Editor’s note: The Beach Reporter has launched a local business column by staff writer Michael Hixon. The Business Beat column will appear monthly. If you have beach cities business tips, contact mhixon@scng.com.
Skechers debuted an interactive hologram shopping experience with celebrity ambassador and “America’s Got Talent” star Howie Mandel at its Manhattan Beach store on March 27.
The technology, Proto Hologram, allows holograms, artificial intelligence and other advanced technology, to help customers interact with ambassadors like Mandel and explore what Skechers and its retail stores around the world have to offer.
Mandel was joined by Skechers co-founder/President Michael Greenberg and Proto Hologram founder David Nussbaum at the unveiling of the new technology.
The hologram features Mandel telling about his love of Skechers years before he became associated with the company.
“I love the Slip-ins” said Mandel at the March 27 event where dozens lined up to meet the comedian. “I got a discount because the person behind the counter assumed I was an ambassador. I took the discount, and I’ve been paying them back ever since because I didn’t deserve it at the time.”
Greenberg opened his flagship store in Manhattan Beach in 1995, and the company has since expanded to 6,000 retail stores in 1,800 countries around the world.
Greenberg said, “I feel retail should be theater.”
“There are lots of shoe stores, but we want to be an experience,” Greenberg said at the event. “We want you to leave here, not only with great product, but that it was enjoyable.”
Greenberg said Skechers, known as “The Comfort Technology Company,” is constantly looking for new technology to improve its products, but to also add to the shopping experience. The holograms, he said, can be an ambassador like Mandel, or maybe the products themselves.
The technology potentially allows someone like Mandel to be in one store, or when the technology expands in hundreds of locations at one time live, and be able to interact with customers.
Customers also have the ability, Greenberg said, to take a selfie to Mandel and get a discount.
“It’s a great sales tool for retail, and it’s engaging and it’s fun,” Greenberg said. “I’m really super excited that we are able to launch this in this store.”
Mandel said aside from the products Skechers has to offer, it’s a family-run business that gives back to the community, like the Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk in October that helps raise millions for youth with special needs.
“I don’t think there’s another company per capita of what they take in that gives back as much as this company does,” Mandel said. “So I feel just being a part of them is good for the planet.”
Skechers ambassador Howie Mandel helped introduce the company’s first hologram retail experience at its flagship store in Manhattan Beach on March 27, 2026. Dozens lined up to meet Mandel, who is featured in the Proto Hologram experience. (Photo by Michael Hixon/SCNG)
Roboze, which produces industrial 3D printing systems, celebrated the grand opening of its U.S. Aerospace and Defense headquarters in El Segundo on March 20, 2026. (Photo by Michael Hixon/SCNG)
Skechers introduced its first hologram retail experience at its flagship store in Manhattan Beach on March 27, 2026. Dozens lined up to meet Skechers ambassador Howie Mandel, who is featured in the Proto Hologram experience. Pictured are Proto Hologram founder David Nussbaum, Skechers President Michael Greenberg and Mandel. (Photo by Michael Hixon/SCNG)
Ragin Cajun Cafe is now the Redondo Beach Grill and is now readying for its official opening weekend on April 18 and 19. (Photo by Michael Hixon/SCNG)
The Quality Inn & Suites in Hermosa Beach celebrated the completion of a $2.2 million renovation at a ribbon cutting on March 19. (Photo courtesy Faith Garcia, Parable Hospitality)
Roboze, which produces industrial 3D printing systems, celebrated the grand opening of its U.S. Aerospace and Defense headquarters in El Segundo on March 20, 2026. Pictured is Alessio Lorusso, Roboze CEO and founder, at the event. (Photo by Michael Hixon/SCNG)
Roboze, which produces industrial 3D printing systems, celebrated the grand opening of its U.S. Aerospace and Defense headquarters in El Segundo on March 20, 2026. Pictured are some of the parts produced by Roboze printing. (Photo by Michael Hixon/SCNG)
Skechers ambassador Howie Mandel helped introduce the company’s first hologram retail experience at its flagship store in Manhattan Beach on March 27, 2026. Dozens lined up to meet Mandel, who is featured in the Proto Hologram experience. (Photo by Michael Hixon/SCNG))
Dozens lined up to meet Skechers ambassador Howie Mandel, who helped introduce the company’s first hologram retail experience at its flagship store in Manhattan Beach on March 27, 2026. Mandel, pictured with attendees, is featured in the Proto Hologram experience. (Photo by Michael Hixon/SCNG)
