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Aahs! Will Close Westwood Store November 3

The iconic gift shop will shutter its doors after operating in the neighborhood since 1981.

Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Openings & Closings

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of an arched building facade, representing the shift in Westwood commercial property.
The longtime Aahs! gift shop in Westwood will close on November 3, 2026, as the property transitions to new ownership under UC Investments. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Aahs! The Ultimate Gift Store is set to close its longstanding Westwood location on November 3, 2026. The property was recently sold to UC Investments, joining the firm's broader portfolio in the Westwood Village district.

Why it matters

The closure highlights shifting retail trends in the area, which has faced declining foot traffic and ongoing commercial vacancies. The loss of such a long-term tenant reflects broader challenges regarding accessibility and local consumer habits.

The Westwood Village Collection encompasses 14 distinct properties recently acquired by UC Investments. In the final weeks of operation, Aahs! is liquidating its remaining inventory with store-wide discounts ranging from 30% to 80%.

The players

Aahs! The Ultimate Gift Store

A long-running retail business that has served the Westwood community for over four decades.

UC Investments

An investment firm that recently acquired a significant portfolio of commercial properties in Westwood Village.

The details

The business attributes its departure to a combination of decreased foot traffic, a lack of accessible parking, and the recent closures of several neighboring businesses. These previous departures include longtime establishments like Urban Outfitters, Espresso Profeta, and Sarah Leonard Fine Jewelers.

Timeline

  1. Aahs! opened at Kinross Avenue and Westwood Boulevard in 1981.

  2. UC Investments acquired the 14-property Westwood Village Collection in July 2026.

  3. Aahs! completed the sale of its property to UC Investments in September 2026.

  4. The store is scheduled to officially shutter on November 3, 2026.

Market Landscape

The shuttering of Aahs! follows the ongoing retail vacancy and consolidation trends in Westwood Village, where multiple established storefronts have exited in the past year. This move aligns with a broader strategy by UC Investments to redevelop or consolidate its 14-property local portfolio.

Shoppers can currently take advantage of 30-80% discounts on all items as the store liquidates its inventory before the November closure. Residents should prepare for the loss of a major retail anchor, which may impact the variety of goods available within the immediate commercial district.

The takeaway

The departure of a staple business after 43 years serves as a stark indicator of the evolving commercial landscape in urban village districts. Consumers should note that major changes in neighborhood ownership often precede significant shifts in the availability of local goods and services.

Further reading

For more on the changing retail environment in the region, visit Los Angeles Openings & Closings.

Source note: This article includes information reported by Daily Bruin.

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Do you prefer shopping at small local businesses over large retail chains in your area?