Favorite Local Shops in Los Angeles

One of the greatest things about Los Angles are the natives — we’re hip, we’re diverse and we’re totally in love with LA. So when we decided to put together a list of favorite local shops, we went straight to the source: our Facebook fan page. Here’s a collection of responses from Angelenos, gathered with pride. We’ve even included brief descriptions of each local pick. Have something you want to add? Check out the rest of the comments and leave your own.

Photo by Flickr/Daquella_manera

“I know they have some up north, but I dig Amoeba Records. I get lost in there for a couple of hours.” – Rene

This list wouldn’t be complete without an LA record store, but Amoeba Records isn’t just any indie shop. Think aisles upon aisles of music — more than 500,000 CDs — and a healthy dose of DVDs and videos. If you can’t find what you’re looking for here, it’s a good bet you won’t be able to find it somewhere else.

“X-Large Store on Vermont” – Guyaneh

If you were created by Beastie Boy Mike Diamond, you’d probably be as cool as X-Large, too. Filled with hip-hop and skate gear, the store is all about counter culture goodies: kitschy T-shirts, loud sneakers and even a clothing line from Sonic Youth’s Kim Gordon. If you’re a Beastie Boys fan, check out copies of the Grand Royal fanzine, located at the back wall.

Photo by Handmade Galleries

“Handmade in Sherman Oaks” – Wendy

Named one of Los Angeles Magazine’s “Top Twenty Gift Stores,” Handmade Galleries LA rightly deserves a spot on a favorite local shop list. The 5,000-square-foot store features works from über-creative artists and have built their reputation on unique specialty items, which means you won’t find any “mass market” stuff here. We like the decorative vintage pieces from Pigeon in Our Parlour and the panda figurines from Orient & Flume.

“Popkiller!” – Joshua

Popkiller got more than one vote for best local shop, and it’s easy to see why. Specializing in the vintage sunglass look — isn’t this where everybody in LA gets their shades?” — Popkiller is really where Angelenos go for their quirky hipster cravings. The store never disappoints, especially when they showcase Japanese toys and one-of-a-kind arm bands.

“Hollywood book and poster co!!! On hwood blvd” – Trixxie

You know the locals love it when it’s been around for 30 years. Angelenos come to Hollywood Book and Poster Co. for movie stills, movie posters, film scripts and…Mexican wrestling masks? Yup, the store features pretty much anything that has to do with the entertainment industry.

Photo by Von Dutch

“almost everything on Melrose” – Lauren

Ah, well there’s something obvious. Packed with stores that you’ll find only in LA, Melrose Ave. between San Vincente and La Brea Ave. is probably also one of the best places to people watch, too. That’s because they’re getting decked out at places like Aardvark’s, Red Balls, Von Dutch, Fred Segal’s and miu miu.

“Black One Shoulder Jumpsuit at Intermix on Robertson. Have to say, it was a fabulous store. On the list, to be sure.” – Ally

Second that, Ally. All the products at Intermix seem like they ought to belong in Vogue and Style magazines. We like their picks from Gryphon (harlequin sequin skirt and leather jean jacket), but Ally’s onto something with the jumpsuits for sure.

“Favorite book store is Book Soup on Sunset! none better!” – Cathy

Famous for ceiling-high bookshelves, a celebrity clientele and author signings, Book Soup falls on quite a few top ten lists. In addition to in-depth fiction and nonfiction titles, it specializes in art, film and music as well as books from university, international and small presses.

Photo by Glitzz

“Glitzz on Western and Venice and Gracco on Pico street” – Vishaal

Glitzz boutique runs the gamut of mens and womens designer lines, as well as intimates and accessories. Denim rules here, with styles from Black Soul and Mondo, and if you’re in the market for a show-stopping buckle, this is the place.