Rich Schmitt/Staff Photographer
By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief
Erica Simpson, who has run a skate shop in Pacific Palisades since 1999, has returned to Swarthmore with PaliSkates after a two-year hiatus while Palisades Village was being constructed.
“We will carry the latest in street wear, skate and surf for kids, men and women at affordable prices,” Simpson shared with the Palisadian-Post. “And, of course, skateboards.”
The shop will also feature pop-ups/activations and collaborations with its vendors, and will also feature local brands.
“We are proud to announce our first featured pop-up will be Raga by Sahil and Samir Chaudry,” Simpson said. “Both men were raised in Pacific Palisades, and their lines are amazing.”
Simpson explained that she was most looking forward to having a place for kids and their parents to come and hang out.
“Sure, we sell things, but also creating a comfortable, inviting place for everyone to come to is priceless in my opinion,” she said.
Simpson’s location, which also operated under the name P2, was used as a temporary management center for Rick Caruso’s executives while construction was underway. She shared that she used the nearly two-year break to take “some time off to breathe and take care of some family issues in Oregon.”
“I’ve also been busy pursuing some of my other creative passions during this time,” Simpson shared.
PaliSkates hosted a preview soft opening on Saturday, Dec. 15, with plans for a grand opening celebration to follow.
Simpson explained that she hopes that her store will be good for all the retailers in the neighboring Palisades Village and add to the vibe and options available for shoppers.
“The support and excitement expressed during this past weekend has been phenomenal,” Simpson shared with the Post. “I’m so happy to see who has grown a foot, had a baby, gotten their dream job … and learned a new skate trick.
“It’s good to be back!”
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