Santee Alley, LA Fashion District
The LA Fashion District isn’t your average shopping experience, and having a few tips under your belt will help you walk away with a deal of a lifetime. Check out these need-to-know tips and facts before you head into the LA garment district.
When to Go
For the ultimate LA Fashion District experience, go on Saturdays when many wholesale stores sell directly to the public. Shops are typically open from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Samples and extras go at 40 to 70 percent off retail prices, and remember to bring your bargaining skills!
If crowds make you queasy and you’re not a die-hard bargain hunter, reserve a day during the week when you’ll have some room to think. Note that if you’re trying to avoid the crowd by going on a Sunday, you’ll be extremely successful, given that most of the shops in the Fashion District are closed then.
How to Get Here
By Metro: Take the Metro Red Line to Pershing Square at 5th and Hill St., which puts you in the heart of the Jewelry District. DASH routes run through the LA Fashion District for easy transportation. Download a map of the district, or check routes online.
By Car: Several surface lots are available for all-day parking. Metered parking is also available, though signs can sometimes be confusing and tickets are common sights. Parking lots on Olympic Boulevard, a few blocks west of Los Angeles Street, are sometimes cheaper.
Tips
Bargaining: Arm yourself. Many of the deals you hear about are results of bargaining, which happens at many (though not all) stores. But stick to what you’re comfortable with, and if you’re not happy with the price, look on the bright side: there are 999 other stores to find the perfect buy.
Clean and Safe Team: You might see folks on bikes in yellow uniforms. These are members of the LA Fashion District’s “Clean and Safe Team.” You can ask them for directions, maps and brochures and even lunch suggestions.
Be Prepared to Search: There’s a reason why they call real bargains “hidden” gems. At the Fashion District, the hunt is part of the fun, so open yourself up to the possibilities. Who knows what you might end up buying?
Buyer Beware: Shops only take cash or credit, and for those bargaining, cash can often get you a better deal. Keep in mind that all sales are final, so let that decisive shopper in you come out to play.
Stores Marked "Mayoreo": This means these stores are wholesale only and are not open to the public.
Helpful Links:
www.fashiondistrict.org
www.downtownlawalks.com/?f=shopping
www.laflowerdistrict.org
