer and specialty shoes, is opening its first U.S. flagship store in Santa Monica, California, at the Third Street Promenade. The store will be located in the space currently occupied by Hollister.
While the opening has been delayed, it was expected earlier this year, there is no sign that Culto has lost any of its hopes for the Promenade as its new home base. The brand said “hello” in an Instagram post two days ago.
TMNT Pizz
A new New York style pizza joint is opening with a tourist-friendly theme when TMNT pizza opens later this year. Owned by the same folks who run the popular Trill Burgers chain in Texas, this time the burger pioneers are heading west to California instead of the other way around <cough, cough, In and Out…>
“We’re bringing that classic New York-style cheesy slice straight to the West Coast—with a TMNT twist,” said Andy Nguyen, the CEO of Trill Burgers on Instagram.
“This has been years in the making… and we’re finally ready to open our doors and serve up pizza worthy of the sewer squad. Stay tuned—because it’s almost time to eat like a Ninja Turtle.”
UNIQLO
This is a good news/bad news announcement. Uniqlo, the Japanese casual wear designer, manufacturer, and retailer, is moving from Santa Monica Place to the Promenade. There hasn’t been a big splashy social media push for this one, but the increased foot traffic on 3rd Street should help the clothing company stay in Santa Monica.
