Agoura Businesses That Closed in 2011

The year that was 2011 brought 114 new businesses into town. Large national chains like Sit N Sleep, One West Bank, Goodwill Industries and GNC set up shops last year.

Southern California-based chains like and also opened their doors and added Agoura Hills to their growing list of locations.

Independently owned businesses such as , , Agoura Boxing, and The Lab Brewing Co. also debuted.

However, 13 businesses did not fare as well. Among the businesses that closed in 2011 were Express Tailoring, East 2 West Home Furnishings, an insurance agency, a skin care business and a lending firm.

"Thirteen may not be the real number of businesses closed in Agoura Hills over the past year," said Monica Hanson, accounting specialist with the City of Agoura Hills' finance department. 

According to Hanson, the number only represents the businesses that have actually informed the city of their intention to cease operating in Agoura Hills.

Every year, businesses in Agoura Hills are required to renew their registrations by January. The city mails out the renewal forms, which may prompt some business owners to cancel their business registrations.

These businesses are not required to state the reason for their closure or move to another location. "Some just never turn their forms in or inform the city of their intentions," Hanson said.

There are various reasons why businesses close. “Some have been bought so it may be under a different name,” said Hanson. “It’s also possible that the business moved out of Agoura.”

According to the City of Agoura Hills website, "...business registrations ensure that establishments are operating in the correct zoning district and adhering to municipal codes."

The process also helps the city understand the business community better and helps with various aspects of city planning.

The annual business registration fee is $50. Conducting a business without a registration is considered a misdemeanor.

Known businesses that closed:

1. Educational Opportunities
2. Elizabeth Kalish Electrolysis
3. Catalina Video Productions
4. Express Tailoring
5. Law Offices of Morton A. Kamzan
6. California Equity Lenders Inc.
7. E-Motion America Inc.
8. Halleluya Inc.
9. Skin Care by Gayle
10. Local Search Optimizers
11. East 2 West Home Furnishings
12. Lynne Merrill Educational
13. Don P. Meyer Insurance Agency