Generations has a new owner

Barbara Diamond

Two Generations was one too many for Vicky Chambers.

Chambers opened a second store in Laguna Niguel last year when she

thought her lease on the Forest Avenue store would not be renewed due

to expansion planned for Hobie Sports. When Susie McCalla closed the

pharmacy located between Generations and Hobie’s that her family had

owned for more than 50 year, Chambers was able to stay.

That was the good news. The bad news was trying to operate two

stores.

“I couldn’t do both,” Chambers said.

She tried to sell the Laguna Niguel store, but the property owner

wouldn’t approve the proposed new business. Mark Christy owner of the

Laguna building, was more accommodating, according to Chambers.

“He made it a smooth transition for the new owner,” said Chambers.

Evelyn Godineau expects to take over the store Saturday. Don’t

expect any “Going Out of Business” sales. Godineau said she doesn’t

even have to apply to the Planning Commission for a conditional use

permit because she plans to make no changes in the store or the hours

of operation.

“I don’ t plan to change a thing,” Godineau said. “The merchandise

will be the same. The store will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 or 7 p.m.,

Sunday-Thursday and until 9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.”

This will be the first business that Godineau has ever owned. She

has worked for Chambers for about a year in both stores.

“This is a dream come true, Chambers said. “I love Laguna Beach

and I love the store. I shopped there for years before I worked for

Vicky.”

Godineau said she couldn’t believe it when she heard last year

that Generations was going to close.

“That little store is a landmark,” Godineau said. “It is the

cutest little store in Laguna Beach. I never dreamed I could become

the owner.”

Chambers owned the store for 12 years. Her mother, Winnie Dunn,

worked with her and will move to the Laguna Niguel store. Godineau

was hired when Chambers opened the Laguna Niguel store, located at

32341 Golden Lantern.

“I hope our Laguna Beach customers will come and visit us,”

Chambers said. “We will miss every one here.”