GREG SIMONIAN
PRESIDENT AND
MANAGER,
WESTIME
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What sets Westime apart from other watch boutiques?
We carry all the hard-to-get watches, watches you won’t see anywhere else—that you have to get on the waiting list to buy. It’s not uncommon for us to have watches made just for our store. For example, we have an Audemars Piguet concept watch you’re not going to find in any other store in the country right now. That’s why a lot of collectors come to us.
What is your philosophy on customer service?
Every luxury company should be willing to go the extra mile for their customers. We’ve delivered watches all around the world. At the same time, I don’t want customer service to feel too formal. I actually don’t like it when my salespeople wear suits; I want there to be a casual atmosphere.
What should someone in the market for a new watch take into consideration?
At the end of the day, a watch is an expression of yourself, so make sure it’s something that pleases you.
10800 W. Pico Blvd., Suite 197, LA; westime.com
JOHN CRUZ
VICE PRESIDENT AND
GENERAL MANAGER,
SAKS FIFTH AVENUE
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Who is the Saks customer?
The Saks customer is style-conscious and always wants to know the latest trends. He or she follows fashion and wants to look appropriate and pulled together for his or her particular lifestyle.
Who are some of Saks’ most beloved designers?
Saks is renowned for its superlative designer collection and also for embracing new talent. Chanel, Oscar de la Renta, Akris, Christian Louboutin and Jimmy Choo are perennial favorites, and we support new collections from brands such as Kaufman Franco, Camilla Skovgaard, Brochu Walker and Company of We.
What collections at Saks are you most excited about for the upcoming season?
J. Mendel has a stunning collection of classic, elegant pieces for the modern woman, complete with beautiful eveningwear perfect for LA’s social scene. We also feel very strongly about our new Saks Fifth Avenue men’s collection.
9600 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills; saks.com
