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Wish They All Could Be California Malls

3K views 31 replies 17 participants last post by  judith 
#1 ·
From the Los Angeles Times: High-end shopping goes to the dogs at Newport Beach's Fashion Island mall -- Pooches can accompany their owners into stores, get massages, scarf down treats or take in a canine fashion show at the outdoor mall.

By Susannah Rosenblatt, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer

Through the sickly sweet fog of designer fragrances, past gleaming cosmetics counters, the giant, furry critter pads across the polished tile. The prim sales clerks don't even bat an eye. They might even reach behind cases of creams and powders to pull out a treat.

Welcome to Orange County's unofficial dog mall, otherwise known as Fashion Island -- an upscale collection of shops and restaurants in the even more upscale enclave of Newport Beach. Startling as it may be to out-of-town shoppers, dogs are everywhere, even inside Bloomingdale's, Neiman Marcus and Macy's.

In typical Southern California style, a flawlessly dressed woman glides by in black sunglasses, pink shopping bag slung over her shoulder, a white poodle tucked under her arm -- the dog coordinating perfectly with her outfit.

"Dogs have become the new kids," said Kathy Jones, manager of Muttropolis, a high-end pet store that's the focal point of Fashion Island's dog-friendly culture. "You tend to spoil them."

Such as the couple pushing their Chihuahua-mix Daisy through the shop in a pet stroller as they browsed for a new halter for her, killing time before the dog's turn with a pet masseuse.

"We usually take her with us wherever we go," said Gina Mirigliani, 30, an occupational therapist from San Pedro.

Some dog owners grumble that other malls bar pets, or that shoppers aren't exactly thrilled by puppy customers. The Grove, Los Angeles' huge shopping mecca, once limited canine visitors to 25 pounds but now allows dogs of all sizes -- as long as they're friendly, a spokeswoman said.

South Coast Plaza, the sprawling indoor mall in Costa Mesa, allows only service animals for disabled shoppers, according to employees.

But Fashion Island takes more of a dog's-eye view. One store staged a doggie fashion show to launch a doggie fragrance (yes, really), and arranged pet photo specials.

"Everybody loves dogs" at Fashion Island, said Joey Magazzu, 53, lounging at an outdoor table with his wife, Sandra, and their two Jack Russell terriers. The couple love chatting up other dog people and giving their pets the chance to socialize. "They need more places like this where you can bring your dog," he said.

Seeing dogs weave in and out of rows of couture handbags and shoes can be "sort of surreal, in a way," said shopper Robyn Grant, 45, an attorney and member of the Newport Beach arts commission. Yet, in a place where puppies often serve as accessories, "it's just sort of apropos."

All that paw traffic comes with the occasional indoor bathroom-related accident, mall employees said. And it sometimes results in strange human behavior: "I see women holding their dog in their purse and carrying their wallet" in their hand, said Bloomingdale's Diesel brand specialist Bao Nguyen.

On private property, it's up to the owner to decide if dogs are allowed, with the exception of service animals, said Ryan Drabek, a spokesman for O.C. Animal Care. (Service animals that assist disabled people are allowed access everywhere.) As a result, most of Fashion Island's stores make their own rules on whether to allow dogs.

The pro-pet atmosphere draws shoppers from all corners of Orange County. Sue Santana, 34, trekked up from San Clemente with her French bulldog and pug. "We could go to San Clemente" to shop, she said, "but it's not worth it, it's not dog-friendly."

Even Italian eatery Francoli Gourmet is in on the act, inviting dogs onto the restaurant's patio and plying them with treats.

"Sundays, it's our big day," said manager Luis Mojica. "It gets to the point where there's almost a dog at every table." But even Francoli has limits -- no dogs indoors, or on chairs.

Mostly, though, the Newport Beach destination is doggie paradise. Doniqua Hoffman drove down from the high-desert town of Phelan with her Pomeranian, Milli, dolled up in a little pink outfit, for Muttropolis' annual doggie "spaw" day.

