Aahs! Westwood Village Store to Close November 3, 2026
The retailer ends a 45-year run on Westwood Boulevard following the recent sale of its real estate property.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Openings & Closings
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The Aahs! gift store in Westwood Village will close on November 3, 2026, ending a 45-year run on Westwood Boulevard. The closure follows a September 2026 real estate sale of the property to UC Investments.
Why it matters
The closure marks the end of a long-standing retail presence in Westwood Village as ownership transitions to UC Investments. For operators, the shift highlights how institutional real estate acquisitions can necessitate the departure of long-term commercial tenants.
The Aahs! retail footprint concludes after 45 years of operation on Westwood Boulevard. Remaining inventory at the Westwood Village site is currently discounted up to 80 percent.
The players
Aahs!
A gift retail chain that previously operated multiple locations across Southern California.
UC Investments
The investment management arm of the University of California that recently acquired the Westwood Village property.
The details
The retail location is ceasing operations following the sale of its real estate to UC Investments in September 2026. The chain is clearing remaining stock through a liquidation sale with discounts reaching 80 percent, a standard tactical move to recover capital before final lease expiration.
Timeline
1981: The first Aahs! store opened on Westwood Boulevard.
September 2026: UC Investments acquired the store's real estate.
November 3, 2026: The Westwood Village store closes.
Market Landscape
This closure follows the established pattern of property redevelopment in Westwood Village as institutional investors acquire long-held commercial sites. The move highlights the broader shift toward institutional ownership in high-traffic retail corridors.
Business owners in high-demand real estate markets should monitor property transfers to assess the stability of their own long-term leases. The Aahs! transition serves as a reminder to maintain clear communication with property owners regarding future redevelopment intentions.
The takeaway
The end of a 45-year retail tenure underscores the vulnerability of brick-and-mortar storefronts when property ownership changes hands. Operators should regularly review their lease terms for clauses regarding property sales and potential early exit provisions.
Further reading
For more on local retail shifts, see Los Angeles Openings & Closings.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Los Angeles Magazine.
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