California Market Center

A few of us went down there this past weekend for the Maker's Market. What a lovely area, and beautiful buildings! Security guards abound and very friendly people working in the parking lot and around the building. If any other events come up that we are able to attend in either of these buildings, we would definitely go!

First time visiting the place. Was told the building went through renovation. The place look clean and new. Liked the place.

Great location for shopping. You can park close and have a long family walk thanks to the reasonably priced parking available. I come here because the parking is convenient and I don't have to go back to my car at a meter.

The changes at CMC cannot be missed. I see this location becoming a needed anchor in lower downtown. Perhaps one of the best rooftop experiences in DTLA. A different vantage point for a refreshed building. Beautiful environment, thoughtful and considerate staff and security.

I just attended an event here but I heard from tenants in the building that it's a good place for fashion businesses who need creative space, showrooms, and event space. For travelers: park in the underground facility, which is pricey. Expect $15 - 20. One thing that is funky about this building is that you have to take the elevators up from the parking garage and THEN a different set of elevators up to the main floors. You have to pay for parking in the lobby, not down in the garage where it makes sense (and here are only two machines, so lines can get long if you're there for an event).

Great place to be at.

Lots of fun, great deals, and a lot of wholesale items. A lot of stores might need a week if you wanna check all of them out. Absolutely love love the stores with gowns for prom, ball room dancing and weddings. Even excellent plus size shops beautiful selections. 😍 Most not forget the SEXY suits full suits as low as $99. There's also some shops that sale discontinued or just hard to find perfumes. Totally worth the trip of you want a new wardrobe or just have extra money to burn. A must go if you have a big family to clothe wholesale socks and T's can help a lot. Oh and this really cool crystal shop.

This place is alright. We just went to the artisan LA event which was really cool but the building itself could use some work. There is only one entrance and there doesn't seem to be a whole lot else going on there.

Despite never hosting any events here myself, I've attended fashion shows multiple times. But this year genuinely brought the best experience for me. I arrived to the confession week by myself in my dream dress with no expectations. The venue space is very classy with much room for people to work from their laptops, host meetings, network, party, set up shop, and celebrate. I had the time of my life admiring the sustainable fashion brands and meeting such beautiful souls! I have to dock off one star because it's confusing to navigate the different buildings at times. Apparently, there were two different fashion events in the same center but they were separated by the buildings (one was vegan Fashion Week and another was a boutique market for vendors and wholesalers). The directions for where to go are not straightforward so a map in front of the building would help. Moreover, beware of building 2's rooftop if you have a dying phone or laptop! All the outlets on the work table by the wall were NOT functional!

Great shops, friendly business owners, fun day! Go here if you want to support small businesses.

Came here for Fate Grand Order USA Tour event! This event only used the first floor, panel room, a very small part of the second floor for a display and stamp rally, and the 13th floor exhibition room. I guess other floors are used for tenants or other businesses? The ceiling is pretty high for the first floor, thus allowing the Fate Memorial Display to take up the front half and it accommodated the long, grueling merchandise line. On the first floor there is also a food court and what seems to be some small retail space. 13th floor was quite spacious and had this kind of like warehouse, Ikea feel to it. It fit all the displays and cut outs, event stages, just fine. The auditory quality of the floor was pretty good, thus allowing several stages to operate at once without one overpowering the other. Not once did it get so crowded on this floor that people couldn't move. Lighting was a bit questionable in some areas only because it obscured some of the displays and made the photos not as nice. This may have just been an organizational layout issue with the event itself. The panel room had good acoustics and enough space to accommodate the crowds that were there to watch the special shows. My issue was with the two pillars in the middle of the room that obscured so much of the view for a lot of the seats (there were TV screens that simultaneously showed what was going on to mitigate this, but I felt like it took away from the experience overall). On the busiest day of the event, I really needed to use the rest room while I was on the first floor and I guess there was only one rest room that was ENTIRELY closed off, so I was instructed to just go on the 13th floor. That was really annoying. Additionally, I do not recall seeing any water fountain, so that left many a Fate nerd dehydrated that weekend. Other than that, I think it was a fair venue to host this event.

