LOS ANGELES, November 20, 2024 – A landmark in Los Angeles, Charles Jacobsen Inc. has been celebrating Asian antiques for over 40 years. The business has brought unique pieces to various prestigious locations, including luxury hotels like the Wynn and Venetian in Las Vegas, as well as the homes of stars such as Cher and filmmaker Michael Bay. Their contributions have been highlighted in well-known magazines like Architectural Digest and House Beautiful.
Charles Jacobsen started the company in 1982, and in 2004, Michael Mirch became a partner. He took over the leadership in 2013, honoring the guidance of Jacobsen, who became a mentor and friend. Unfortunately, despite hopes for a bright future, the business has faced significant challenges recently. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, strikes in the film industry, increasing rent, and changing consumer habits have put tremendous pressure on the company.
Michael shared, "In the past, our clients were looking for special, high-quality items, often waiting months for custom orders. Nowadays, many prefer the ease of buying reproductions online. Big websites like Amazon and Wayfair often focus more on speed than on quality.”
This change in shopping behavior has also affected foot traffic to the store. Michael recalled, “When I joined in 2004, it was common to have walk-in customers. Now, it’s tough to showcase the beauty of our collection in online catalogs.” He noted this is a challenge many retailers are facing. With a heavy heart but some sense of relief, he explained their decision to close the business.
Even as they prepare to close, Michael feels proud of what Charles Jacobsen Inc. has accomplished and thankful for their loyal customer base. “This is a sad moment, but we want to cherish the friendships and memories we’ve built over the years," he remarked.
In the upcoming weeks, Charles Jacobsen Inc. will be holding a closing sale at their Fashion District location. Typically a hotspot for designers, the store will now welcome the public with extended hours and significant discounts.
Michael, along with his husband Mark, who is also his business partner, and the whole team, warmly invites their friends and customers to visit for one last time.
Photos are available upon request.
