Exclusive: Legendary Kitson Founder Fraser Ross Is Making a Comeback on Robertson

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Considering how passionately Kitson sticks up for itself, we had a feeling that the LA retail icon wouldn't go down without a fight. Founder Fraser Ross exclusively tells us that he's opening a new store in his shuttered chain's former Robertson space, and he hopes to make it "bigger" than Kitson.

Named Kitross (a play on Ross's middle and last name), "the concept will change a little more with take-and-go items as opposed to contemporary wear, but we're promoting local designers and giving LA back a little bit of [itself]," Ross explains. Similar to its previous incarnation, Kitross will offer women's, men's, and kids apparel and accessories alongside licensed giftables, and inventory will cater to locals and tourists alike.

Kitson 2.0 will also be heavy on the LA love: shoppers will be greeted by a surfboard that says "Keep calm and Los Angeles on," while a sign that notes "The world needs more Los Angeles," Ross reveals. As far as interior decor touches, the legendary chain's iconic blue hue will be replaced by a black and white theme.

Name-checking new shops The Parlor and Reservoir, Ross tells us he's been working with luxury retail realtor Jay Luchs on inking the deal with the goal of rebuilding Robertson.

As far as Kitson's demise, Ross explains that he was "just as shocked" when he learned of the boutique chain's closing. He had stepped back after the company was acquired by novelty retailer Spencer's last year and was kept on consultant, but "didn't really have much of a say" at the end, he says.

Ross tells us that the new boutique may open as early as next month, just in time for Memorial Day weekend and the summer tourist season. Stay tuned for more.

Update 5/10, 2:20pm: This story's previous headline was 'Exclusive: Legendary Retailer Kitson Is Making a Comeback on Robertson'; it has been updated to clarify that the former retail chain Kitson is not in fact reopening.