LANCASTER – The City of Lancaster Tuesday welcomed Sassy Couture, a women’s clothing and accessories boutique, to The BLVD. The store showcases chic, trendy items from sweaters and tunics to semi-formal wear, especially popular for special events such as Vegas trips and cruises.
“The BLVD was created with independently-owned establishments like Sassy Couture in mind,” said Mayor R. Rex Parris. “It is the unique small businesses such as Sassy that give our BLVD the vibrancy and flavor it’s known for.”
Owner and Antelope Valley resident Amanda Marroquin launched Sassy Couture in March of 2011 at the Antelope Valley Mall, relocating to The BLVD last month after her contract expired.
“I love the positive vibe here; it’s always so busy,” said Marroquin of The BLVD. “When I was scoping out locations, I’d come to the BLVD for lunch and dinner, as well as other times of day to just walk around. No matter what day or time, people are always around and traffic is constant. I love being right in the middle of it all with my bright pink building.”
At only 28 years old, Marroquin, owner, manager and buyer for the boutique, hails from a highly entrepreneurial family, which owns numerous restaurants throughout the Antelope Valley.
“Business is in my blood,” remarked Marroquin. Although her family was supportive of the venture, Marroquin established Sassy Couture independently, bringing a longtime dream to reality and giving the shop a creative touch all her own.
“We love the fresh and original ideas that this new generation of entrepreneurs brings to the table,” said Councilmember Sandra Johnson. “Young business owners such as Amanda have a finger on the pulse of new trends, what people are buying, and the styles that will be popular among the young and young at heart.”
With the help of InSite Development, Sassy Couture was able to make a smooth transition to their new location in downtown Lancaster.
“They made the whole process easy,” said Marroquin.
“I’m always thrilled to hear a business owner describe how easy it was to work with the City and the developers to get established here on The BLVD. That’s exactly what we want,” said Parris. “The City of Lancaster has been voted the most business-friendly City in L.A. County and we intend to stay that way.”
Sassy Couture is located at 706 W. Lancaster BLVD. The boutique is open seven days a week, from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m., Monday through Wednesday; 11 a.m. – 8 p.m., Thursday through Saturday; and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m.
For more information, call the store at 661-726-4422 or visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/SassyCoutureAV.
(Information via press release from the City of Lancaster.)
Ed says
It would be interesting to look into the legal ownership of all those “small business’s” on the BLVD.
samuel says
My wife and I were walking by across the stree and despite what was written, there WAS NO crowd. Only deputies and those seated in the chairs
Gerald says
If you look closely you will see duputies in the background window reflection. Apparently our “leaders” feel afraid on the “Blvd.” in broad daylight. I know Baliff Ron Smith does and yes ACE, [removed]. At least it resolves one suspicion.
John Howard says
There are 4 foot patrol deputies assigned to various shifts in the downtown district now. They started April 1 2012 and will continue indefinitely. Likely that the deputies in the image are part of that patrol.
Observer says
No logical comments allowed here, John! You have to post mad-emotional ramblings and conspiracy theories to be “in good standing” with the other posters here.
Sgt.Frank says
So what does Ron-recall teach? Baliff 101 or perhaps track? I hear he runs fast.
Stinger says
That IS interesting, Ace. Apparently this publication has become tainted, after all. I had seen signs of this, but I had hoped otherwise.
This is sad…
JD says
I am interested to know what was said about Ron Smith that has since been removed. I’m late to the ballgame and didn’t see the comments. Were they actual facts or was it just gossip? If facts, where can I look up the info.? You got me very curious.
John Howard says
The comments were not based in facts and total B.S. bordering on trolling. A calendar was made for Antelope Valley Blue Star Mothers of bomber art pin-ups and someone here tried to suggest that it was presented in less then honest light. I have the calendar and know many of the models used in it. It was well done and well received by all.. any other suggestions would be total B.S.
Stinger says
Actually, you just verified several of the key elements in what was said. Thank you.
John Mlynar says
This looks like a win-win situation. The BLVD gets a new business; the Mall gets to fill the space with Express and G for Guess… people have more options to shop. More reasons for people not to shop down below and keep their dollars here.
Adam Chant says
Agree.. 100% really looking forward to G by Guess! Not so much Express.. had that years ago and ~hand wiggle~ eh..
Really BLVD is made up of local mom and pop shops and the MALL is made up of corporate chains. Neither is better than the other and both locations have both types of business. It’s just nice to see retail in the A.V. growing.. It’s good for everyone.
Adam Chant says
I’d like to see evidence of all these businesses on the BLVD closing or doing badly since the remodel. There have been a couple, but in those cases it was from bad management and even worse customer service. Mind you not every business is right for the BLVD and not every business idea is thought out completely before starting up. Considering that and the fact that 50% of all small business fail in the first 5 years it’s very impressive that there are in fact 40 new and over 100 additional businesses thriving that are associated with the BLVD.
Sassy Couture is a great example of a new business that was in the mall (probably struggling to make the monthly lease) only to move to the BLVD (where lease rates are much lower) and will more than likely see increased net profits immediately and be a thriving boutique for years to come.
Just because you personally don’t see the hundreds of people walking on the BLVD when you are there or it doesn’t look as crowded as the Mall doesn’t mean that people are not shopping. Most of the businesses are doing good if not great and in more than a few cases (Avens, Graphic Experience, etc) have seen banner years better than they have in the previous 25+ years they have been on the BLVD.
