Best Shopping in Los Angeles (2025)

@postcardnews
 on 2025.09.08
Multiple locations
12 Places
@postcardnews
From legacy record stores to Sunday markets and design-forward boutiques, these independent spots show how LA actually shops—local, creative, and community-rooted. Expect conversations with owners, smart curation, and memorable finds.

Amoeba Music

Record store · Hollywood

A Hollywood landmark for crate-diggers and casual fans alike, Amoeba blends new releases with deep used bins, in-store shows, and staff picks that reflect LA’s music obsession. Frequently recommended by local guides and Discover Los Angeles.

https://www.discoverlosangeles.com/things-to-do/amoeba-music
View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Amoeba Hollywood (@amoebahollywood)

The Last Bookstore

Book store · Downtown Los Angeles

Inside a former bank, this downtown heavyweight pairs an artful book tunnel with a serious selection of new, used, and rare titles. Lauded by the Los Angeles Times and celebrated by LAist as a cultural anchor for DTLA.

https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2023-11-14/dont-let-anybody-diss-l-a-s-reading-habits-this-was-and-is-a-bookstore-boomtown
View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Last Bookstore Studio City (@lastbookstorestudiocity)

Skylight Books

Book store · Los Feliz

Los Feliz’s literary living room since the ’90s, known for thoughtful curation, a beloved events calendar, and a neighborhood cat. Praised by the Los Angeles Times and spotlighted by Time Out as a must-visit indie.

https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/books/story/2022-04-14/how-skylight-became-one-of-l-a-s-most-beloved-indie-bookstores
View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Skylight Books (@skylightbooks)

Hennessey + Ingalls

Book store · Historic Core

The West’s definitive art, architecture, and design bookstore, family-run since 1963 and now at One Santa Fe in the Arts District. A go-to for creatives, architects, and film art directors seeking specialized titles.

https://hennesseyingalls.com/about
View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Hennessey + Ingalls Bookstore (@hennesseyingalls)

American Rag Cie

Clothing store · Hancock Park

Since 1984, this La Brea stalwart has mixed designer labels with one of the city’s best vintage programs and a serious denim bar. Frequently highlighted by fashion editors and featured by the Los Angeles Times.

https://www.latimes.com/lifestyle/image/story/2024-10-01/drip-index-october-2024
View this post on Instagram

A post shared by AMERICAN RAG CIE (@americanragcie)

Mohawk Man

Clothing store · Silver Lake

Silver Lake’s style bellwether curates cult labels and its in-house line with a clean, California sensibility. Consistently recommended by fashion media and praised by the Los Angeles Times for steadfast independence.

https://www.latimes.com/lifestyle/list/best-shops-for-holiday-gifts-in-los-angeles-gift-guide-2024

Tortoise General Store

Gift shop · Mar Vista

A serene Mar Vista shop devoted to Japanese craft—from Hasami porcelain to hand-forged scissors—run by a husband-and-wife team. Long admired by travel editors for its slow-living ethos and thoughtful curation.

https://shop.tortoisegeneralstore.com/pages/privacy-policy
View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Tortoise General Store (@tortoisegeneralstore)

Galco's Old World Grocery

Soft drinks shop · Highland Park

A century-old, family-run Highland Park original with hundreds of niche sodas, old-school candies, and a beloved deli counter. Recognized by Time Out and documented by the LA Conservancy as a legacy business.

https://www.laconservancy.org/learn/historic-places/galcos-soda-pop-stop/
View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Galcos Soda Pop Stop (@galcossoda)

Soap Plant / Wacko

Gift shop · Los Feliz

A family operation since 1971, this exuberant shop-gallery hybrid defined lowbrow pop-surrealist culture while stocking art books, toys, and offbeat gifts. Featured by Time Out and celebrated by design writers for decades.

https://www.wackola.com/about/
View this post on Instagram

A post shared by La Luz de Jesus Gallery (@laluzdejesus)

Melrose Trading Post

Flea market · Fairfax District

Every Sunday at Fairfax High, browse 260+ vendors of vintage, art, jewelry, and plants while live music plays. Run by a local nonprofit; proceeds support arts education—regularly highlighted by city guides.

https://melrosetradingpost.org/
View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Melrose Trading Post (MTP) (@melrosetradingpost)

Rose Bowl Flea Market

Flea market · Linda Vista

On the second Sunday monthly, 2,500+ vendors fill the stadium grounds with vintage fashion, furniture, art, and ephemera. A designer favorite and a global destination for treasure hunting.

https://rosebowlflea.com/
View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Rose Bowl Flea Market (@rosebowl_fleamarket)

Rafu Bussan Inc

Gift shop · Historic Core

Little Tokyo’s legacy shop for Japanese housewares, tea sets, lacquerware, and seasonal gifts, now at Honda Plaza. A community fixture often cited by local organizations; check for limited hours or appointments.

https://www.rafumarket.com/post/hello-honda-plaza
@postcardnews
Globey
Terms of Use • Privacy Policy • Cookie Policy
 © 2025 Postcard Technologies, Inc.