Been here for a couple of events. Here are my thoughts about getting here and the venue itself. It's close to the fashion district, so chances are, you're here for either something fashion related or food related since it can accommodate quite a bit of space. As for parking lot, I believe across is $10 now but if you're willing to drive around, I found one that was $5.25 a couple blocks away. ( I think it was by Spring and 7th). Just make sure you double check it's not per hour rate, it's the final rate. As for Sundays, you can park on the street that has the 2 hours green sign Monday - Saturday. The larger red sign on parking is not free on Sundays, just be forewarned. As for the Venue itself, the top floor is pretty darn big. There is an A and a B wing. The bathrooms are quite small depending on which one you go to so expect a line if you are at a larger event. Quite honestly, it can accommodate over 1,000 people easily and you can take the elevator up so it's simple. The top floor does have a decent view of downtown. If you are on a different floor, I think it's just a tad smaller, depending on the setup. This area is home to a few homeless so expect not so pleasant smelling areas on your way here or on your way to wherever you go. But it's quite safe, at least in the daytime from my experience. There are security walking around, but not sure if they actually have helped anyone in need.

I came in a few months ago to check out the fashion show my niece was in during fashion week. They have an underground parking lot, no validation, and good space to host events. The events were organized and the venue could hold hundreds of people inside comfortably. It's located in the heart of downtown LA. As a native to the city, I tend to Uber my way into downtown. However, I needed my car and driving to the venue wasn't bad. If it weren't for the show, I would have never dropped by the building. I'm glad I did. It's a great space!

Sample Sales on every last Friday of the Month. I love this place. The Sample Sales cover 4 buildings. This one has each floor labeled out on what it has so you can skip certain floors if they are not what you are looking for. Before you come here, you have to come prepared: - It's a battle, so you have to bring comfy shoes - Usually no changing rooms, so wear your leggings and a tank -Bring you own bag to carry all of the items you are going to buy, they usually will not give you a plastic bag. -CASH ONLY -Get your shopping on!

We came here for the sample sales and I found so many great bargains, it was really worth stopping in. The staff as well as the retailer's were friendly and helpful. Surprisingly not too busy and a huge selection of sizes, styles and brands at amazing prices. The building is huge, bright and clean and hosts all kinds of other events on different floors, the sales being in the basement. Parking can be a pain downtown, but there are meters right out front if you are fortunate enough to find one available.

Last Friday of every month showrooms open their doors to the public for SAMPLE SALES! Make sure to bring cash. Great way to come & shop your favorite brands at a great cost! Also, the CalMart has great events year round for the public. Check our their calendars. Unique LA is one of my favorites. Xo, Naomi

I've only had the pleasure of enjoying what this building has to offer when they host Unique LA. I've gone twice now and both experiences have lead me to something new. Unique LA is usually held on the 13th floor and the view of DTLA is pretty magically. It makes the constant traffic jams and sharing the road with rage filled drivers all melt away. The 13th floor is enormous and from my first visit, I thought there was two separate rooms from the elevator. It took a second visit to realize that, there was only two entrances. It is one big room! I wasn't as aware as the first time and I found myself walking around the same booths which wasn't a bad thing. However, attempting to locate the booth that has what you want and not finding it can get a little tiresome. Unique LA is just a fraction of what this building provides for Angelenos and friends! I shouldn't wait until Unique LA to come back and do some shopping!

Good place to park your car (bathrooms, ATM outside) and is right by the other fashion buildings. However, I found the actual building itself not worth my time. Out of all the fashion designers there and hours spent one sample sale day, I only bought one thing. Everything else was just not my style.

