Australian Retailer 'Blue Illusion' to Open in Los Gatos

Australian women's apparel and accessories boutique Blue Illusion is slated to open at Old Town Center after the Los Gatos Planning Commission heard its conditional-use permit request to operate at the former Chico's space, 50 University Ave., suite D200.

On Dec. 11, boutique representatives appeared before town planners to get their recommendation for the permit to operate on the east side of University Avenue.

Chico, which had occupied the space since 1998, recently relocated across Old Town to the former Borders' location and never had to obtain a permit as it opened prior to one being required.

This would be the retailer's second store in the United States as one opened at Santana Row in San Jose on Nov. 25, 2013. Their other stores are located in Australia and the Netherlands.

The store's hours of operation will be consistent with other stores within Old Town Center, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m.-8 p.m. on Sunday.

A letter signed by Joseph Doyle, head of property for Blue Illusion, said the boutique will be a full retail shop that will employ between five and 10 people who will sell women's apparel, fashion accessories, shoes and homewares.

"Blue Illusion services their customers in a French provincial inspired boutique," Doyle wrote. "... Given that the population of women in the Town of Los Gatos exceeds 50 percent of the total population, Blue Illusion is very well suited to the local market."

Blue Illusion started from humble beginnings, founded in 1998 by husband and wife team Danny and Donna Guest. To this day, they remain the sole directors of the business and have seen Blue Illusion grow to more than 100 stores across Australia and New Zealand, Doyle added.

Blue Illusion also gives back to the community and nonprofit organizations, Doyle noted, adding that it recently raised more than $30,000 for the National Breast Cancer Foundation and more than $500,000 for charitable organizations.

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