Curio closes as a result of downtown LA's hype

Curio, iconic goth-haven for fashion savvy Los Angeles locals, is closing up shops on its 5th street location. The new store has been one of several shops from downtown to close in recent months. Curio’s style includes a goth bohemian vibe that is uncommon for most other Los Angeles shops.

Lora Myers, owner of Curio since its establishment in 2013, has decided to close its doors. “Lots of factors went into my decision to close, but the main one is that people just aren’t shopping,” said Lora Myers, owner of Curio. Without any extra funding or investors, Myers is unfortunately unable to keep the store afloat on her own.

“I think this area is tough for a number of reasons,” said Myers. “We started to see a shift in the way things were going when all these shops first opened up, but I think the proverbial bubble burst, so to speak,” said Myers. So far in downtown L.A, Buttons & Bows, Haus of Love, and Pale Violet have also closed their stores. The stores have been replaced by newer boutiques that are emerging culturally in the area.

“Downtown was getting hyped as the next cool ‘up and coming’ neighborhood, so the rents went up across the board,” said Myers on why she believes the more recent stores have closed. Due to this, people have less disposable income which leads ultimately to less shoppers in the area.

The store is known for its curated original style that is unorthodox from many other local L.A. shops. The interior of shops includes high ceilings and has a strong industrial feel for its open space.

Myers plans to take a break from the industry altogether and regroup for her next venture. Although she’s not ruling out the possibility for another shop someday, there are no immediate plans in the works. For now, the former shop owner plans to spend some quality time with her 6 month year old daughter and is focusing on being a mom.

Curio’s last open day will be at the end of the month on April 30th.