Hot Looks saves customers a trip out of town

Store seeks to be positive place for younger generations within community

MOSES LAKE — A Hot Looks customer lets out a gasp and turns to her grandmother.

"I should tell Dad to shop here," she says, eyes wide, pressing an Ecko coat close to herself with delight.

It's a scene that might become common within Hot Looks, formerly L.A. Fashion, located at 116 W. Third Ave. Owners Dan Gregory, Lisa Miller and Phil Garrett took over the operation five months ago.

"Right now we have clothing for students between the ages of 13 and 23," Garrett said, noting the clothing is marked down 20 to 40 percent.

Clothing lines include Ecko, Southpole and Phat Farm. Gregory recently returned from a two day visit in Los Angeles' garment district, Garrett said, estimating the items Gregory brought back hits shelves Saturday.

The business offers hardware, tools, semi-formal wear and the ability to order from catalogs. They are able to put together packages for weddings and quinceaneras.

"We wanted to keep the business local," Garrett said. "We wanted to save people a trip out of town and buy the same quality clothing for less. In return, they'd save gas money, their time and a trip. We've even probably saved them a lunch too."

So far the reaction has been positive, Garrett said. He and his partners saw the need for a business like theirs after opening, he said.

"We took the store over because we saw the space," he said. "We saw the 'For Lease' in the window, inquired about it and two days later we were all business partners."

Garrett said with a small chuckle, he and his partners would like to see kids spending money on clothing rather than other things.

"We're trying to be a positive establishment for the younger generations in our town, and so far it seems to be working out good," he said, noting the store has advertised in high school newspapers.