Marcia Bloom Hopes for a Buy-Local Boom
The local boutique owner, who has developed a devoted following in SM, is paying it forward.
As we all know, Montana Avenue is lined with trendy shops. Sometimes it can be hard to identify the ones that really pass the smell test. One that most definitely does is Marcia Bloom, an independently owned boutique that stands as one of the locals' favorites.
The owner—Marcia Bloom, of course—is sweet and caring, and her vibe can be felt throughout the shop. She hand-makes what she sells: knitted sweaters, crochets blankets and other crafty merchandise. While her shop may be small, she has an unusually wide variety of items, and they appeal to a broad range of demographics.
"Our clients are from 6 months to 101 years old," she says with a giggle.
Bloom has been on Montana for nine and a half years, and in the business for 35. She says she's inspired by things that make people feel good, like warm and cozy socks, or a mineral necklace that gives off good energy. The bohemian-sounding store owner says she loves making one-of-a-kind items and creative but wearable art.
It's her unique flair that appears to most heavily attract customers like artists and performers. "Sometimes we have musicians come in and buy clothes for their tour," she says.
But it's not just the artsy crowd that stops by. Just as often, lawyers and doctors also go through the racks.
Bloom's husband, Sam Henry Kass—formerly a consultant on "Seinfeld"—helps her with the business, along with her sister Anita, and nieces and nephews.
"Sometimes it's like a sitcom around here!" Marcia laughs, adding that a little bit of drama makes it fun. Likewise, she calls her devoted fanbase of locals a "cast of characters."
Bloom—who also offers sewing classes at her shop—buys all her materials strictly from stores in L.A. and supports local merchants by only shopping at area stores for her personal needs. She's also eco-friendly; she walks to work from her nearby Santa Monica home.
When asked what she believes the economic downturn has done to Montana businesses, the normally cheerful Bloom—who has never shopped online—rings an unusual note of disappointment.
"Sometimes it leads to loss of community," she laments.
Still, she says she's full of optimism and that her goal is to contribute to the "buy local" trend that seems to be sweeping through Santa Monica. In an effort to achieve this goal, she gives her customers incentives—like recycled, hand-sewn fabric bags—with each purchase.
Maybe she could even turn a new catchphrase: "Buy local. Buy bohemian. Buy Bloom."
Are you a Marcia Bloom fan?
Tell us in the comments.
Mary E Bozanic
11:41 am on Sunday, January 2, 2011
A well deserved write up for the fantastic Marcia Bloom Store. Definitely a place to ' stop and shop'.
Linda Greenberg Gross
12:48 pm on Sunday, January 2, 2011
Marcia and her store are fantastic! Marcia has been a long-time participant in supporting our schools and the Ed Foundation thanks her!
Nan Borcherding
4:14 pm on Sunday, January 2, 2011
Thank you for featuring Marcia and her wonderful store. I am a long-time fan. She is very supportive of artists and their artistry, in addition to being an amazing artist herself. Buy local and be fashionable with Marcia Bloom Designs!
Susan Francis
2:18 pm on Monday, January 3, 2011
I live in Northern California but stop by Marcia's store whenever I am town! Susan
Jennifer Taylor
2:34 pm on Monday, January 3, 2011
Great business profile! It's businesses like Marcia Bloom Designs that help to keep Santa Monica truly special and unique. To find out more about Santa Monica's Buy Local program, visit www.buylocalsm.com. It's a great program that helps to promote all our wonderful businesses and the people behind them.
Randi Parent
8:25 pm on Monday, January 3, 2011
Randi Parent
Marcia deserves so much credit for being an incredible artist, a staunch supporter of the community and a fantastic neighbor. She's not waiting for the city to pass a plastic bag ban - every item she sells leaves the store in a reusable bag. Your profile captured her well. But you forgot to mention the skirts! Marcia Bloom skirts are unique pieces of art. Worn by girls aged 6 months to 96, the Marcia Bloom skirt is her signature piece, yet no two skirts are alike. So Santa Monicans, support our local merchants and don't delay in adding a Marcia Bloom original to your wardrobe.
Tara Crow
9:27 am on Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Marcia Bloom is my regular stop for kid gifts. I love her little jackets and skirts. They are always the hit of baby showers. For myself, I love her purses, scarfs and those awesome skirts! I even have a custom Marcia wallet. Every gift you purchase comes in a hand sewn gift bag - which always makes a terrific way to give gift. Her prices are so reasonable for a hand crafted gift and it gives everything a nice, personal touch. This is a wonderful local business to support.
Teri Bernstein
9:58 pm on Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Marcia Bloom! The best place for baby gifts and the best place for: tote bags, tiny purses, and amazing, gloriously beautiful one-of-a-kind skirts that make everyone look good. Plus, Marcia has custom-made pillows using photos she transfers to fabric to commemorate vacations and bat mitzvahs. She is an artist and a mensch. Wearing her clothes makes life more fun.
Gary Kavanagh
4:14 pm on Thursday, January 6, 2011
I'll have to check out her shop, I've unfortunately not been before. As someone who does 99% of their business via riding a bike, including hauling loads of groceries in bike camping bags, I'm very much on board with the shop local thing. It's rare that I shop for anything outside of a 5 mile radius, and I have been trying to buy less online as well.
Shari Davis
5:31 pm on Thursday, January 6, 2011
Love Marcia! Love her skirts! Each one is like a piece of art that you can wear. It makes me smile to put them on, and between my two daughters and me, we have quite a collection! Let's have a Marcia Bloom skirt day in Santa Monica! I think the whole city would feel upbeat.