New Cell Phone Store to Open on Figueroa

A new banner went up on the shopping center plaza sign at the corner of N. Figueroa and Meridian streets.

Co-owners Manny Castillo and Erika Villaruel have leased the retail space where M&J Thrift Store once was, located at 6473 N. Figueroa St. The couple is scheduled to open a cell phone store in the small plaza next month on April 6.

"We were looking to get a location on a different part of Figueroa, but this is what was available," Castillo said. "Highland Park seemed like a good location to start a business and we just got the permit today."

Construction workers have been putting the place together for approximately two weeks, according to one worker.

The yellow M&J Thrift Store moniker that used to hang above the location, has been replaced by two familiar cellular brand signs. A red, black and white Virgin Mobile logo and an orange and white Boost Mobile sign.

Donut Star sits next door to the soon-to-be cell store and has been in business for eight years. The owner, who goes by 'Pete' said this will be the third store to occupy the space since he's been in business.

Long time Highland Park resident Olimpia Lopez, 32, has lived in the neighborhood since she was 8 years old. She said a video store was previously in the location prior to being occupied by the thrift store. 

"I think the video store lasted the longest in that spot," Lopez said. "It was open for about six years. This new place might work out becuase there aren't any cell phone stores on this side of the neighborhood."