Babies R Us is coming back, sort of.
The retailer, which closed its doors in 2018 as part of the Toys R Us bankruptcy, is returning to stores, thanks to a collaboration with Kohl’s.
The two retailers are coming together to create a store-in-store experience at 16 locations in Southern California and 200 stores nationwide, according to a map provided by Kohl’s.
Local Babies R Us mini-stores will be inside Kohl’s in Buena Park, Laguna Niguel, Rancho Santa Margarita, Irvine, Tustin, Beaumont, Chino, La Quinta, Menifee, Mira Loma, Murrieta, Redlands, Victorville, Alhambra, Downey and Lakewood.
Kohl’s, which already sells the baby gear at its online site, isn’t sharing when the Babies R Us boutiques are opening but says it’s happening at 200 stores nationwide.
Merchandise will include baby gear, furniture, activities and accessories. Kohl’s said the Babies R Us experience store will not take away from its offerings from children, which features brands like Little Co. by Lauren Conrad, Jumping Beans, Carters and Nike.
Babies R Us merchandise is coming to at least 16 Kohl’s stores in Southern California in the near future. The retailer is not providing a timeline, so far, but shoppers can expect to find their favorite baby gear in a shop-in-shop experience. (Photo courtesy of Kohl’s)
Argyros family gifts $15 million for Hoag nurses
The Argyros family on May 3 gave Hoag a $15 million gift at the hospital’s annual Nurse of the Year celebration.
The money from Julia and George Argyros will support Hoag’s nursing services and the Julia Argyros Center for Nursing Excellence. The center, established in 2016, supports continuing education for nurses.
To date, the Argyros family has given the Hoag program $32 million, which it says has provided thousands of scholarships for its nurses.
“We are beyond grateful for Julia, George, Lisa and Stephanie’s generosity,” said Robert Braithwaite, Hoag president and chief executive.
Lorea opens at Pasea hotel
Paséa Hotel & Spa in Huntington Beach has unveiled its newest restaurant, Lōrea.
Scott Rackliff is the executive chef at the beach-adjacent restaurant, which will feature a “land-to-sea” menu with seafood, beef cuts, vegan specialties and charcuterie.
The hotel last year shuttered Tanner’s Restaurant as it embarked on a multimillion overhaul of its food and beverage offerings.
Paséa reps said the hotel operators spent $5 million on the food and beverage program “renovation,” which included the rooftop lounge. The lounge with ocean views was rebranded to Treehouse on PCH.
Bulgari Fragrance recently opened a Bulgari Boutique popup at South Coast Plaza. (Photo courtesy of Bulgari Fragrance)
Bulgari popup opens at South Coast Plaza
Bulgari Fragrance recently opened a Bulgari Boutique popup at South Coast Plaza.
The boutique will feature the brand’s new fragrance, Allegra Chill & Sole. The pop-up will be at the retail center until Wednesday, May 22.
100 years for Balboa Pharmacy
Balboa Pharmacy in Newport Beach is celebrating its 100th-anniversary this year.
Founded in 1924, the pharmacy at 716 E. Balboa Blvd. has provided pharmaceutical care and service to the surrounding area.
To commemorate the 100th anniversary, Balboa Pharmacy is hosting events all year, including community and customer educational workshops, giveaways, raffles, drawings and a grand celebration on Thursday, May 16.
Airport traffic at JWA slumps in March
The spring blahs arrived at John Wayne Airport in March, with passenger traffic down vs. March 2023.
The airport said it saw 964,073 passengers through its gates, a 3.1% decrease from March 2023’s 994,554 passengers.
But there was good news, too. Commercial aircraft operations increased 2.2% and commuter aircraft operations were up nearly 14%.
The top three airlines based on passenger count were Southwest Airlines (293,048), American Airlines (173,649) and United Airlines (145,222).
On the move
Edward Farias is the new chief financial officer at MFour Mobile Research in Irvine. The company specializes in market research. Previously, Farias served as CFO at Talent Systems, Lieberman Research and Kantar North America. He will oversee the company’s financial strategy.
Irvine Subaru recently donated $40,800 to Pretend City Children’s Museum. From left to right: Brady Lavin, Irvine Subaru finance director; Steven Daniels, Irvine Subaru sales consultant; Dustin Martin, Irvine Subaru general sales manager; Sebastian Calvo, Irvine Subaru service director; Lauren Geiger, Pretend City education manager; Ellen Pais, Pretend City executive director; Sue Harrison, Pretend City chief development officer; Carissa Sanchez, Irvine Subaru marketing manager; Maria Tinajero Dowdle, Pretend City chief operating officer; Franco Arnosio, parts manager; Julio Vego, general manager, Irvine Subaru. (Photo courtesy of Pretend City Children’s Museum)
$40,800 for Pretend City museum
Irvine Subaru recently donated $40,800 to Pretend City Children’s Museum.
The money came as part of the automaker’s “Share the Love” campaign. The money will benefit Pretend City’s goal of providing educational experiences for children.
“We were glad to support Pretend City toward making a positive impact on the community,” said Sergio Sanchez, executive manager of the dealership.
Nick Westphalen of Costa Mesa, center, a board member with the nonprofit Project Independence, recently received the Self Advocate Award from the Regional Center of Orange County at its annual Spotlight Awards. He’s photographed with Larry Landauer, executive director of Regional Center of Orange County, left, and John “Chip” Wright, RCOC board chair, right. (Photo courtesy of Regional Center of Orange County)
Milestones
Nick Westphalen of Costa Mesa, a board member with the nonprofit Project Independence, recently received the Self Advocate Award from the Regional Center of Orange County at its annual Spotlight Awards. The award is granted to an “individual who has a developmental disability and who, through their personal or professional achievements, has brought a greater public awareness of and recognition to the abilities of all people with developmental disabilities in Orange County.”
Annette M. Walker, sixth from left, president of City of Hope of Orange County, recently was honored with the 2024 Leader of Today award by the UCLA Health Policy & Management Alumni Association and the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health. (Photo courtesy of City of Hope)
Annette M. Walker, president of City of Hope of Orange County, recently was honored with the 2024 Leader of Today award by the UCLA Health Policy & Management Alumni Association and the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health. The award honored her “superior leadership and significant contributions during her career.” City of Hope OC officially opens in 2025.
Status Update is compiled and written by Business Editor Samantha Gowen. Submit items and high-resolution photos to sgowen@scng.com. Allow at least one week for publication. Items are edited for length and clarity.