Chris C.
Yelp
BLACK MARKET
Otherwise known as the "underground economy," it's a hush hush kind of an outlet in which goods or services are traded and purchased illegally.
I knew about the Black Market growing up in Korea. My sister and I were fond of the summer months when our parents would illegally purchase grape and orange Fanta soda pop for us to drink. Since, it was such a rare find in the open market, we reveled at the chance of having some. Everything was bubbly, until we started to ditch our regular meals for the hard to find fountain drink instead. I guess after that, everything just turned to fizz. WINK.
BlackMarket is my favorite apparel and accessory store on Sawtelle Blvd. Located in that little stretch of Japanese infusion within Santa Monica, I consider this place the Mini Tokyo of the Westside. In a nut shell, it's like one of those Popkiller Second stores in J-town, but with more Japanese flair, plus better gear. They got clothes, accessories, books, jewelry, caps, toys, shoes, and even small trinkets and collectibles. It's a neat store, ever tightly packed, as they try to maximize the small amount of real estate that they have.
Most of the time, I have to keep my hands in my pockets in fear that I'll be tempted to grab something and head straight for the register. I totally agree with Miguel R. when he says this - "The coolest collection of eye-catching things you don't really need but really want!" Some of the stuff is trivial yet attractive, so you definitely feel like you can put some of the stuff to use.
For instance, take a look at this yellow Wu-Tang Clan Limited Watch. It's a definite beauty. But, what gets me is the hefty price tag. At almost $350, I can think about a dozen other things that I can do for that price, rather than having that fine piece of bling on my wrist. Trust me, I'm always the one that says - "F the price, I don't care what it costs." But, in this day and age, you gotta play smart, especially with impulse buys.
Oh one more thing. The Asian owner that's working near the back register, she was looking at me like I was about to bust the 5 finger discount. SHIET. I hope she's Korean cause this next joke is going to make much more sense if she is. Remember, that part in the movie - "Don't Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood," where Ashtray (Shawn Wayans) is looking at something inside the liquor store when the Korean owner nervously dusts the wine bottles? She just comes out of nowhere and says, "Hurry up and buy!" YUP, that's how I felt Loc Dog...
Rating - 3.5 stars
Lower your prices and we'll do business. Let me leave LA with a shred of dignity, knowing that I got a small bargain and that the BlackMarket simply got paid - LEGALLY.