Skechers introduced its first 3D hologram retail experience at its flagship store in Manhattan Beach on March 27, 2026. Dozens lined up to meet Skechers ambassador Howie Mandel, who is featured in the Proto Hologram experience. Pictured are Proto Hologram founder David Nussbaum, Skechers President Michael Greenberg and Mandel. (Photo by Michael Hixon/SCNG)
Dozens lined up to meet Skechers ambassador Howie Mandel, who helped introduce the company’s first hologram retail experience at its flagship store in Manhattan Beach on March 27, 2026. Mandel, pictured with attendees, is featured in the Proto Hologram experience. (Photo by Michael Hixon/SCNG)
Skechers introduced its first hologram retail experience at its flagship store in Manhattan Beach on March 27, 2026. Dozens lined up to meet Skechers ambassador Howie Mandel, who is featured in the Proto Hologram experience. Pictured are Proto Hologram founder David Nussbaum, Skechers President Michael Greenberg and Mandel. (Photo by Michael Hixon/SCNG)
Dozens lined up to meet Skechers ambassador Howie Mandel, who helped introduce the company’s first hologram retail experience at its flagship store in Manhattan Beach on March 27, 2026. (Photo by Michael Hixon/SCNG)
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Skechers ambassador Howie Mandel helped introduce the company’s first hologram retail experience at its flagship store in Manhattan Beach on March 27, 2026. Dozens lined up to meet Mandel, who is featured in the Proto Hologram experience. (Photo by Michael Hixon/SCNG)
Roboze opens US headquarters in El Segundo
Roboze, which produces industrial 3D printing systems, celebrated the grand opening of its U.S. Aerospace and Defense headquarters in El Segundo on March 20.
Roboze, located at 111 Sierra St., specializes in industrial 3D printing that “enable metal replacement, which reduces production time and costs.”
The facility “supports the domestic production of mission-critical components manufactured with high-performance polymers and composite materials,” according to a press release.
“By combining proprietary hardware, materials science, software and embedded Physical AI, Roboze enables the distributed production of high-performance components for aerospace, defense, energy and transportation,” according to the press release. “Through its global Smart Factory network, Roboze provides certified, repeatable manufacturing solutions where performance, reliability and supply chain resilience are essential.”
Ragin Cajun Cafe has new name, menu
The Ragin Cajun Cafe has a new name, look and a new menu, but continues on in the same location.
Now named the Redondo Beach Grill, the grand opening weekend will be April 18 and 19, but a soft opening is taking place right now.
The revamped restaurant will continue some of Ragin Cajun’s traditions like deep fried turkeys, live music and decorating for the holidays.
As part of the opening weekend, DJ Myles Matisse will perform from noon to 2 p.m., and Max 80’s will perform from 2 to 5:30 p.m., on Saturday, April 18.
Tres Hombres (noon to 1:30 p.m.), Charis and the Groove (2 to 3:30 p.m.), and the Brent George Trio (4 to 5:30 p.m.) will perform Sunday, April 19.
Current hours are Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
The Redondo Beach Grill is located at 525 S. Pacific Coast Highway.
For more information, call , social media, or redondobeachgrill.com when completed.
Quality Inn & Suites ribbon cutting
The Quality Inn & Suites in Hermosa Beach celebrated the completion of a $2.2 million renovation at a ribbon cutting on March 19.
Included in the renovations were “floor-to-ceiling” updates in all of its 68 guest rooms, according to a press release, including new flooring to new furnishings.
There were also and expanded and enhanced lobby, refreshed breakfast and dining area, as well as upstaged outdoor amenities including “umbrellas that allow in more natural light while enchancing views and the breezy coastal setting,” and a new outdoor shower.
“Every upgrade was thoughtfully designed with our beachside location in mind,” said Harrison Hardin, general manager of Quality Inn & Suites Hermosa Beach, in a press release. “From the welcoming new lobby to refreshed guest rooms and outdoor amenities, the goal was to create a comfortable retreat where guests can relax, connect, and enjoy everything Hermosa Beach has to offer, and a space locals can be proud of.”
NRB Farmers Market talk
The North Redondo Beach Business Association hosts a discussion on the new North Redondo Beach Farmers Market on Thursday, April 9, from 7:45 to 9 a.m., at the South Bay Galleria.
Jim Mueller (founder) and Teresa Mitchell (president) present an update on the new North Redondo Beach Farmers Market, which includes the planned opening date, location, how it all came together, and opportunities for vendors to get involved.The event begins with “Coffee and Connection” at 7:45 a.m., followed by the program beginning at 8 a.m.
To find the meeting, park on Level 4 of the Galleria Parking Structure, located at 1815 Hawthorne Blvd. Enter the mall and turn left toward AMC South Bay Galleria 16, and the Community Room is located past AMC on the left.
For more information, email info@nrbba,org.