Shopping In Los Angeles
Whatever money can buy can be found in Los Angeles, from Cartier necklaces to organic farm produce. LA’s temperate climate also allows for many pleasant outdoor alternatives to the ubiquitous malls. Melrose Avenue and Santa Monica’s Third Street Promenade are both vibrant areas. Upscale Rodeo Drive and Golden Triangle are famous for high couture houses and jewelers. Santa Monica’s chic Montana Avenue is favored by both Hollywood wives and movie stars. The best areas for the latest in fashion and home decor are Robertson Boulevard near Burton Way, and Beverly Boulevard at Martel Avenue. Shopping is a pleasure in Old Pasadena, which has many unique shops in restored, late 19th-century buildings.
Shopping Centers And Malls In Los Angeles
Shopping centers in LA tend to outclass most other American malls. One of the
newest outdoor malls in the city, The Grove offers a blend of shopping and entertainment venues. The street is popular with families and teens who, between all the stores, cinemas, and restaurants, find plenty to keep themselves
busy. Also check out the adjacent Farmers Market, where you will find many quaint souvenir shops, and inexpensive, yet excellent dining spots.
For a smooth indoor mall experience, try the trendy Beverly Center, which boasts a selection of more than 160 stores. Surrounded by Century City’s office towers and set in an open-air setting, Westfield Century City shopping center has more than 120 shops.
The newly built stadium-style cinemas and posh outdoor dining terrace make this mall a popular weekend hangout. Nearby, Westside Pavilion has an excellent array of clothing stores for children. A small art house cinema adds to its appeal. A more intimate space, Santa Monica Place is a short walk from the beach, and has several outlets for sportswear and sunglasses. In the suburban San Fernando Valley, Westfield Fashion Square offers an eclectic shopping mix, with special appeal to families. One of the smaller malls, Sherman Oaks
Galleria also boasts a fitness center and spa, in addition to its film halls, shops, and restaurants.
Department Stores
Every shopping mall has at least one department store, all of which stock a wide variety of goods, from cosmetics and clothes to cutlery and crockery. The old favorites are Bloomingdale’s, best known for its shop-within-a-shop boutiques, and Macy’s, with its in-house clothing lines that offer reasonably-priced designer fashion.
The glamorous Wilshire Boulevard has come to be known as Department Store Row. Among its four big-name retailers are Barneys New York and Saks Fifth Avenue. Barneys’ rooftop deli is packed at lunchtime with shoppers and crowds from the film industry.
The shoe department at the high-end Nordstrom is legendary, as are its January and June half-price sales.
Discount Stores
Many of LA’s discount stores are part of national chains. A dollar goes a long way at such outlets, but it’s strictly no-frills shopping so do not expect gift wrapping or much customer service.
These stores are usually very busy at weekends and before holidays.
Target is popular for household items, toys, camping gear, and casual clothes, while Costco vends everything from bulk food items to computers. Wine and liquor are especially well priced here. Some stores even sell gas, though a nominal membership fee is required.
Bargain hunters will delight in 99 Cents Only stores. It is hard to predict what will be in stock, but items range from food to flower pots. Nordstrom Rack has top quality clothes, cosmetics, and lingerie. Again, the products in stock here vary by day and season.
