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Los Angeles's close association to the rich and famous has long made it a major shopping destination, but in recent years the city has grown beyond just a locale for luxe clothing and accessories—although high-end goods will always be a cornerstone of L.A.'s retail scene. With a wealth of stellar vintage spots, purveyors of affordable on-the-pulse products, and an ever-growing number shops selling local, artisanal goods, there is truly something for every type of spender here.
No matter what it is you're shopping for, L.A.'s consistently sunny and warm weather also means you can often hunt for wares in the open air, whether it be at a flea market full of hidden treasures, or a street lined with boutiques to explore. As you stroll, good eateries are never too far away, and you can always find somewhere delicious to dine and covertly star-watch.
If in fact you are in the celebrity-studded city to catch a glimpse of a famous face or two, you may want to start at their mecca, Beverly Hills, where a bevy of major designers' outposts and impeccably curated stores cater to upcale clientele.
After getting your fix there, you can hop into your car and absorb the city’s other varied offerings, including down-and-dirty bargains in Downtown, dozens of well-designed boutiques lining Venice's famed Abbot Kinney Boulevard, or mint-condition vintage fashions in Los Feliz.
Southern California's oldest and largest independent bookseller is justly famous for its great service. A newsstand, café, literary-themed wine bar, and stationery store add to the appeal, and it's a favorite with locals for its on-trend, eclectic gift selection. A regular rotation of events including trivia night, kids' story time, and author meet and greets gets the community involved.
This mall that sits between Beverly Hills and Brentwood is home to dozens of great stores, restaurants, and a massive movie theater. The best options here include L.A.'s iteration of Eataly, the ultimate Italian market; Din Tai Fung, an award-winning dumpling house; and Shake Shack, the famous East Coast burger joint. Some unique stores include a Tesla showroom, a Peloton shop, and the new Venus et Fleur flower boutique.
Shopping malls and The Valley are forever linked thanks to Valley Girl and other iconic '80s flicks. If you feel your trip to the 818 isn't complete without a shopping spree, this is the best of those bastions of capitalism still standing due to a recent renovation, the best collection of high-end designers in town after Rodeo Drive (Balenciaga, Jimmy Choo, Bottega Veneta, Christian Dior, Hermes, Tiffany), a med spa, and L.A.'s biggest Nordstrom. The state-of-the-art movie theater has a bar and concessions delivered to your seat. Pinstripes offers bowling and bocce. Topanga Social, a huge food hall, is brimming with trusted local proprietors like Jinya Ramen, Amboy burgers, Katsu Sando, Slab, and singer Christina Milian's Beignet Box.
This luxe jewelry store's shimmering exterior is just a hint of the bold, contemporary Italian jewelry, watches, and other luxurious necessities that are the order of the day at Bulgari.
One of the city's largest bookstores is as loved by parents as it is by kids. The Saturday morning storytelling series is a huge hit, and the knowledgeable staffers have an insatiable love for children's literature. Authors, including several celebrities, regularly stop by for meet-and-greets.
The lovingly restored Helms Bakery, an art deco gem, has transformed into a major destination for modern furniture and design lovers. With outposts for H.D. Buttercup, Room & Board, and Kohler as well as plenty of great dining options—including a renowned burger-and-beer spot—this is a prime place to spend an afternoon dreaming up a makeover for your own home.
You're likely to rub elbows with area chefs in their work whites at this spacious and well-organized restaurant supply store. Find aisles of spices and jarred delicacies along with all the pots, pans, and appliances you'll need to be your own Top Chef. The adjoining café serves salads, sandwiches, and baked goods.
It may be known as the wine store to the stars, but regular folks also delve into the vast selection of liquors and liqueurs, fine chocolates, and imported cheeses. The shop also offers regular tastings and other events wine aficionados won't want to miss.