At the same time everyone needs to realize that the BLVD is changing and has become a desirable place to locate a business. With that comes the matter of supply and demand and as the demand increases for space so does the cost of that space. As businesses are presented with new lease agreements they may be less than excited about the cost, but that by no means should be construed as the City, Mayor or any cult of personality forcing a business off the BLVD. Besides there are like 10 lawyers, 4 barber shops, 2 tattoo shops, a substance abuse center, a smoke shop and many other businesses that are arguably less than perfect matches for business types “so and so” would want to see in a retail center. Each case could be placed in line to be “pushed out” before an appliance retailer or travel retailer. So in my opinion, contrary to the one sided op-ed piece in the AV Press, no one is being pushed out of the BLVD by anyone other than economics. As I understand it the Lawyers and other executive businesses will eventually move to professional offices above retail spaces as new multi-use buildings are constructed on the BLVD and the more retail businesses will continue to locate on the BLVD as time goes on.
Nicole Dawson says
@Adam Chant,
Thank you for putting everything so eloquently into perspective. As a business owner on The BLVD, I’m sure you know much better than the conspiracy theorists spewing baseless speculations. It’s much easier to blame the evil powers that be than to think rationally and to see things from another perspective. I’m always baffled as to how someone can compare The BLVD of today with how it was four years ago and actually find negative things to say. People from around the country are putting The BLVD in top ten lists, yet people in our own community find it necessary to tear it apart. I can’t wrap my head around it. I guess I must just have a different mindset…
Matt S says
Maybe it’s because “People from around the country” aren’t the ones who have business to conduct on the blvd. You should look at what your own statement is saying.
Stinger says
[Flagged for inflammatory content and removed]
Observer says
Does this make the third or fourth time for being flagged now Jason…oops, I mean “stinger” ?
Stinger says
That’s funny, I thought that I was DBW. Now I’m who? Nice try, Ronnie. Guess again.
BTW: nope – first time. Also, it appears that the information I was given was true, based upon your reaction to trying to quash the info, Ronnie.
XStina says
Visually the blvd is amazing.
But I feel that most of the shops don’t really reflect the commuity.
A clothing boutique is a fine idea, but lets make sure it’s clothing that mid 20’s and 30’s actually wear. That should be the target audience. And maybe a few plus size items. There are alot of plus size people in the AV.
Then you have alot of small families and apartments that surround the blvd and yet there’s no grocery store or market places in the area.
The indie theater, great idea, but not in the AV. Or atleast show two popular movie and a few indies. Or how about a theme movie night or something exciting?
lucas says
Most of the places are going out of business, lest see how long this one last.
And by the way I want some Koolaid too.
William says
Which ones are going out of business? The times I’ve gone to the BLVD in the last year, mostly during the day, the sidewalks don’t look like they have that many more people than before the remodel. The places where I’ve eaten don’t look busy. What is she talking about? Vibrant? The shopping centers on K are more vibrant.
Nicole Dawson says
What places are going out of business? Where are your facts to support this? And instead of anticipating “how long this one lasts,” how about you go actually visit the store and support a smart young entrepreneur making her dreams a reality?
CKAY says
Sandra Johnnson spoke? Who let her out before election day? It must have come with a garuntee there would be no questions.
Stinger says
Parris: “The City of Lancaster has been voted the most business-friendly City in L.A. County and we intend to stay that way.”
EXCEPT when he decides to throw a business under the bus without due process. You know, like certain hotels, businesses on DA BLVD that have been there for over 50 years, and anybody else that doesn’t accept the new corrupt regime literally taking over management illegally.
What’s next? Kristallnacht and book burnings?
Alex says
Wow, really, a Nazi Germany reference already? You act like there are brown shirts storming down the boulevard in parade every weekend.
Why the fear? What has he done illegally? References for these comments you keep pushing.
I can say that you molest people Stinger, and in fact I would be clear of libel and slander because it is the truth.
Stinger says
So, you support the arbitrary decimation of businesses that have been her for over 50 years on the whim of any particular mayor without any due process. This is okay by “Alex.”
Blatant corruption, cronyism, disregard for the US Constitution and just about any laws by questionably elected persons. These are all just hunky-dory for “Alex.” Nothing to be concerned about, says “Alex.”
What a great American you are, “Alex.” Have some more koolaid…
NWA says
I agree, this Mayor has no respect for this towns history. He only has tunnel vision. It is his way or no way. I hope the DOJ is taking notice of his behavior. I smell a stinking rat!!!
Alex says
Stinger, the civil courts allow you to sue and recoup costs if this is true, yet I have seen very few people even try.
My problem is you say all this but are
just repeating second hand accounts of the incidents. You complain about crime, than when they use to laws to shut down places where drugs, prostitution, etc riddle it, you say there is no due process.
There is, but because of what happened at those businesses many of those businesses don’t want it to go to court for fear of more dirty business being brought to light.
Stinger says
Bullshot, “Alex,” and you know it. Are you trying to say that your hero Parris is trying to shut down Arrow Appliance after over 50 years of operations because its a place ‘where drugs, prostitution, etc riddle it?’ Gimme a break.
As for going through civil procedures in court: They better make sure to change venue to out of the area, ’cause Parris has bought off too many local judges. That’s why he’s losing so many cases on appeal.
I know what Parris is from personal direct observation of some of his underhanded dealings, not ‘second hand accounts.’ This is why I blog under a nom de plume – to protect others that he has attacked to get at me before.
Seriously, “Alex,” put down the koolaid and really take a look around.