Back in the Village: Businesses return to their roots in La Jolla
Women’s boutique and skin care salon return to Village after several-year hiatus
Two former Girard Avenue businesses that left the Village have returned, just as several new projects underway promise continued revitalization, including a new cinema complex under construction on Fay Avenue and the new La Plaza La Jolla boutique shopping center at Wall Street and Girard Avenue.
Draper’s and Damon’s women’s boutique opened at 7857 Girard Ave., in the space formerly occupied by Cups La Jolla bakery (next door to La Plaza).
The boutique chain, which focuses on fashions for women in their 50s and above, was founded in 1927 and has 29 stores throughout California, Arizona, Texas, Florida and Virginia. It was located on Girard Avenue for more than three decades (close to Torrey Pines Road) before it closed in 2011.
“We’ve been waiting to come back ever since — just looking for the right spot on this end of the Girard,” said the company’s chief operating executive, Naomi Langbecker, noting its prior location in the Village’s design district was less than ideal. “When this spot became available, we knew it was perfect for us.”
Merchandise manager Melissa Tschirgi said the boutique offers exclusivity, style and comfort. “We’re not a mass merchant, so you’re not going to see yourself coming and going,” she said. “It’s not the hassle of a Macy’s. It’s the full experience of a boutique where she gets serviced, where she gets iced tea and cookies, and some one-on-one attention from a sales associate who is trained on the product.”
In addition, Maryam Gerami has opened Secret Spa at 7734 Herschel Ave., Suite G in the Crosby Center.
Gerami operated a skin care business in La Jolla for 10 years, most recently on Girard Avenue. She transferred ownership of that location after her sister died of breast cancer, moving to Orange County to take care of her sister’s two teenage daughters.
Gerami offers lash extensions, Brazilian waxes, facials and other skin care treatments. secretspalajolla.com
In other retail news:National Geographic Fine Art Galleries has opened at the corner of Prospect Street and Ivanhoe Avenue (formerly Monarch Fine Art gallery).
Kim DeHaven of Adelaide’s Flowers at 7766 Girard Ave. noted the business would mark its 80th anniversary next year. For more than 25 years, Adelaide’s has provided florals for the Thoroughbred Club at the Del Mar Racetrack, including winners’ bouquets and arrangements on all VIP levels and in celebrity suites. Its new owners, Jerry Parent and Larry Anhorn, purchased the business six months ago.