Yesterday, news outlets far and wide (including even the New York Times) reported that Nick Metropolis, the ecclectic second-hand store at 100 S. La Brea, filled with old commercial signs, vintage furniture, and a wide variety of other collectables and oddities, is struggling to stay in business.  Apparently, a recent change in property owners has left the store without the friendly landlord who used to let it slide occasionally on the $16,000 monthly rent.
So now Nick Metropolis, the man behind the eponymous store, needs to pay up, and he is doing everything he can to save the business. Word is spreading fast, however…including a GoFundMe campaign started by neighbor Joanna Friedman to help meet a $5,000 payment due this coming Tuesday.
Of course, what it comes down to is whether or not a remnant of a funkier, less polished, less expensive era can survive on the rapidly gentrifying street. Â But as one neighbor asked in a story by Los Angeles Times columnist Steve Lopez, “Does everything have to be a Starbucks?”
Time will tell.  For now, according to Lopez’ story, Metropolis (the man and the store) can stay…as long as they stick to a court-mandated payment plan.  And that depends on store sales and the support of customers.  So if you haven’t visited recently, this might be a great time to do so.