LA Weekly presents Food & Wine Festival at the California Market Center (CMC). Food porn extravaganza....oh heaven help me!! So many representing LA eats that the line to get in was weaving out the door. It was well worth it as 40 of the hottest restaurants presented an amuse bouche of their signature bites & alcoholic beverage samples. Mingling with chefs, meeting new people and talking about food was a nice way to end the weekend. LA knows how to do it! Atop the California Market Center you get a panoramic view of downtown Los Angeles and its stunning city horizon. Known for hosting the LA fashion industry as well as International textile events, it is an iconic building home to an extensive numbers of private shows in fashion, home, gifts, interior design, sample sales and seminars to name a few. CMC has a calendar of events on their site months ahead to plan for your next social hour. $9 weekend subterranean parking and walking distance from many shopping districts. #theessentials

Considering I'm not the biggest shopper, I'm not surprised that I never knew this place existed. I suppose I expected it to be some sort of convention space (which it is, also), but what I didn't expect was a huuuuge 13 story building (yup, 13, luuucky 13th floor I'm on right now) filled with little storefronts for every kind of item imaginable. There's everything from your local handmade goods to national brands like Hurley. Suh-weet! A little overwhelmed? Forgot all your cash? Or did that four hour long shopping spree leave you famished? No worries, there's a Bank of America, little convenience stores, and a full food court. Top it off with underground parking and a security team, and you end up feeling like you're in a scene from Mallrats. Except instead of being dressed in flannel and full of mid-90s angst, you're one stylin' fashionista.

Since I was a child, my mother would always have me tag along with her when she wanted to come here for the great deals and high fashion. I'm still going back as an adult to this day. I've learned that this historic building is not just stories of fashion, but also a trek through memory lane for me. I try to attend the Sample Sales a few times a year to see what new and upcoming designers have in store. It gets pretty tedious climbing floor to floor, walking in circles, trying to spot an open showroom with lots of goodies. If I can score on one or two pieces, I'm stoked. This last time I picked up a super cute couture mini dress for 15 bucks, which normally goes for 200 retail. Wait...there's more!! I fell in love with this tiny beaded turquoise bracelet with swarovski crystals and lucky Evil Eye embedded the gold plate. This beautifullyu crafted piece made in Istanbul is retail 55 bucks and I stole it for 20. The ten dolalr DKNY sample sale is amazing, but only for size 34B so if that's you, I'd definitely hit it up. It really is all a hunt for me and on the bright side, I get a cardio workout too!! Bring cash and negotiate (: Garage parking below is 10$

FIrst Friday shopping in this building is the hidden gem of LA that you never knew about. In high school I bought every designer formal dress here and never paid more than $40 (sample sizing only). That's the only part I'll give away ;) Happy hunting

Last time I was here, it was for the Unique LA Show. The floor offered a fabulous view of Downtown LA. If you love to style in fashion, this is the spot to be last Friday of every month when the building opens its doors to public for sample sales. Not every showroom participates, but you are sure to find some unbelievable bargains. Although some showrooms take credit cards, some don't so bring cash along with bags to carry your bargain finds. Nearest Metro Station: Red/Purple/Blue/Expo Lines at the 7th Street Metro Center + Blue/Expo Lines at L.A. Live Station

We went to the saturday sale today. The quality of the items varies widely. Do your research -- it might be better to go on a Friday. If you print out a flyer you can get the $1 admission fee waived. Parking is kinda expensive, which is why it's nice to ride bicycles. You have to do a lot of sifting, but if successful, the deals can be ridiculously good. For example, I bought a nice blazer from "capital tailors" (had to google it) for $5.

Came here for a friend's wedding. I cannot get over how pretty they set this place up for special events! I cant really say much about the wedding since it was being filmed for a popular TV show. Parking is underground and is $9.00 flat rate. Elevators are not too far of a walk (good things because I was wearing 6inch heels). The elevator was clean and brought us right up to the main floor. Doors flew open and hello guests of the wedding (happy that it was loud in the main hall, as I cussed pretty loud due to me not being totally ready for this). One thing I didn't like was that security was pretty laxed and didn't see a homeless man walk in while cocktail hour was going on. The wedding was amazing, and the event hall was elegantly decorated for the after wedding party! Happy Wedding Day to my friend and her new hubby!!!!!!

My first once a month Friday sample sale at CMC! Made in France silk slip originally over 200 dollars for 25 dollars! Go to the monthly sales on Fridays! Can't wait till next month!

