Beverly Hills is in a Buzz of Activity

Businesses Keep Growing and Moving into Beverly Hills Despite Economic Climate

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Beverly Hills remains a buzz of business activity, with new businesses opening and expanding throughout the city. In a time of economic disarray throughout the world, Beverly Hills is weathering the storm better than most because of its superior name and reputation. Businesses venturing to open or expand during this uncertain time have chosen to do so in Beverly Hills because of the sustaining value and appeal of the Beverly Hills brand.

“Via Alloro is my newest restaurant in Beverly Hills”

Beverly Hills welcomed its first new luxury hotel in sixteen years last November, Montage Beverly Hills. Hosting Oscar parties and celebrity birthdays, Montage Beverly Hills has quickly established itself as the newest location for luxury lounging in Beverly Hills. A block up from Montage Beverly Hills on N. Canon Drive is Via Alloro, the fifth and newest Drago restaurant in Beverly Hills.

“Via Alloro is my newest restaurant in Beverly Hills,” stated Giacomino Drago, Chef and Co-Owner of the recently opened Via Alloro. “Business is going well and Via Alloro has been warmly welcomed to the community.”

Several new players in town are taking an organic approach to their new business. The Organic Pharmacy, newly-opened on N. Beverly Drive, presents organic glam – organic products and opportunities to “glam it up.” Down the street on S. Beverly Drive, Cabbage Patch offers farm fresh organic fare and is the popular new stop for lunch with long lines worth the wait.

In a world experiencing economic contraction, businesses in Beverly Hills are expanding their local reach. Domenico Vacca, known for its fine Italian men’s and women’s handmade luxury goods, relocated and expanded to Rodeo Drive. Anthropologie, featuring unique and worldly clothing and goods, moved from N. Beverly Drive to S. Beverly Drive, almost doubling its retail space in Beverly Hills.

The famed Rodeo Drive, with an occupancy rate nearing 95%, has experienced many recent additions, including Loro Piana, MaxMara, and Miu Miu. Two jewelers opened West Coast flagship locations on Rodeo Drive, including vintage jewelry expert Fred Leighton, which opened its first California store on the 300 block of Rodeo Drive in December 2008, and Swiss watch company IWC Schaffhausen, which opened its first Los Angeles boutique in October 2008 at the intersection of Rodeo Drive and Brighton Way.

“While we are not immune to the economic contraction that’s occurring world-wide, we are typically late to feel its effects and early to experience the recovery,” remarked Beverly Hills Chamber President and CEO Dan Walsh. “That businesses are opening and expanding in Beverly Hills is a great testament to the value and appeal of the Beverly Hills brand.”

With many recent business openings and more slated to open later this year, Beverly Hills luxury is still in demand. In this environment, companies have to make tough choices about where to locate and grow their business. Businesses choose Beverly Hills because they receive a world-class brand to help support their new business location.

ABOUT BEVERLY HILLS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce is the unrivaled authority of business – advocating on its behalf, anticipating trends, advancing knowledge, creating innovative practices that inspire and invigorate, and embodying a professional conscience. Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce has been leading businesses to success since 1923. For more information, visit www.BeverlyHillsChamber.com.