Beauty store Sephora is bringing its popular, high-quality brand to a State Street storefront.
The large, national retail store is moving soon from Santa Barbara’s Paseo Nuevo to 733 State St. in the Balboa building. Brokers Natalie Wagner and Mike Hieshima represented the landlord on the deal.
The space was previously occupied by Vuori and Athleta.
“It’s exciting to see Sephora move to the active street corridor, aligning with major retailers such as Vuori, Apple, Banana Republic, ALO and Lululemon,” Wagner, a broker with Lockehouse Retail Group, told Noozhawk. “This move to State Street from the beauty giant further solidifies the commitment nationally recognized retailers are making in downtown Santa Barbara.”
Sephora is one of the most popular stores in Paseo Nuevo, and relocating to a storefront is likely to serve as another attraction for people to visit downtown.
The closure of several blocks of State Street to vehicles has helped restaurants because they have been able to expand their outdoor dining, but retail stores have seen fewer benefits amid the flurry of people on e-bikes who currently dominate the street.
According to Hayes Commercial Group, five retail properties on State Street, between the 300 and 1300 blocks, changed hands in 2024. Overall, 22 companies leased space last year.
In the final quarter of 2024, major leases on the State Street retail corridor included Art & Soul Gallery at 1323 State St., Art Essentials at 1207 State St., Lighthouse Skate Shop at 907 State St. and Rolld Ice Cream at 819-A State St. in Paseo Nuevo, according to Hayes’ fourth-quarter report.
State Street’s storefront vacancy rate decreased from 13.7% to 12.9% from 2023 to 2024, according to Hayes.
Rolld Ice Cream Opening Saturday
Rolld Ice Cream in Paseo Nuevo is opening Saturday at noon.
“Santa Barbara, are you ready?! ROLLD ICE CREAM is finally opening its doors, and we can’t wait to share the sweetest experience with you!” the company wrote on Instagram. “Come roll with us for handcrafted ice cream, good vibes, and a celebration you won’t want to miss! Tag your crew, mark your calendars, and get ready for a flavor-packed day!
“After starting as a pop-up, rolling into a trailer, and now opening our very own storefront, we are beyond excited to welcome you to ROLLD ICE CREAM!”
The company makes the rolls fresh in front of customers.
“This isn’t just about ice cream — it’s about creating a space filled with kindness, connection, and unforgettable experiences,” the company stated.
Takashi Ramen Opening
Takashi Ramen in Goleta’s Hollister Village Plaza plans to hold a soft opening on Feb. 28.
The new restaurant is at 7060 Hollister Ave., Suite 102.
“Our journey began with a vision to deliver our very best to you,” the company posted on Instagram. “Infused with love and meticulous planning from our founder to all team members, each aspect is crafted with care. We invite you to savor our offerings and pass on the joy.”
Some Goleta Shopping Center Buildings Sold
Major changes are in store for the Target Shopping Center in Goleta.
Noozhawk reported recently that the entire strip of stores on side of the center will undergo facade renovations, and new tenants will be coming in.
Some businesses have already left, and it is unclear who is staying, but the spaces are being marketed by the company online.
Across the parking lot, the retail/office buildings from 250 to 270 Storke Road were purchased by a local investor in the fourth quarter for $10.5 million, according to Hayes Commercial Group.
Hayes also reported that Rusty’s Pizza is moving into 6583 Pardall Road in Isla Vista.
Lito’s Owner Dies
Danny Jimenez, the owner of Lito’s, at 514 E. Haley St. in Santa Barbara, has died at age 92.
Broadcast journalist and Instagram celebrity John Palminteri wrote: “Lito’s is a longstanding, locally owned Mexican restaurant with traditional recipes and a bustling in-person or online, grab-and-go lunch service.”
His pozole was once featured on “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” on the Food Network.
“How do you tell the difference between all the Mexican restaurants?” host Guy Fieri said on the episode. “For me, it’s all about quality and authenticity, and from what I hear, the joint to check out is Lito’s Mexican Food.”
Historian Tom Modugno wrote on Instagram: “The happiest, sweetest business owner I’ve ever known. And he left a legacy of restaurant owners in his wake.”