16 minute read
MJ’s Guide to Local Online Shopping
When the Going Gets Tough, the Tough Go Shopping – Remotely MJ’s Guide to Local Online Shopping by Claudia Schou & Megan Waldrep
In these tough times, it’s important to support local businesses while also practicing social distancing. To that end, when the COVID-19 pandemic first hit California and changed life as we know it, the Montecito Journal changed its local events listing page to a Grab & Go section featuring local restaurants that remain open for takeout and delivery. But many other types of local businesses also offer online shopping in addition to their brick-and-mortar locations, and this flexibility will hopefully keep our local stores open and their employees working. With that in mind, we now offer the following guide to local businesses that remain open for both online ordering and pick-up as well as delivery services for local customers.
J. McLaughlin
“I had somebody come in to return an online order and she looked around and said, ‘I just want to stay here and shop, it’s so happy,’” store manager of J. McLaughlin Diana Romero said. The woman called her soon after to book an appointment, one of the ways J. McLaughlin has pivoted during stay-at-home orders. For the time being, business is conducted through phone or FaceTime appointments, emails, and virtual sip & shops which donate a percentage of sales in that time period to a local charity. They also offer curbside pick-up, no contact home delivery and complimentary shipping and gift wrapping. “I just delivered something to Casa Dorinda through their security guards,” Diana said. It was a shock for Romero when J. McLaughlin, a clothing and accessories retailer of 150 boutiques, decided to close its doors. Client outreach was the initial answer, using the company’s intricate database to search local customers and find out their specific interests. “I used that to promote the sale we’re having right now, which is for forty percent off for some of our spring collection,” Diana said. She’s also posting new arrivals to Instagram as much as possible. Aside from browsing online, Diana places stacks of the April and May catalog outside her door and as you flip through the pages, you may recognize the backdrop. Both catalogs were shot in Santa Barbara and Montecito, the first time the Brooklyn, New Yorkbased company styled a photoshoot out West. The catalog was shot by part-time Montecitan Matt Albiani
J. McLaughlin is known for their “happy collections,” Montecito store manager Diana Romero said.
The April and May J. McLaughlin catalog was shot in Santa Barbara and Montecito by part-time Montecitan, photographer Matt Albiani
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“My relationship with American Riviera Bank was key to getting a PPP loan. Finally, I’ll be able to sleep for the first time in a month. Now my focus is restoring all my employees’ jobs.” — Carlos Luna, Owner at Los Agaves, right, with brother and co-owner Christian
AmericanRivieraBank.com 805.965.5942 Santa Barbara • Montecito • Goleta San Luis Obispo • Paso Robles
who co-owns Mate Gallery and Mate Men’s Shop with partner Ron Brand. Diana also leaves poppy flowers near her door for people to take with them. According to Diana, flowers, catalogs, and personal shopping is “just a way to lift everyone’s spirits and create a little normalcy.”
To make an appointment or place an order, customers are encouraged to contact Diana through email at dromero@jmclaughlin.com, to text or call her personal cell phone at (805) 320-8784, and one can also call the boutique at (805) 770-3100 to leave a message.
J. McLaughlin
1253 Coast Village Road, Montecito (805) 770-3100
Angel Montecito
One of five Wendy Foster boutiques throughout Montecito, Santa Barbara, and Los Olivos, Angel Montecito is the Coast Village Road touchstone for all things Wendy. Though each boutique operates with separate buyers and aesthetics to match a varying customer base, all have joined together to create an online shopping experience with over three hundred styles from all five locations currently available. “This is a service that we have never offered before, so it’s been a wild, yet rewarding ride taking our business online and assisting customers virtually,” brand director Michaela Donahue said. Wendy Foster boutiques – which include Wendy Foster Montecito, Wendy Foster Sportswear, Wendy Foster State Street, Wendy Foster Los Olivos, and Angel Montecito – are offering 30% off every purchase with the code SHOPLOCAL at checkout along with complimentary shipping and local delivery for orders over two hundred dollars. Local delivery and pick-up are available upon request. Hop on the easy-to-navigate website and find Wendy’s signature “soft and strong” attire as well as hats, handbags, summer scarves, and jewelry (some jewelry even includes a gift with purchase). The Wendy Foster brand has been a cornerstone of Montecito style since the ‘seventies and Wendy and her staff are “beyond appreciative of the outpouring of support from local shoppers as well as our friends from all over the country.” The collection of Wendy Foster curated styles can be found at wendyfoster.com/shop and shoppers are encouraged to check back often for new styles which are added daily. “The best way to reach any of our stores is by emailing online@wendyfoster.com or filling out the contact form on our website,” Michaela said. “We
Fess Parker Winery
805-688-1545 www.fessparker.com Renowned family owned and operated winery offers curbside pickup at the winery for customers and wine club members or $10 flat shipping in U.S. The winery offers bottles on special in the “Spotlight” section of online wine shop. Skype or FaceTime concierge service of wines is available. Reach out to Barrett@fessparker.com to connect.
