Artifac Tree Set to Reopen

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The Artifac Tree

 Malibu’s only thrift store, the Artifac Tree, is close to putting down new roots and reopening soon in Malibu. The store that operated on Cross Creek Road for more than 40 years lost its lease two years ago.  Its operators have been scouting new locations ever since and now appear to be finalizing a deal and the store could reopen as early as Sept. 1.

“We found a location, were able to meet with the landlord and were able to negotiate a lease. It’s in the final stages,” explained local Realtor Bianca Torrence, the vice president of Malibu CART (Community Assistance Resource Team). Torrencehas been helping Artifac Tree manager Martha Templeton with reopening efforts.

Templeton confirmed the signed lease was submitted on July 31.

The new Artifac Tree location will be on Pacific Coast Highway in the back of the La Costa retail strip. At only 900 square feet, the resale store will be a fraction of the size of its original location. 

“It’s not big, but at this time, it’s what we have and I think it’s ideal for what we’re going to do,” Torrence said. “It will give us a start.” While parking could be problematic in the tiny, but busy, strip mall, the same could have been said of the previous location at Cross Creek.

“When I originally met with the landlord, I conveyed to him about the Artifac Tree and how they lost their space and were struggling to find another location and that it was really difficult, hoping he would work with us,” Torrence explained. “I told him if he would let us use this location he would be a hero because the Artifac has been struggling to find a spot.

 “Right now the landlord is making improvements to the property,” she continued. “I spoke with him yesterday and he said he hopes to have it done near the end of August. At that time we’ll do a walk through and if everything is completed, hopefully Martha can start moving in, get an opening—even have a ribbon cutting.  It’s a big accomplishment.  It’s been really tough.  The rents in Malibu are really high and nothing was affordable. Thank god we found this little place.” 

The store’s goal is to open by Sept. 1.

“I sent in the lease today (July 31) signed,” Templeton told The Malibu Times Monday. “We’re going to be moving in right behind the old liquor store … the people are nice, very helpful with Artifac. We’re just going to give it a go and hopefully the city will support us. 

“We’ve asked for money twice, [the city] didn’t want to give us money,” Templeton continued. “Maybe the third time’s a charm and they’ll help us.”

The Artifac Tree has long been a lifeline for the community with its assistance to those in need, providing clothing and household goods. Homeless people and others in need of assistance after crises were often supported with basic toiletries, money for bus tickets, meals and even assistance with animals. The “Tree,” as it was often called, also provided employment for the mentally challenged and others in addiction recovery. 

“The Artifac is very much needed in Malibu. There is no other outlet like it,” Torrence said. CART is working with the Artifac Tree “hand in hand, because basically we’re a community team working to help the less fortunate people in our community who are very vulnerable and don’t have anybody else for help,” according to Torrence.

CART’s founder, Carol Moss, told The Malibu Times, “They are the first responders who take care of every need. People just went there and got what they needed.  I’m so thrilled they’ll be reopening.”

Templeton said those working to reopen the store are nervous, but very excited.

“It’s going to be like a brand new store. It’s a little scary but we’re looking forward to our new home,” Templeton said. “We really need the community support, to rally like they did 40 years ago. Artifac Tree belongs to Malibu; it’s a community store.”

Editor’s note: An earlier version of this story misstated Bianca Torrence’s name as Bianca Torres. The story has been updated to reflect a corrected identification.