Montana's Misery

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The LA Times has checked up on Montana Avenue's retailers, and, unfortunately, their situation's still resolutely dire. Lee-Lee Sprenger of womenswear boutique Mélange reports that her shop is "barely making it," adding that most of her neighbors have experienced a 60% sales slump since the economy turned south. But despite their newfound frugality, Santa Monica's shoppers are keeping some perspective. "The Westside of Los Angeles may be feeling depressed and in the dumps and a little insecure, but it is nothing compared to other parts of the country," interior designer Peter Dunham tells the paper. [LAT, Previously]