Glamour House Intimate Apparel
805-969-5285 Shopglamourhouse.com Serving Montecito since 1965, this shop offers sophisticated and elegant lingerie, nightgowns, pajamas, robes, and leisurewear.
Wendy Foster boutiques have defined Santa Barbara style for over 40 years
are also available by phone Monday through Friday from 10 am to 2 pm at (805) 565-1599.”
Angel Montecito
805-565-1599 www.wendyfoster.com Complimentary local deliveries may be arranged Monday through Friday by contacting online@wendyfoster. com. Skype/FaceTime consultations are available to discuss styles. Free shipping on purchases over $200.
Eider Studio
805-969-2617 www.eiderstudio.com Fine linens, towels, and soaps with 15% off soaps for locals with free local delivery and free shipping for orders over $300. For product information, please telephone or email info@eiderstudio.com.
Epiphany
805-686-2424 www.epiphanywineco.com Exquisite quality wines made in the Santa Barbara region available for curbside pickup at the winery for customers and wine club members or $10 flat shipping in U.S. The winery offers bottles on special in the “Spotlight” section of their online wine shop. Skype or FaceTime concierge service of wines is available. Reach out to Barrett@fessparker.com to connect.
The Farmacy
805-880-1207 thefarmacysb.com Santa Barbara’s most popular cannabis dispensary remains open for business, with online ordering and both expedited pickup and delivery available to Montecito residents.
Imagine Artful Things
805-695-0220 info@imagineartfulthings.com Contemporary gifts and wares for all occasions, with up to 30% off all purchases for local residents. Curbside pickup or complimentary local delivery is available. Please contact the shop directly to arrange a personal shopper and video consultation.
Jenni Kayne
805-309-0550 www.jennikayne.com Curated luxury essentials for the wardrobe and home with up to 25% of on best-selling styles. Complimentary same-day delivery for Montecito residents based on inventory and staff availability. Virtual appointments are available. Please reach out to Rissa at 949-533-1625.
Liquor & Wine Grotto
805-969-5939 montecitovino.com Operated by certified Sommelier Brian Brunello and Jason Herrick, this shop on Coast Village Road is Santa Barbara’s premier wine destination and remains open for business. For homebound or self-isolating Montecito customers, delivery is also available.
Maison K
805-969-1676 Maisonkstyle.com This boutique shop offers imported furniture and chic home decorations along with travel-inspired clothing and accessories.
Mountain Air Sports
805-962-0049 mountainsports.com Whether you’re in the mood for kayaking, fishing, rock climbing, trail hiking, skiing, or skateboarding, this shop, operating in Santa Barbara since 1975, has you covered. Email info@ mountainairsports.com.
Norvell Bass Cleaners
805-687-8113 Nbcgreencleaners.com Founded in 1933, this green technology-based dry-cleaning service boasts two locations in Montecito and Santa Barbara and will pick up your laundry at your door and return it to you so long as you live anywhere between Goleta and Carpinteria.
Raoul Textile Store
805-899-4947 www.raoultextilesstore.com Raoul Textile Store’s newly launched website is an elegant and evolving presentation of the Raoul aesthetic, offering shoppers a glimpse at Sally McQuillan’s sought-after textiles as well as a selection of chic and sophisticated decorative art, furnishings, lighting, and home accessories. Curbside pickup or complimentary local delivery is available through May. Virtual textile/decor consultations via Skype/FaceTime may be arranged by calling the shop.
Third Window Brewing
805-979-5090 www.thirdwindowbrewing.com Purveyor of fine, Belgian-inspired craft brews made with local ingredients. Tap list available online with free deliveries from Goleta to Carpinteria and free shipping within California on orders over $50. Preferred pricing on to-go orders for crowlers priced at three for $30, which have been popular as a way to sample new beers on tap. Reach out to the craft brew master Kris@thirdwindowbrewing.com to connect.
Wendy Foster Montecito & Sportswear
805-565-1506 www.wendyfoster.com Wendy Foster’s contemporary/ sportswear women’s clothing and accessories boutique offers 30% off all purchases with code SHOPLOCAL at checkout. Complimentary local deliveries may be arranged Monday through Friday by contacting online@wendyfoster.com. Skype/FaceTime consultations are available to discuss styles. Free shipping on purchases over $200.
MONTECITO JOURNAL 43
William Laman Furniture and Garden Antiques
805-969-2840 www.williamlaman.com Sophisticated and functional antiques, accessories, and garden décor on sale with free shipping available on select items online. Deliveries may be arranged by staff based on availability. A virtual consultation and curbside pick-up may be scheduled by calling the store directly. •MJ
JERRY (Continued from page 12) property and not physical loss of the property; however, the actual policy language is key here. What is physical loss of the property? The physical loss of your property means that you have lost the functional use of your property. The insurance companies protest that a policyholder needs to show some sort of tangible physical damage to its property in order for the insurance coverage to apply. In fact, in liability insurance policies, the insurance companies define property damage to mean “physical injury to tangible property.” In effect, they are trying to import that definition into their property policies where it may not exist. There is ample case law in California that physical loss means loss of function and that the policy language is at a minimum, ambiguous. The general rule of thumb is that ambiguous insurance policy language written by an insurance company is construed in favor of the policyholder. These may sound like arcane distinctions, but they can mean the difference between coverage and no coverage for your losses.