"I'd be lost without the dogs," Hoffman said. "We're so addicted."

susannah.rosenblatt@ latimes.com
 
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#2 ·
It does take some getting used to. I tend to take Belle shopping with me cause she will sit in her bag and be patient. I keep waiting for someone to come up to tell me to leave with the dog but nope, some will even offer up a water dish or some treats :)

Why am I leaving this place????

Amanda
 
#3 ·
where are you going?

Well, I can think of one reason someone might leave Southern Cal...maybe Fashion Island is dog friendly...but so many parks around here don't even allow dogs. Manhattan Beach and Redondo Beach are the worst, no dogs in any parks!
That is just silly!

We don't have big yards and aren't allowed in parks. So silly!

Linda
 
#6 ·
Well, I can think of one reason someone might leave Southern Cal...maybe Fashion Island is dog friendly...but so many parks around here don't even allow dogs. Manhattan Beach and Redondo Beach are the worst, no dogs in any parks!
That is just silly!

We don't have big yards and aren't allowed in parks. So silly!

Linda
Then don't come to Long Island. Don't even think of bringing your dog to the mall unless it is hidden in a stroller. They are only allowed in designated dog parks, which aren't that great. And forget about beaches. It's just not allowed. We have a beautiful board walk at Long Beach, and you can't even walk your dogs there or you will get a fine.
 
#21 ·
The girl that does my hair said we have a "doggie mall" here in the Detroit, Michigan area too... Partridge Creek Mall. I haven't been yet but she said she had and you could even take your dog in a lot of the stores.
I didn't know about Partridge Creek Mall, Ann, I'm so glad you posted that!
 
#5 ·
This is strange to me. Taking dogs into retail stores (other than petsmart or petco), and restaurants.
We were at Home Depot over the weekend, and this little pom was barking her head off at my 4 yr old in line at the register. We finally got out of the line, and walked up to the manager, who was about 5 ft. We asked if he'd noticed the dog, and all the other people changing lines to avoid it. He said yes..that they'd be through the line shortly. Um, ok. Wrong answer.
I asked if he'd open another register for me, and he did. I pushed aside my cart that was full of about $200 worth of stuff, told him I was no longer in need of those items. Handed him my reciept for my new counters, shutters, and kitchen sink (all on order) Asked him to cancel my order, give me a full refund and I'd be doing my business at Lowes.
Needless to say, he wasn't happy.
Last wk at the same store, a dog lifted it's leg on a tree I was about to buy inside the garden center.
So, yea..not a fan of dogs where I'm shopping.
 
#7 ·
I have to say that I love having the option of taking my boys into certain stores in Philly while I am walking them. We live in the heart of the shopping district and many little boutiques are dog-friendly. Even Commerce bank encourages you to bring your dogs in, they have biscuits and water out for them. I can completely understand why a poorly socialized dog is off-putting, but if they behave, I love meeting other people's pets while I am out and about. This one place called WaterWorks has all high-end bathroom accoutrements, and the manager told me that he had people come in and eat the Peanut Butter Buddies that he had left in a jar for the dogs! :biggrin1: Too funny.
 
#8 ·
Uptown Minneapolis is pretty darn dog friendly and last week I took Posh to a makeover at a M.A.C. store. She was in her carrier, and she is very good in her carrier (she doesn't bark or move around) so it's pretty easy to sneak her in places. My SIL was with me and she also brought her Yorkie Jessie. Jessie is not so good in the carrier...would rather be in my SIL's arms. She does bark in the carrier if the bag is not "in motion."

I have to admit I was actually very nervous we'd get kicked out of M.A.C. and I really needed makeup, I felt apprehension even though Uptown is extremely dog friendly.

I didn't bring Posh to the shop "just because" we had a "dog party" to attend after our makeover in the area.

Meanwhile, it was totally no big deal. I guess people do it all the time, and especially because the dogs were behaved and contained in bags. We did take them out of the carriers to say goodbye after we paid.

I think as long as you are not acting like a dumbass and letting your dog wander around and pee on things or bark at people or interact with people that don't like dogs...yes, there are people out there:) I think it's really great to have some flexibility with bringing dogs to shops. I have read an interesting study that proves that in places that allow dogs outside cafes in parks and even in outside shops there is a safer, happier, busier, and more thriving community.

