June 4, 2025 #1 Local News, Information and Event Source for the Century City/Westwood areas.

Black Friday and holiday shopping season to fare well for Orange County retailers

The holiday shopping season, which traditionally starts the day after Thanksgiving, is expected to be 5.5 percent better for Orange County retailers this year, a Chapman University economist predicted.

Stagnant wages are the only drag on the local economy for retailers looking forward to holiday season profits, said Esmael Adibi, director of the A. Gary Anderson Center for Economic Research at Chapman.

“There’s just one negative, but a whole bunch of other things that are positive,” Adibi said. Wage growth “has been very anemic throughout this recovery,” but Orange County is seeing more previously unemployed residents getting jobs.

“Total employment is higher compared with last year,” Adibi said. “So total income has risen, the pie got a little bigger. That is a good indication of higher spending.”

Economists call it “the wealth effect,” which is a combination of rising home values, a surging stock market and consumer confidence, Adibi said.

“The last positive element is lower gas prices,” Adibi said. “It’s like a tax cut. This will probably be one of the best years since the recession.”

Traffic and buying have already surged this month, indicating a strong holiday shopping season, said Stacie Ellis of the Irvine Company, which owns the Fashion Island, Market Place in Tustin and Irvine Spectrum Center shopping centers.

Most of the holiday-themed fun will be at the Spectrum, Ellis said.

“Our theme this year is Orange is the New Black Friday,” Ellis said.

At midnight, the Spectrum will open and feature free valet parking. The shopping center has a carousel, “trackless trains,” an ice rink and a repeat of a Disney attraction near the movie theaters that Ellis says tops last year’s show.

The “Disney tree” will feature music from “It’s A Small World” as well as a re-creation of the theme park attraction’s facade. “Happy Holidays” is written in 22 languages at its base and a version of Mickey Mouse — think “Fantasia” — will play conductor.

Disney has concocted a new LED-lighting system that features 16 million colors, Ellis said.

“I got to see the show last night fully complete and my gosh it was so cool,” Ellis said. “My daughter is 5 and she’s going to freak out. Compared with last year, I thought, “You’ve got to be kidding. This is amazing.”

New this year at the Spectrum will be “Selfies with Santa,” which are offered to shoppers at no cost. The shopping center features a California-cool Santa in a custom-built Crystal Cove-inspired beach shack with orange trees in front, Ellis said.

At Fashion Island, hip clothing stores that cater to youths such as Forever 21 and Urban Outfitters will open at midnight.

At South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa Williams-Sonoma is opening its new flagship store on the Bear Street side, said mall spokeswoman Lee Healy.

“It’s completely state-of-the-art with a cooking school, demonstration kitchens, some new innovative lines and much, much more,” Healy said.

Related Posts

(Video) Some of the Damage Caused By Vandals at Malibu High School Overnight

June 4, 2025

June 4, 2025

40 to 50 people, who are suspected to be students or recent alumni, used eggs, flour, and markers to deface...

Biggest Night of the Year: Don’t Miss GMCLA’s ‘Dancing Queens’

June 3, 2025

June 3, 2025

Culminating its 46th season, the Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles will grace the crowd with Dancing Queens, celebrating iconic...

Driver Arrested for Suspected DUI After Rollover Crash in West Los Angeles

June 3, 2025

June 3, 2025

One Person Hospitalized, Light Pole Smashed After Late-Night Collision One driver was arrested on suspicion of DUI, and another person...

Pluto TV and Oscar-Winning Director Sean Baker Team Up to Host Free Weekend Screenings

June 3, 2025

June 3, 2025

Popcorn Challenge Interactive Event Set for Westfield Century City Mall  The historic Gardena Cinema, one of the last single-screen, family-operated...

Former ‘Real Housewives’ Husband Sentenced to Over 7 Years for $15 Million Client Fraud 

June 3, 2025

June 3, 2025

Federal Judge Rejects Plea for Medical Placement, Orders Restitution and Prison Time Disgraced former attorney Tom Girardi was sentenced Tuesday...

Malibu High Targeted in Overnight Vandalism Spree; Investigation Underway

June 3, 2025

June 3, 2025

Destruction on Campus Prompts Sheriff’s Probe; Students May Face Charges Vandals caused extensive damage to the school property of Malibu...

A Season of Gratitude: After One Year in Business, Urban Jungle Continues Making its Mark

June 2, 2025

June 2, 2025

Over the last year, Urban Jungle, an indoor and tropical plants nursery, has continued its mission to cultivate a place...

The soul’s greatest hits

June 2, 2025

June 2, 2025

From ‘Ave Maria’ to ‘Hallelujah Chorus’ and ‘Ode to Joy,” a Santa Monica concert raising funds to help fire victims...

LAPD Increases Security at Jewish Sites Following Colorado Flamethrower Attack

June 2, 2025

June 2, 2025

Officials Ramp Up Patrols and Plan Emergency Response as Shavuot Concludes. Security outside Jewish institutions in Los Angeles has been...

The Peabody Awards Celebrate Bold Storytelling and Social Impact at Beverly Hills Gala

June 2, 2025

June 2, 2025

Honorees Including Baby Reindeer, Shōgun, and The Only Doctor at In-Person Ceremony The Peabody Awards held their awards ceremony Sunday...

Chamber Music Palisades Presents an Afternoon of Beethoven, Brahms, Debussy, and More

June 2, 2025

June 2, 2025

Brentwood Hosts Free Classical Concert with LA Philharmonic Greats Chamber Music Palisades will present a free community concert on Saturday,...

Massive Fire Engulfs Auto Shop, Shuts Down 10 Freeway Eastbound Lanes

June 2, 2025

June 2, 2025

Explosions, Thick Smoke, and Downed Power Lines Disrupt Traffic in Palms A fast-moving fire broke out Sunday behind a commercial...

Culver City to Frame Iconic Tree with Landmark Sculpture by Charles Gaines

June 2, 2025

June 2, 2025

Acclaimed Conceptual Artist’s Public Artwork Enters Final Phase Culver City is moving forward with the final phase of an ambitious...

Alpine Floor & Home: A Legacy of Quality Since 1968

June 2, 2025

June 2, 2025

Founded in 1968 with a single location, Alpine Floor & Home began as a humble family business with a clear...

Actress Cameron Diaz Slashes Price on Beverly Crest Estate to $16.5 Million

June 2, 2025

June 2, 2025

Modern Farmhouse in Beverly Crest Returns to Market with Lower Price Tag Cameron Diaz has reduced the asking price of...