Chico can crow about a number of local businesses successes, not only that have done well here, but hit it big beyond Chico. You know the names. Orient and Flume, Woof N Poof, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., A Main Hobbies, among others.
Don’t forget Lulus.
It started when mother and daughter Debra Cannon and Colleen Winter decided to open a dress and accessories shop in downtown, moved online and became a hit for millennial and other women. The business went totally online and now ships thousands of boxes a day from its Chico warehouse. It employs 700.
Busy equals success, but not like venture capital dollars do.
That’s what Lulus is celebrating right now. Last week it announced $120 million in investment from IVP, and Canada Pension Plan Investment Board.
IVP is described as a premier later-stage venture capital and growth equity firm, and Canada Pension Plan Investment Board, a global investment management firm.
Eric Liaw, a general partner at IVP will be joining Lulus board, and CEO Winter said she’s excited about where the company is going, which has “hundreds of millions” in annual revenue, Winter told Forbes.com in an article about the investment.
Compliments are always good, but it was impressive to read Liaw’s comment “What Colleen, Debra and the Lulus team have been able to accomplish over the years is nothing short of incredible.”
This is not the first time the Chico company has attracted outside investment, which is a favorable sign for its growth.
As far as Lulus coming store in downtown Chico — a receptacle for its fashion seconds — it looks like a June opening for The Outlet, 232 Broadway.
Royal buzz
Were you glued to the TV in the wee hours of Saturday morning? If you were, you also may have visited Bramley Cottage, the British retailer in Chico’s Garden Walk Mall.
Owner Anne Ennis has been watching British memorabilia march out the door as Americans and Brits enjoy the Royal Wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
Americans and Brits alike turned on the “telly” at 2 a.m. Saturday on the West Coast to soak up the event.
Ennis has sold mugs bearing the Union Jack flags, small hand flags, tea, buntings, napkins, curd and more last week.
Amazingly, it’s not only those with British roots, but Americans in general who are thrilled to see an American actress become royalty. And Americans seem to love the tradition of the Royals.
Even during Queen Elizabeth’s Silver Jubilee — her 25th year as Britain’s queen — there was amazing traffic inside the store, Ennis said.
For all, it’s a chance to put differences aside and be happy. I’m all for that.
Pickaxes anyone
John Mull is looking for help. Many of you know him from his barbering days, but now he’s in charge of Orange Street Consignment in Chico.
But it’s those hair cutting days that is this focus. You may have noticed that Mull renovated his old shop on Park Avenue, which is now occupied by Blackbird bookstore.
Certainly the eye catcher there is the gate, which marks off the back parking lot. It is created by welded pickaxes, thanks to welder Jessee Seaman. Mull needs more pickaxes, whole or broken. It’s the pick part that he’s seeking, planning to finish his original design for the building with an arch way in front of the door.
Mull can be found at the consignment shop at 514 Orange or by calling 519-7805.
Harbor Freight
Oroville’s getting ready to welcome a new shopping option. Harbor Freight hardware will be opening in the old Walmart store on Table Mountain Boulevard.
A grand opening is planned at 8 a.m. May 23, but likely the store will be in operation earlier, with a soft opening.
It’s my understanding that this is the first of the new tenants to open, with the others to follow.
Contact Laura Urseny at 896-7756, email lurseny@chicoer.com or on Twitter @LauraUrseny.