A so-called local boutique claiming to have lost its store in the Palisades Fire is facing serious scrutiny after inconsistencies in its story surfaced. Palisades Boutique, which launched an online “closure sale”, has been unable to prove that it ever had a physical location in Pacific Palisades, raising concerns about a potential scam.
False Claims About Store Location
What the Website Claimed:
- Palisades Boutique stated it was “originally located in the heart of Palisades Village.”
- It claimed the store was destroyed in the Palisades Fire, forcing it to transition to an online-only business.
What Investigators Found:
- The Palisades Village shopping center never had a store by that name, according to staff and the official center website.
- Before-and-after fire images used on the boutique’s website actually depict a Starbucks near Palisades Village—not the alleged store.
- Rick Caruso, the billionaire owner of Palisades Village, hired private firefighters, and the shopping center was largely unharmed by the fire.
Business Licensing Issues:
- No record of “Palisades Boutique” exists in the California Secretary of State’s business registry.
- The company registered its website only on January 27, 2025, and as of February 9, it still displayed a “Coming Soon” message.
Suspicious Business Practices
Fake “Closure Sale” & Marked-Up Prices
- The website advertises “up to 80% off” on its remaining inventory.
- CBS News Confirmed found identical clothing items on Amazon, Shein, and Walmart—but at much lower prices:
| Item | Amazon/Shein/Walmart Price | Palisades Boutique Price |
|---|---|---|
| Shirt | $16 (Amazon) | $36 |
| Sweater | $30 (Amazon) | $60 |
| Jacket | $30 (Amazon), $21 (Shein) | $65 |
| Romper | $48 (Walmart) | $80 |
Warehouse Location Contradiction
- The boutique claimed to be a local business, yet its “Return Policy” page reveals its warehouse is in Asia.
- Customers must pay $35-$60 for return shipping, making returns costly and unlikely.
Questionable Charity Claims
False Donations to LA Fire Relief Fund
- Palisades Boutique stated it would donate 10% of sales to the LA Fire Relief Fund.
- After CBS News Confirmed investigated, the company suddenly donated $100—on the same day they were contacted.
- LA Fire Relief Fund confirmed there was no arrangement with Palisades Boutique:
“We checked our records and discovered they just made that donation today. We have received nothing from them prior to this.”
