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Allowing Curbside Pick-Up Helped Some LA Businesses, Not Others

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We all saw the photos of people lining up outside flower shops to buy bouquets for Mother’s Day. But what about other L.A. County businesses that were allowed to reopen on Friday for curbside pick-up, like bookstores, clothing stores and toy stores?

Eso Won Books in Leimert Park has been taking online orders for weeks, and owner James Fugate wasn't sure whether he'd see an immediate difference in sales after local officials announced that curbside pick-up was OK. But he was pleasantly surprised:

"We had a number of people come up, knock on the door, they wanted to know if we were open. So I think it really helped making that announcement."

It was a different story for April Hicks, who said almost no one came by her Pasadena clothing boutique, April Blooms, on Friday.
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"I haven’t sold a dress, since, I think at least two to three months," she said. After all, who needs a cute outfit when there are no weddings or graduations?

In Santa Monica, toy store owner Maire Byrne didn't bother to reopen because she was already selling toys out of the market/cafe next door, which she also owns.

She said science kits, boardgames and puzzles were flying off the shelf.

"Things like that that are fun for the kids, and they take a little time, which is amazing for the mom," she said.

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