There seems to be a new store opening on La Brea almost weekly, but as fast as I turn my head to read the signs as I drive by, I can’t seem to catch them all. I’ve been planning to walk the entire strip from Wilshire to Melrose to see what’s going on.
The LA Times beat me to it however, and published an excellent interactive map and story last week that shows the plethora of antique, contemporary and reclaimed furniture stores, in addition to hip clothing salons, art galleries and shops showcasing objects d’art like almost nowhere else in LA.
Sure we all know the anchors of Liz’s Antique Hardware on the south end and Haus on the north end, but have you seen the new Organic Modernism at 315 N La Brea, or MIX which has turned the empty garage-like structure at 331 S La Brea into a large welcoming import emporium of designs from the Far East and Africa. According to the LA Times, there are 32 shops to explore just between Melrose and 3rd, and I counted another dozen below 3rd ready to wander through. Soon there’ll be an OSH hardware store at La Brea and 4th as we reported earlier, that may be an odd addition to the classy small boutique feel that now pervades much of La Brea.
All this change makes me definitely want to get out of my car and walk the street now – maybe spending a good part of a day.
LA Times: LaBrea Shopping: New Stores Revive Old District
About Julie Grist
Julie co-founded the Larchmont Buzz with fellow buzzer Mary Hawley in 2011 and served as Editor, Publisher and writer for the hive for many years until the sale of the Buzz in August 2015. She is still circling the hive as an occasional writer.
Does anyone know what is going to be built at the corner of 1st and La Brea? Looks like it’s under construction.