LA’s Downtown Fashion District is full of so many hidden treasures. I had the opportunity to live at the Chapman Loft’s on the corner of 8th and Broadway. From my LA Loft it was just a brisk walk into the discount bargain shopping capital of California. The Fashion District is made up of 90 blocks, 4,500 apparel and accessory lines, and more than 1,000 stores. Other names for Downtown LA’s shopping area include: Santee Alley, the Garment District, and The Alley. To become a successful Downtown LA shopper here are a few things you should know:
Tip #1: Browse before you buy. I advise that you go around and check out all of the shops before you commit to buying from the first store you walked into. Nine time out of ten, you’ll find the exact same thing for half the price just down the street. But don’t think about it too long, new merchandise circulates through these stores every day. Chances are it won’t be there tomorrow.
Tip #2: Cash is king. Most stores only accept cash. Very few accept Debit and Credit cards. Most ATM’s have a $100 limit. So make sure to stop at the bank!
Tip #3: DON’T dress to impress. You will be doing a lot of walking so make sure you wear comfortable shoes and clothes. Being a Power Shopper isn’t easy. Also, don’t wear anything that screams “I’m not from here!”
Tip #4: Beware of signs. Some stores are not open to the general public. If a store is only wholesale it may have a sign posted in front that’s says “Solo Mayreo.”
Tip #5: Bring your Papers. If you have a resale license/ Sellers Permit bring a copy. You can set up accounts with merchants to buy at wholesale costs. Some stores don't have minimums.
Tip #6: Business Hours. General business hours run from 10am to 5pm. When the shops close it’s like a ghost town, so don’t plan to hang around after hours.
Tip #7: Wheel & Deal: In these areas, no one pays full price. I advise you to do a little bargaining. If you speak Spanish, that's a plus!
Tip #8: Take business cards. If you come across a little store you like, and plan to go back, take a business card. Chances of finding the store after you’ve been walking all day, are highly unlikely.
Tip #9: Lack of Dressing rooms. FYI, there are no formal dressing rooms. I usually wear tight fitting tank tops and leggings when I shop; this makes it easy to slip clothes over what I'm wearing. Since you can't return it, you better make sure it fits!
Tip #10: Final Sales. Most sales are final. So make sure you check garments carefully for damages.
Tip #11: Plan. It is important to plan and be prepared. If you plan to do a lot of shopping it might be a good idea to use a shopping stroller. Don’t forget bottled water, it gets hot out there in the summer.
Tip #12: Restrooms. There are limited restrooms. I usually use the restroom at the California Market Center. It seems to be the best place, if you have to go.
Tip #13: Parking. Find a parking lot! It will cost anywhere from $5 to $25 to park all day. To avoid tickets, try not to park on the streets. Because of its location, I like to park in the lot right next to the Geary Building.
Tip # 14: Restaurants. Remember the Fashion district is for shopping not eating! There are a few fast food joints in the area, McDonalds, Subway and El Polo Loco. If all else fails, you can always find your way to the cafeteria in the California Market Center. I like to start my shopping day at Starbucks on the corner of 9th and Santee. There are also several little hotdog stands, if you stop at one, make sure you try the mango and watermelon covered in lime juice and pico de gallo. It’s perfect in the summer!
Tip #15: Get a Map. Be sure to pick up a free copy of the LA Fashion District map guide, or check one out online. http://www.fashiondistrict.org/page.aspx?id=125
Must Know Terms:
- Close Outs: The item will no longer be made or sold.
- Overrun: Extra merchandise available after retailers have filled their orders. Are often sold at discounted prices to the general public.
- Retail: Refers to the business of selling goods to consumers of the general public.
- Sample: Product that is made to be shown as the example to wholesale buyers and retailers before product is ordered and large quantities are produced. Women's apparel samples are generally size 4 or 6.
- Seconds: Items with some type of flaw that affects the overall quality or look.
- Solo Mayoreo: Wholesale only. Store is not open to the general public and retail shoppers.
- Wholesale: Refers to the business of selling large quantities of goods, typically to be sold in retail stores.
- Keystone: a markup that generally means double the wholesale price.
- Minimums: a minimum order amount, may refer to quantity or dollar amount.
Links to check out:
I hope these tips were helpful! Enjoy your adventures in the Downtown LA Fashion District!
you make me wanna go there. :D
ReplyDeleteI just did a post on the district too! Gonna link this post to my blog it's so good
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