West Elm’s new Santa Monica store banks on local talent
Localization is the theme of West Elm’s new California location.
The home furnishings retailer, a division of Williams-Sonoma, is opening the doors to its new 25,200 sq. ft. store in Santa Monica. The store, which has been relocated from 4th Street, will feature products made by 26 local designers, and will continue expanding its locally created assortment, according to West Elm.
The store will also test new retail concepts, and offer locally driven, unique store experiences. For example, the location features community flex spaces designated for its “Residency Program,” where local artists and small businesses can develop product, teach workshops, and host events.
The first two companies to be featured are modern home furnishings design and building company Scott Coppersmith Designs, and natural candlemaker and wellness retailer In My Solitude Boutique. The two Santa Monica-based businesses will set up shop as of June 7.
“Our goal with the Residency Program is to help local artists and entrepreneurs grow their businesses by sharing our resources,” said West Elm president Alex Bellos.
“We challenge ourselves to continually evolve our stores with new concepts that make meaningful contributions to the communities we call home,” said Bellos. “We are proud to deepen our presence in Santa Monica, and open our new doors to participants by offering a creative retail space to incubate new ideas and connect with customers.”
The new store will also feature Williams-Sonoma’s cross-brand design consultation program, Design Crew, which pairs customers with experts who can provide design, installation and registry assistance. It will also feature Bouqs Company, a sustainably sourced flower shop; a public outdoor patio, and monthly programming, including pop-ups, free workshops, and store-led events such as terrarium workshops and crafting classes, according to the company.
The home furnishings retailer, a division of Williams-Sonoma, is opening the doors to its new 25,200 sq. ft. store in Santa Monica. The store, which has been relocated from 4th Street, will feature products made by 26 local designers, and will continue expanding its locally created assortment, according to West Elm.
The store will also test new retail concepts, and offer locally driven, unique store experiences. For example, the location features community flex spaces designated for its “Residency Program,” where local artists and small businesses can develop product, teach workshops, and host events.
The first two companies to be featured are modern home furnishings design and building company Scott Coppersmith Designs, and natural candlemaker and wellness retailer In My Solitude Boutique. The two Santa Monica-based businesses will set up shop as of June 7.
“Our goal with the Residency Program is to help local artists and entrepreneurs grow their businesses by sharing our resources,” said West Elm president Alex Bellos.
“We challenge ourselves to continually evolve our stores with new concepts that make meaningful contributions to the communities we call home,” said Bellos. “We are proud to deepen our presence in Santa Monica, and open our new doors to participants by offering a creative retail space to incubate new ideas and connect with customers.”
The new store will also feature Williams-Sonoma’s cross-brand design consultation program, Design Crew, which pairs customers with experts who can provide design, installation and registry assistance. It will also feature Bouqs Company, a sustainably sourced flower shop; a public outdoor patio, and monthly programming, including pop-ups, free workshops, and store-led events such as terrarium workshops and crafting classes, according to the company.