Thank goodness my mother owns the local coffee house...I take Posh there every day and we hang and have lattes together.
 
#9 ·
It is rather ironic that more and more stores are allowing dogs but more and more parks are banning them. There are a few dog friendly towns around Northern Cal and it's fun to have the dogs with us in those places.
Tritia, I would have left the store if there was an annoying barking dog in line. Why do people seem to think it's okay for the dog to behave that way inside a store? I guess it's the same mentality some parents have who think anything their human kid does in a store or a restaurant is okay too. We were in our local Olive Garden once with friends and there was a screaming baby. I mean "SCREAMING" baby. Did they take it outside? Nope, not until they finished their meal.
 
#10 ·
I completely agree about the kid thing.
I have four boys. FOUR..lol. Every time we walk into a restaurant we start getting stares. People start to whisper to each other, shift around in their chairs like they're about to bolt. I know they're expecting all heck to break loose.
By the end of the meal, we usually have 3, 4 people come up and compliment us on our boys. How well behaved they are, etc. I demand a LOT out of my kids when in public. And like you said, I think people should do the same with their dogs. I wouldn't DREAM of taking Cooper, my licker/jumper somewhere that non-dog liking people would be forced to deal with him. Just like I wouldn't dream of taking my kids into a restaurant if they were little brats.
 
#11 ·
Home Depot and Lowe's are 2 of Tori's most favorite places to visit. However, like all well-behaved children, she has to stay in the cart and there is absolutely no barking allowed! :nono: She is so excited and interested in all that's going on, she's never even pretended she'd do anything other than look around and let all the nice folks (and there are always quite a few) pet her :biggrin1:
 
#12 ·
It is ironic, I can take my dogs to about everywhere here EXCEPT the home depot!!! The one near me actually has up signs that say no dogs allowed but I really honestly can't think of a mall around me that you aren't allowed to take your dog. Usually it is small dogs being carried but it did shock me seeing a lady with two labs the other day!
 
#14 ·
So, Amanda when do you want to head out for some shopping w/dogs at Fashion Island? I've been out there several times and it's a pretty nice place to shop. Another awesome place to go that's right near there is Roger's Gardens, we can make a side trip to check them out too, if you'd like :biggrin1:
 
#19 ·
Scout and I would love to join you on the shopping road trip, if you go in July (we spend our summers in LA). Scout behaves great at malls. I wish my three kids would be so easy to be with at the mall.
 
#15 ·
See, it's the idea of the big, hairly labs rubbing up against the clothes rack at Eddie Bauer that would freak me out, LOL.
Or..like my sister's bloodhound, the drool monster!! She leaves a trail of slime everywhere she goes.

I guess the way I see it, is I'll take mine where people expect to see dogs. And that's pretty much it. Even if one person was put off by my dog being somewhere that wasn't a typical place to have dogs (like Hobby Lobby a couple wks ago), I wouldn't feel right. What about people with allergies? A person should be able to go in to buy a pair of pants, and not worry about a sneezing attack because someone brought their dog in with them.

We had a baseball game last wk, where someone brought their boxer pup. It got away from the owners (small kid was left in charge), and got onto the ball field. It was chasing kids around, which would have been cute, but some were down right scared to DEATH. I actually know a lot of kids that are afraid of dogs, big AND small. One of my 6 yr old's best friends has a huge fear of dogs. He's never been over to our house, because of it. They don't go to dog parks, pet stores, etc..because, well..he's afraid and they have no reason. So, I don't think it's right he has to be subjected to a dog in a retail store. Again, just my opinion :) I think if they're allowed, though..like in these stores you're talking about. And people know dogs will most likely be there, it's all good.
 
#18 ·
There are definitely pros and cons. As long as we can't put up signs like: 'only small, non-shedding, hypoallergenic, non-slobbering, non-barky, non-peeing/marking, non-smelling, well behaved dogs allowed', I'm against dogs inside restaurants and stores. Inside a mall (but outside stores) and on the restaurant patio I don't mind it, if the dogs are behaving. In Germany some restaurants allow dogs inside and I just find it annoying and gross.
 
