As DTLA continues to become one of the most coveted neighborhoods to live, work, and play, buzz-worthy retail spaces are setting up shop too—and they’re giving Beverly Hills and West Hollywood stiff competition along the way. There’s no shortage of high-quality shopping to be done all around downtown, so if you’re in the need of some retail therapy while you’re in the center of the city, we’ll tell you where to start. Here’s where to shop in DTLA
Boutique shops and vendors have found a home at ROW DTLA, an innovative mixed-use space that offers a unique selection of restaurants, fitness studios, and stores that are special to the district. Here you’ll find Parisian menswear brand 13 Bonaparte, international furniture and décor store A+R, and fragrance hub Scent Bar DTLA as well as pop-up shops from emerging, local fashion brands.
This open air shopping center, renovated in 2012, is a favorite local go-to for big name in retail, including Zara, MAC Cosmetics, and Victoria’s Secret, plus a clutch of dining options, like Sprinkles Cupcakes.
Another downtown LA mall, The Bloc opened in 2015, and is home to national names like Nordstrom Local, Uniqlo and Macy’s, along with local boutiques. Some of our favorites include Handcrafted LA, with its curated selection of designer-made leatherwork, ceramics, jewelry, home goods and perfumes.
Head to 9th and Broadway to shop the latest, trendy looks by Australian designers at BNKR, or stock up on high-end apparel from Stockholm-based Acne Studios located in the Eastern Columbia Building. The intersection is also home to notable brands like Aesop and Theory as well as Vans‘ forthcoming flagship, making it easily the most stylish block in DTLA.
Leave it to the Arts District to host some of the most creative shops in DTLA. Whether you’re on the hunt for gifts at Poketo, need to update your watch with a piece from Shinola, or want to browse books at Hennessey + Ingalls or ARTBOOK at Hauser & Wirth, the Arts District is ideal for those that want to shop outside of the box. A trip to Alchemy Works is like shopping for clothes in an art gallery, and the 3.1 Phillip Lim location is a fashion lover’s dream.
For fab finds—often fresh off the runway—at wholesale rates, head to the Fashion District. There are more than 1,000 independent retailers selling formal attire, jewelry, swimwear, denim and household goods. (Check out our essential guide to the LA Fashion District.)
We’re continually inspired by the creative energy of Downtown Los Angeles. For local recommendations—and to hear from the diverse individuals who make DTLA what it is today—head to our Meet You Downtown blog.
