Belle Gray Closes Its Doors

A new Post "Belle Gray Closes Its Doors" was written on the January 17, 2012 at 7:10 pm on "Textile Global - Textile and Fashion News".

FAREWELL: The Belle Gray boutique is closing Jan. 14 after eight
years. (Photo by KM Press Group)

*Belle Gray*, one of the San Fernando Valley's leading boutiques, is
shuttering its doors on Jan. 14.

Actors Harry Hamlin and Lisa Rinna, the store's owners, gave the
boutique, in upscale Sherman Oaks, Calif., a touch of Hollywood fame
during its eight years in business.

The tough economy was one of the challenges chipping away at Belle
Gray's business, said Cat Wellman, who has worked in sales and often
managed the shop since its founding in May 2003. "The store did well
day-to-day," she said. "But it was the debt. It got to the point
that it wasn't worth it anymore."

High rent and losses from three burglaries in December 2010 also
proved to be mortal wounds to the business. Insurance covered the
first two break-ins, Wellman said. It did not cover $70,000 in losses
from the third break-in.

A second Belle Gray boutique, in Calabasas, Calif., closed in 2009.

While the final Belle Gray bricks-and-mortar store is closing, the
Belle Gray name will continue on in the fashion business.

This year, TV shopping network *QVC Inc.* will sell a Belle Gray
fashion line. It is a complete collection designed by Rinna that will
include jeans, sweaters and tops, Wellman said. Hamlin and Rinna
continue to work in the film and TV industry.

Belle Gray is holding a liquidation sale that features discounts for
more than 75 percent. The sale ends Jan. 14.—A.A.

Originally posted here:
Belle Gray Closes Its Doors

http://www.textileglobal.com/2012/01/belle-gray-closes-its-doors.html

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