Malibu's New Shopping Center

Summer in Malibu, California can often mean hours spent on Pacific Coast Highway to run even the simplest of errands. But soon Malibu's wealthy residents won't have so far to travel. The LA Times reports on the Malibu Lumber Yard, a new $25-million shopping complex built on the site of the old lumber yard. The new center will include shops from James Perse, Tory Burch and J. Crew. The 2,400-square-foot special resort store, J.Crew at-the-Beach will offer beach delivery service and a Malibu House Guest Survival Kit, a beach bag filled with flip-flops, swimwear and another beach-friendly items.
The two-story, open-air center will offer a laidback hangout in the form of a central deck with lounge chairs and hammocks for children's activities, outdoor dining and wireless computer access. A few local business will be included and are paying reduced rent.
Some longtime Malibu residents question the need for another shopping center in Malibu, especially one that is stuffed with upscale retail chains. It's another sign that the town, once a funky surfer's paradise, is now the home of the exclusive rich.
