The Vault opens a store for kids
A Laguna Beach clothing retailer has reduced sizes to grow the business.
The Vault owner Gila Leibovitch opened The Vault Kids two months ago in the same salmon-colored Forest Avenue plaza where her men’s and women’s stores are located, making it her fourth Laguna shop.
Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce representatives congratulated Leibovitch, who divides her time between Laguna and Los Angeles, at a ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday.
The Vault Kids offers clothing and more for boys and girls up to age 16. Merchandise includes sport coats, swim trunks, an extensive collection of designer jeans, stuffed Sesame Street figures, teddy bears, headbands, bracelets and jewelry.
Leibovitch started the business in a Melrose Avenue store in 1993 and debuted her first Laguna location — dedicated to men’s clothing — 10 years ago, calling it Melrose Place.
“The name was founded by wanting to bring the ‘Melrose’ vibe to a city that had never experienced a cutting-edge concept,” according to The Vault Men website.
Leibovitch opened her second men’s store in a former bank vault in the same Forest Avenue plaza in 2006 and named it The Vault. Leibovitch preserved certain features, such as concrete walls and a see-through glass door, where the store’s jewelry selection is now displayed.
In 2008, Leibovitch opened The Vault Women, and this year she decided the time was right to bring kids clothes to Laguna.
Leibovitch owned a children’s store in the Beverly Center, but the lease on that property expired at the end of May. She said she was giddy to learn of an available space in Laguna Beach formerly occupied by Xanadu, which sold hand-carved and painted wooden flower arrangements.
“The opportunity to take over next door [to Laguna’s other Vault locations] was a sign from God,” Leibovitch said. “We wanted to keep a good thing going and continue the business where we love being.”
The Vault regulars will notice an emphasis on brand consistency. Certain men’s dress shirts are available in the same styles and colors for kids. The clothing line, called Recognition, is based in Turkey, Leibovitch said.
For some shoppers, a store for kids is great news.
Newport Beach resident Lisa Clay bought swim trunks and a hat for her 3-week-old nephew, Kai.
“They have a good selection, reasonable prices and a friendly staff,” Clay said.
Address: 361 Forest Ave.
Phone: (949) 376-4500
Hours: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays through Fridays; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturdays; 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sundays.
Website: https://www.thevaultmen.com
The Vault Kids