#22 ·
A lot of stores around here allow dogs to be brought in, but they have to be well behaved or they get thrown out. I completely agree with that policy, but I wish the same would apply to people's kids, and no I am not kidding. Seriously, if you can't control your kids in public then either don't take them out or control them. I don't see why I have to put up with your child screaming or pushing me as they run around Best Buy. I really don't. There's a time and place for everything, as my mom used to say.

One thing I will say that annoys the HECK out of me is when parents put their kids in the dog park to play with the "cute little dogs." Yes, I understand that it's a small dog park and yes, I understand that they all look adorable playing around. But it's a DOG park, not a child and dog park. You don't see me taking my dog to your child's playground and letting it loose to play with all the kids, regardless of whether or not they even like dogs in the first place. I can't even count the number of times that kids at the dog park have been bit or growled at. Seriously. And I don't blame the dog one bit. The owner of the dog did NOT expect to have to watch their dog because there will be children around. There aren't supposed to be children in there! There's even a sign prohibiting it! And Kubrick LOVES kids and loves to play with them but even I get annoyed out of my skin when one of them is screaming his head off when what the kid considers an "ugly do" gets near them. If I have to hear another "Yew mommy, that dog is SO ugly, I don't want him near me!" I swear I will go up to the child's parents and none too kindly ask them to get their sweet and cute little child out of the DOG park. 95% of these people don't even HAVE dogs, they just want their kids to experience dogs. Ugh. You can have your kids experience dogs by holding them up to the fence to say hi to the dogs that come to say hi. A lot of them do. Dropping your kid off screaming and running around INTO the dog park is quite another matter.

Phew that was a long rant! Sorry, I guess seeing yet another kid freaking out at the dog park made me really angry yesterday.
 
#23 ·
Lina, you sound just like my DH!!! He was so angry that Belle and Dora couldn't walk around at Arches National Park (and ofcourse they dont tell you this when you pay and get in!) and he wrote this long letter and included a photo of a family walking off the trail with the kids picking flowers <BG>

I think sometimes they just need to enforce rules instead of making more. I have been very surprised around here. Only one time since I have been here, we had an issue. It was that pitbull that grabbed and threw Belle. The owner was the one who didn't listen to the no leash rule!
 
#24 ·
Lina, I'm with you 110%! I'd MUCH rather deal with a dog's slobber than a sniffling, whining, snot-covered kid who's touching everything with their sticky, snotty fingers. And I have two grown sons, so I've been through the kid routine. Neither of my boys were allowed to behave like these little cretins I see nowadays, hanging off displays, running through the store, screaming, crying, throwing things. It's enough to make one wish birth control were mandatory until you pass a class proving you know how to control a child.

At least the dog slobber has a very, very low chance of giving me something I can actually catch!

A hot button for me is the parent who brings their gaggle of kids into the vet's office with them. They take up all the seating for owners who have sick or injured pets to hold on to while they wait to be seen. The kids invariably climb over the chairs, pester the waiting pets, and cough and hack all over you and your pet. It's disgusting, annoying and potentially dangerous for the kids who insist on poking and prodding the animals.

Pepper goes with me almost everywhere. We do take him into some of the stores out here and he rides in his carrier quietly. You wouldn't even know he's inside unless you look closely. So far no one has asked me to leave, but then I'm guessing they don't know he's with me.

When Vinnie was alive I used to hate that he couldn't go with me to the stores. He was very well-behaved and sweet, but I knew that some folks would freak out at the sight of a big dog in an 'unexpected' place. Heck, I would have people veer far away from us while walking him at the park. Unfortunately most of Palmdale is NOT dog friendly, so it really limits the places we can go with our pups.

For me, the south of France is looking really good. I understand they allow pets pretty much everywhere. There are a LOT of well-socialized and well-behaved dogs in France. I don't know about the kids, though.

Wanda :)
 
#29 ·
You all are so lucky! We don't have dog friendly shopping OR small dog parks.
We do have 2 dog parks, but the people just let their huge dogs go and like my dog training friend has told me, "you're nothing more than a spectator in that situation".
One other plus is that if you need to run in and pick something up quick, you don't have to worry about leaving the dog in a potentially hot car.

I agree with you all on the rugrats comments.

Beverly
 
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