West Hollywood mom-and-pop shuts up shop after 20-year run

It’s time to hang it up.

After 20 years in business, a West Hollywood mom-and-pop shop is closing its doors for good. Brick & Mortar clothing boutique announced that they will permanently close by the end of this month, ceasing both in-store and online sales.

Located at 8713 Santa Monica Boulevard, the small storefront specialized in trendy men’s fashion, one-of-a-kind jewelry and and home accessories.

“STORE CLOSING: Thanks for more than 20 years, WeHo!” the store’s website reads. The boutique will offer a special closing sale for fans, with all items in-store and online selling for 50% off.

The local retailer was opened in 2006 by Evan Hughes, who was later joined in the business by his partner Steve Foggs, who designed shirts sold at the store.

“I’m kind of a shopaholic. It’s great for me to own a store,” Hughes said in a 2017 interview, where he explained his goal for the shop was to create a place to make West Hollywood feel more like a community.

Brick & Mortar’s departure comes during a turbulent time for West Hollywood’s small businesses. The city’s retail vacancy rate stands at 9.2%, according to an October study.

Just blocks from Brick & Mortar, West Hollywood’s world-famous Sunset Strip is blighted with empty storefronts. In June Local business owners told the Post that businesses are suffering due to rising rents.

“A lot of the businesses are struggling to break even because the cost of living is rising and the rent is rising,” said Sofi Mamo, the owner of A Divine H20.“I think every small business, every mom-and-pop, all the small businesses are in danger of extinction.

The city’s hospitality industry is also suffering, with longtime staples shuttering in the area. Celebrity sushi hotspot Sushiya on Sunset closed in September after 28 years in business.

In the same month, West Hollywood nightlife staple Electric Owl closed after nearly a decade in business, while celeb-loved bar Employees Only also closed its doors.

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