Looking for retail heaven? Head to West Hollywood

There’s a running joke that no one moves to Los Angeles; they move to West Hollywood, then they move to LA. Sitting comfortably between Beverly Hills, Hollywood, Fairfax and Beverly Grove, West Hollywood is home to some of the most exciting things Los Angeles has to offer. Art and culture never stray too far from WeHo, making the neighbourhood a hub for young and seasoned creatives alike. Plus, its central location makes it the perfect place for out-of-towners to book their stay. 

West Hollywood has everything from a bustling nightlife and noteworthy restaurants to endless rows of 1920s Spanish-style dream homes, and, of course, swoon-worthy stores. There’s a reason that everyone including friends my age, my mum and 15-year-old niece all make shopping days synonymous with the area. Whether you’re visiting some of LA’s most sought-after vintage stores on Melrose, strolling down the main street’s high-end little sister, Melrose Place, or taking a break on Sunset in between meetings at Soho House West Hollywood, it’s the place to go for quintessential heritage shops. Read on for the must-visit spots. 

Kith 
There are a select few establishments I’d walk through a garage to get to. Two to be exact: Soho House West Hollywood and Kith. Good thing they’re only blocks away from each other. Located on Sunset and La Cienega, this particular store marks the seventh Kith location and the brand’s fourth flagship. Not only does it feature the iconic 200 Air Jordan 6 casts dangling from the ceiling and everyone’s favourite Kith Treats cereal bar, but it also boasts a gallery zone where guest artists rotate, displaying their work sprawled across nine parking spaces. It’s a 3,500 sq ft candy shop for fashion lovers everywhere. Put it this way, you know you’re not walking out of Kith empty handed, even if it’s just with ice cream. 

Fred Segal
After you’ve made your way through the endless racks at Kith, head up the staircase and directly enter Fred Segal. Located at 8500 Sunset Boulevard, this store is what dreams are made of. It’s a shop within a shop that features independent as well as local and international brands ready to dress the who’s who of LA. And if that wasn’t enticing enough, the 13,000 sq ft space comes equipped with a multi-functional event space and a cafe. It’s just one of those stores that begs you to stay a while, and we’re not complaining.

American Rag Cie 
Welcome to the California institution, American Rag Cie. It’s a vintage wonderland filled with unique and exclusive merchandise from all over the world. Founder, Mark Werts, and his team of buyers travel the globe sourcing pieces to reflect the store’s dedication to ‘heritage, style, elegance, and quality’. The carefully curated selection is meant to reflect as well as honour everything in California’s history. So, while scouring vintage stores can admittedly be time consuming, American Rag Cie prides itself on crafting such a solid collection of finds that every moment spent in there is worth it. 

Lot, Stock and Barrel 
Meet your (and your business’s) best friend, the store that gives anyone the access to become a designer: Lot, Stock and Barrel. This design and customisation studio has worked with a jaw-dropping number of big clients, including Calvin Klein, Fred Segal, Bloomingdale’s, Tommy Hilfiger, Netflix, Spotify, CB2, and even Barneys (RIP), to name just a few. It’s a full-service studio that’s ready to meet any of your design needs. Providing its expertise to a wide range of brands, retailers and entertainment-focused businesses, it offers an efficient approach to what can otherwise be a tedious and stressful experience. 

Sportie LA
Well, if it isn’t the mecca for sneaker heads everywhere. From endless vintage finds to the newest and most sought-after pairs on the market, Sportie’s got you covered. Not surprising since it specialises in sourcing hard-to-find colours and patterns, as well as the latest and greatest models. Spend an infinite amount of time searching through some of the rarest and double-take-worthy styles. Opening its doors in 1985, Sportie LA is a West Hollywood staple, rightfully marking its territory as one of the city’s best sneaker shops. Sitting comfortably right on Melrose, it welcomes you with open arms – you won’t regret it. 

Reformation Vintage
Not to pick favourites, but Reformation Vintage holds a special place in my heart, and it’s just a hop, skip and a jump from its mother store, Reformation. Located on Melrose and North Harper (it’s next to the famous pink wall, you can’t miss it), it features everything from a famous rack of denim finds – think any jean style you’ve ever been hoping for – to masterfully selected designer vintage pieces. What sets this store apart from others, though, is its ability to have every basic you’d ever need scattered perfectly among some unique gems. 

Rachel Comey
If you’re looking for not only style inspo, but also a mood board for your next home, Rachel Comey on Melrose Place is the place to go. It is, quite frankly, an experience. Aside from the must-see annual holiday display, this store simply does an incredible job at melding together fashion and interiors. Be sure to book a private appointment to get the most out of a one-on-one shopping experience with one of the team’s stylists. You’ll get a more intimate look at the collection and also be privy to expert help when it comes to rounding out your wardrobe. Oh, and it’s complimentary. 

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