I've been going here since I was a kid. I love the bargains they have for their Saturday Sales that are in the basement. It's $1 admission fee, but they have coupons on their website. I've gotten all sorts of clothes and gifts and bargain prices!! It's cash only and parking is in the garage if it's open or parking lots are around the area.

Came for the bi-annual Textile Show. I've come almost every year and it seems to be getting smaller and smaller. It's the same old stuff, the exhibitors show the same same stuff. I've also noticed some of the "veteran" exhibitors have left the show. This alone tells you something.

Sample sales are awesome- lots of unique clothes from independent designers themselves. It helps to bring cash, not just card. Clothing sizes are limited and tend to be small, however. Every now and then, you'll also find a dress here then see it in Macy's several months later. So, now you know where Macy's shoppers buy designs.

Got my burberry fall jacket here for a good deal. Left satisfied :-) But other than that, there aren't that many good merchandise. But it is definitely good stop by to see if you can find a good deal.

I came here this past Saturday for a designer sample sale. They hold these sales usually once a month at the same location with a bunch of vendors selling you items at wholesale price. The prices for the most part are beyond cheap, but it's finding something that you like and that will fit you is the difficult part. They are open from 10-3 on certain Saturdays of every month. It costs $2 per person to enter. There is a parking lot right across the street from California Market Center that is $6 for all day parking. Pretty pricey, but convenient. It is located a few blocks from LA Live. Tip Most of the vendors only accept cash. There is an atm machine on the first floor just in case.

I was pretty excited to go the last Friday when they are open to the public. When i went in the afternoon all the shops were pretty much closed. There wasn't much selection. I will go earlier in the morning if i decide to go again.

There are a bunch of stores in there. There is also a Bank of America in there but you can't access the ATM after hours You can take your dog in there. Not too many places to eat. Friendly security and parking is in the lot. There is also a citi bank and union bank there.

All you need is a last Friday and a great sample sale to be in heaven$5 $10 $15 clothes that no one else has.... AMAZING

I went here with a friend who owns a shop. She is able to buy everything wholesale with her license. The sad news is that upstairs a large percentage of the building is empty because of the economy. I can remember when this place was packed and booming. The good news is we still found lots of cool items for great prices. I bought items that were samples for next to nothing. Sweet. Would highly recommend their sample sales. Watch out for parking in the building. The flat rate the day we were there was $18. It's cheaper on the day they do their sample sale. The meters outside are now $3 an hour on some streets as well.

Went there on Sunday for Spring Market around 9am, the website stated the market time from 9-5 and free parking, turns out seeing so many vacancies and closed shops, or some displayed products just pricey and ordinary, the staff at the registration counter not friendly or helpful. Free parking only after you placed an order. Wasted my time and $9 for parking. Won't go again.

best sample sales in town. you will never shop retail again. Oh and good for wholesale if you have a store.

Went on a friday sample sale and scored some really good stuff! We got lots of clothes and purses all for under $25 each! Bring an extra bag when you go and cash!!

This place is horrible. I parked assuming businesses inside validate. Instead I got to pay $6 parking for 16 minutes! And they don't even take cards.and the guy was so rude. What a disgusting ripoff

