In a recent article in The Malibu Times, it was suggested that I prefer chain stores as tenants at the Malibu Country Mart, which is completely inaccurate. I have operated the Malibu Country Mart for 22 years and always emphasized unique local and independent businesses. When selecting tenants, my primary consideration is the quality of the business and its value to the community. In fact, the majority of the stores at the Malibu Country Mart are owned and operated by Malibu residents and/or independent operators and not chain businesses.
The Malibu Country Mart includes 62 businesses and, accordingly, there are store transitions from time to time. Early this year, Bernie Safire was afforded an opportunity to extend his current lease at a substantially lower rent than what had been offered to me by several “chains.” He was also offered an excellent and desirable alternative space in the Malibu Country Mart, at a lower per square foot rental amount than his current rate, with a ten-year lease term and substantial improvements to the space at my cost. Mr. Safire, however, chose to remain in his existing location. As a result of his choice, this alternative space was leased to Malibu Shaman, also a long-time tenant of the Malibu Country Mart and an independent local business.
Recently, I have leased store spaces to Anouk, Buster & Sullivan, Malibu Rock Star, Richard Kidd, Malibu Shaman, Sanela Jenkins and Canvas. None of these businesses are chains. I have also recently extended the leases for Mutt’s Grill and Malibu Acupuncture, both independent and local businesses.
I continue to strive for a balance of independent businesses and chains to maintain the very high retailing standards and selection that the residents of Malibu deserve.
Michael Koss
Malibu Country Mar