Real Estate Influences Pulitzer Decision
The Lilly Pulitzer label was a standard bearer for the preppy look and a favorite of former First Lady Jackie Kennedy. Laura Lieblich gambled that the label’s bright colors would continue to attract women of all ages, specifically those on sunkissed Montana Avenue in Santa Monica, Calif.
She opened the Cabana boutique Dec. 1 and devoted 95 percent of the floor space to the label, which is produced and distributed by Sugartown Worldwide Inc., based in King of Prussia, Penn. However, Lieblich’s shop is not considered one of the label’s 75 signature stores, despite enthusiastic endorsement of Cabana by Lilly Pulitzer executives.
A question of real estate was at the center of the definition of Lieblich’s store. Pulitzer signature stores span more than 2,000 square feet. Cabana takes up 1,200 square feet. Cabana floor space would not be able to display the full extent of the collection, which is one reason why it was not named a signature store, said Nicole Verspyck, a Los Angeles–based Pulitzer specialty channel sales manager. But Lieblich’s position will give her independence.
She’ll pick Pulitzer inventory geared toward Los Angeles’ Westside. She’ll also sell other brands, such as shoes by Miss Trish of Capri, jewelry by Sophia & Chloe and accessories by ElizaGray. —Andrew Asch