Came here for the once a month Friday sample sale and had a blast ! If you're coming here to purposely look for something to buy (i.e. a certain brand or a certain item like a designer purse), then maybe this isn't the right place for you. If you're just here for the experience and to browse and occasionally pick up cute clothes or accessories, then definitely add yourself to the emailing list! I first heard about this place from my dentist who is, needless to say, a shopaholic like myself. She said she used to come here during her college days and picked up great deals like $7 for 7 for all mankind jeans. $7??? I was skeptical at first but i noted her decent sense of fashion and the fact that it was a sample sale so it was pretty possible for her to be telling the truth. 4 years after hearing about this place, I finally decided to give it a chance on a Friday morning and my dentist was NOT lying ! Although there were no longer $7 designer jeans, I was able to buy 3 cute dresses, plenty of cute tops, casual tanks and tees, and adult male's shorts, all for under $70. What brands? There were sales from Brandy Melville, Forever 21, to SYLK in the main building as well as Levi's, Threads for Thought, and Wildfox in the Cooper building, and much much more. Things to remember: 1. $6 parking in the garage from 9am - 3pm 2. bring CASH! there is an atm in the bottom floor 3. bargain if you feel necessary 4. stop by the cooper building ! the items here are higher end and a bit pricier but you could still get pretty awesome deals (i.e. 65% off Jason Scott). 5. they do give bags for your purchases but it's better to bring your own tote 6. there are no fitting rooms so be prepared to just try on clothes in front of the mirrors 7. it gets pretty crowded but no where nearly as crowded as black friday shopping or at a swap meet or w/e 8. Sizes are sample sizes, meaning usually model sizes (small/medium in dresses and tops, size 2 or 25 in jeans and pants, size 6 in shoes) so it's harder to find large sizes but not impossible, and yes this also means that you'll be seeing tons of women who look like models or are fashion students from fidm. 9. Dress comfortably because there are 13 floors and 3 wings in the main building, and I think 8 floors in the cooper building. Happy shopping ! :)

I ended up buying a fake Chanel bag at one of the stores. I thought it was real but then tried to resale it later to a consignment store and was told that the bag was fake. Not sure how a place like this can get away with selling fake bags. Let's just say I won't be doing anymore shopping there.

Buyers market, which is open to the public every last Friday of the month. Great deals can be found if your ready to walk & look through each store.

I only gave 3 stars because of 2 very informative friendly people I met there today. I am a designer and I had an appointment with a pattern maker today at the cal mart. After my 6 minute meeting... (I came from the valley for this, I decided to walk the floors hoping to meet showroom owners/employees that would give me advice, input on the showroom side of the industry. I was met with resistance from just about everyone. How disappointing, a lady from one show room on,y looked up to say " we don't except outside designers" and although I was not there for that....how rude. Say hello, if you are in the industry it cost you nothing to share your knowledge, luckily for me I did meet 2 who were more than helpful, gave me Leeds as well as acknowledged my knowledge as well as encouraging remarks on " me doing everything right" as an independent designer, I have gotten from concept to product and would never ask anyone to GIVE me anything, I work for mine!!!! My advice to showrooms ....yes, some are looking for " hookups" but all are not. Some really respect your position no matter how large or small.....I have one of thee largest brand owners coaching me, and once I prove my concepts....let's just say it's on. But I can promise you those showrooms that were rude and dismissive .....will get no love! Yes, made in the US brands are on it's way back. I'm ahead of the curve and I will seek out beginners, freelancers, students etc to help give them a leg up in a very insecure industry. You can't have it all so might as well share

I was at the Saturday Sale yesterday and I got some great bargains! True Religion Swim Board shorts for my son retail $60; i paid $20. Threads Studio 2 incredible tops for $15. Young Fabulous and Broke has an incredible line at $5, $10 and $15. Other sample sales charge $5 & $10 admission and this one is only $2. Great bargains here on selected Saturdays throughout the year, check out their website at www.thesaturdaysalela.com for future sale dates. See you there!

So I finally tried this place after all the ravings of a friend of mine and was somewhat disappointed. Much of the merchandise was not great in quality or in price. The cheaper $5-25 stuff was just that, cheap. You can find the same stuff at Forever 21 for the same price without the hassle of walking 13 floors with largely empty or closed spaces. Some name brand stuff was there but prices were about 50% off normal prices in stores. Many said they sold to Nordstroms, Macy's and the like but after buying a few things and doing a quick Google search afterwards, none of the brands I got are being sold at any of those stores. I tried on a beautiful evening dress selling for $250 (normally $350 wholesale to the Nordstroms where it sells for $1100 according the lady) but the dress was sewn wonky so it sat one boob higher than the other. When I showed them the problem, I was told its a sample so they are not usually sewn well, just enough to get the gist of what it would look like. Some unsuspecting person will buy it without trying it on and figure out later they got swindled $250...but they save $850. I did buy a $50 leather jacket that I love but it wasn't a real deal since I Googled and found all jackets from this "designer" label is being sold on random sites like Ebay and the sorts for about the same price.