Historic theaters in L.A. are adopting a new function: retail.
COS, the upscale sister store of fast fashion empire H&M, is opening a store in the former Olympic Theater at 313 West 8th Street.
At 5,500 square feet, this store will be COS’ third store in L.A. and fourth in the state, Women’s Wear Daily reported. The company has agreed to restore the original looks of the 1920s-built structure, including the revamping of the facade and the classic Olympic sign.
As for the look of the store inside, the design will run parallel to that of COS’ clothing: clean, sleek and utilitarian. The first floor and mezzanine will have steel rails, while the backdrop will be made of glass, concrete and wood.
COS joins other fashion retailers in DTLA as certain pockets experience a retail renaissance. Nearby, Urban Outfitters opened a store in the Rialto Theatre on Broadway before moving in three years ago. There are yet-to-be-confirmed rumors, noted by both the blogger Brigham Yen and the L.A. Business Journal, that even Apple might soon take up a spot in DTLA at the Tower Theater on Broadway. Sweden’s Acne Studio, Australia’s Aesop and BNKR are also in the area.
The new COS will open early fall. [WWD] — Cathaleen Chen