Not only are these property policies all risk policies, but once you satisfy the threshold of showing physical loss of or physical damage to the covered property, the burden of proof then shifts to the insurance company to show that an exclusion or a limitation can be used by them to try to avoid your rights to your coverage, i.e. paying you. The party charged with the burden of proof has to show that their interpretation is more likely than not. In our experience a tie typically goes to the policyholder.
In this context, coverage for business interruption and lost income often is due to an Order of Civil Authority that prohibits access to your business premises.
In California today, we are all subject to an Order of Civil Authority issued by the Governor on or about March 15, 2020, directing that we shelter in place. As a consequence, there are tremendous income losses incurred by many businesses. Some property policies have coverage extensions that are designed to cover lost business income incurred by necessary compliance with an Order of Civil Authority, but you must carefully examine the terms and conditions. Depending on that language refers to the inability to access your business premises because of some unforeseen cause. One example given by the insurance industry, believe it or not, is when the circus comes to town and an elephant parks himself or herself in front of your store and customers cannot get into your store. Clearly, you can’t get in and you can’t get out. That incident would fall under ingress/ egress coverage.
This coverage extension can be a companion to business loss due to of an Order of Civil Authority. For example, if the 101 is closed and people cannot access your business. But again, beware potential arguments from the insurance company that the inability to access your property
in your policy, the insurance company may still argue that the Order of Civil Authority be connected to physical damage.
We have been down this path before. For example, after 9/11, the New York City Mayor closed downtown NYC to traffic and services. Although the attack was on the West Side of NYC, the Order of Civil Authority also included the East Side of NYC which had not been physically damaged. Businesses located on the East Side also lost substantial business as a result of the Order and had to challenge their insurance companies to recover their damages.
The coverage extension for an Order of Civil Authority often specifies that it only applies where your property is located within a specified distance of other property directly affected by the Order of Civil Authority. For example, some property policies only provide coverage for property that has lost business because of an Order of Civil Authority if they are within five miles, or adjacent to or within 1,000 feet of another property directly affected by the Order of Civil Authority. These geographic limitations raise a novel question in this context where an entire state is enveloped by the same Order of Civil Authority. was the result of physical damage elsewhere.
What is Dependent Properties coverage?
Dependent Properties coverage is, in effect, coverage for losses caused by damage to properties in your supply chain. Generally, these are properties owned by third parties which you depend upon to provide materials necessary to run your business or to receive your product. Where these dependent properties experience loss or damage from a covered cause that then impacts your business, you may be able to recover under dependent properties coverage.
Dependent properties may seem like an elusive concept. Here are two real life examples. First, a magazine publisher hires a printer who suffers an ice storm and cannot print the magazine. The magazine publisher’s income losses due to the inability of its supplier to print and deliver the magazine are covered by the Dependent Property coverage. Second, a local private school loses tuition income as a result of the mudslides and the evacuation of its students’ homes. The homes are the Dependent Properties upon which the school relies to “supply” its students.
Do property policies contain any exclusions that get the insurance company off the hook?
Maybe – it will depend on the
Virus Exclusions
The most prevalent and most difficult exclusion to wrestle with is some form of a virus exclusion that specifically contains the term “virus.” We have seen many versions of virus exclusions in the policies that we have examined and they are by no means universal. There are also some insurance policies that provide specific, though often heavily sub-limited coverage for damages caused by a virus or by communicable diseases. We shall leave it to the courts to determine the extent to which these provisions expand or limit coverage.
Loss of Market
A loss of market exclusions refers to damages caused by loss of market or unfavorable business conditions. For example, if a competitor comes to town and takes away some of your business, that’s the way it goes and that lost business is not usually covered by your property insurance policy. On the other hand, a loss of market exclusion should not take away coverage because of lost business caused by a covered event such as a fire.
Pollution Exclusion
Some insurance companies may also try to rely upon a traditional pollution exclusion to defeat coverage. If your policy contains a pollution exclusion, you should carefully examine the scope of its language and whether “pollutant” is a defined term – that could be construed to include a pandemic.
The Insurance Implications are Only Just Beginning
We are aware of at least 15 coverage actions on file in various courts throughout the country raising many of the issues discussed in this article and that number is growing each week. In addition, legislation has been proposed at the Federal level and in various states to cover losses that would otherwise be paid for by insurance. When it comes to the unusual circumstance of the insurance implications of this pandemic we are at the start of a long judicial and legislative process, but the first step is to pull out your property insurance policy and read the policy language. •MJ
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