Table of Contents:
- Tips for Shopping Wholesale in the Los Angeles Fashion District
- Why You Need a Resale Certificate
- Shopping Tips for the Los Angeles Fashion District
- Where to Shop Without a Resale Certificate in the Los Angeles Fashion District
- Other Wholesale Shopping Locations in Los Angeles Fashion District
- How to Use the Fashion District Website for Planning
- Final Tips for a Successful Trip
- Conclusion: Los Angeles Fashion District
- FAQs: Los Angeles Fashion District
- Watch the full video below.
Tips for Shopping Wholesale in the Los Angeles Fashion District
Visiting the Los Angeles Fashion District can be an eye-opening experience for boutique owners and entrepreneurs. With countless wholesale vendors and hidden gems, planning your trip effectively is essential to make the most out of your visit. Whether you have a resale certificate or not, this guide provides valuable tips to maximize your shopping experience in the fashion district.
Why You Need a Resale Certificate
The Importance of Proper Documentation
If you’re planning to shop for wholesale items, a resale certificate is crucial. Most wholesale vendors in the district will ask for it before allowing you to make purchases. Without it, you may miss out on industry-only vendors or face restrictions. To avoid disappointment, apply for and carry a copy of your resale certificate.
Finding Your State’s Resale Certificate
Each state has its own regulations for issuing a resale certificate. If you’re unsure how to obtain one, refer to my article that provide state-by-state guidance. This ensures you are fully prepared and can shop without interruptions.
Shopping Tips for the Los Angeles Fashion District
Plan Your Visit Thoroughly
The Los Angeles Fashion District is vast, covering many streets and buildings. Popular spots include San Pedro Mart and Crocker Street, which are packed with wholesale vendors offering everything from clothing and accessories to unique fashion pieces. Plan for a full day or multiple visits to cover more ground.
Explore Hidden Buildings
Many vendors are located inside buildings that aren’t immediately visible from the street. Don’t hesitate to enter multi-level structures, especially at intersections, to find additional vendors that might not be listed online. These buildings often house vendors with exclusive products.
Where to Shop Without a Resale Certificate in the Los Angeles Fashion District
Retail Options Within the Los Angeles Fashion District
If you don’t have a resale certificate, you can still shop at certain retail vendors within the district. Look for signs that indicate “open to the public.” These vendors often offer products at discounted rates, making them ideal for boutique owners or shoppers without a license.
Navigating the Public vs. Industry-Only Vendors
The district’s website, fashiondistrict.org, is a valuable tool for finding which vendors are open to the public and which require a resale certificate. Use their directory to map out your visit and plan which vendors you’ll approach.
Other Wholesale Shopping Locations in Los Angeles Fashion District
The California Market Center (Cal Mart)
Located at 9th Street and Los Angeles, the California Market Center is another wholesale spot worth exploring. Appointments and proper documentation are necessary for entry, so ensure you have a valid resale certificate. The center houses corporate vendors and operates differently from the street-side shops.
The New Mart
Directly across from the Cal Mart, the New Mart also hosts a range of branded showrooms. Vendors like Hudson and UGG have showrooms here, often catering to larger businesses and higher minimum orders. As with the Cal Mart, appointments and proper paperwork are required.
How to Use the Fashion District Website for Planning
The Wholesale Directory Tool
The fashiondistrict.org website provides a comprehensive wholesale directory. Use the category filter to find specific types of vendors, whether you’re looking for kids’ clothing, accessories, or more. Click on vendor listings to access addresses, phone numbers, and other contact details for further research.
Research Before You Visit
While some vendors have websites, many do not, so research is crucial. Call or email vendors ahead of time to ask about their product lines, minimum orders, and availability. This helps ensure your visit is productive and minimizes time spent searching for specific items.
Final Tips for a Successful Trip
Dress Comfortably and Bring a Partner
Plan for a lot of walking and carry bags to hold your purchases. Bringing a partner can be helpful for carrying items and spotting deals you might miss.
Make Appointments Where Required
For exclusive buildings like the Cal Mart and New Mart, make appointments ahead of time. This saves you from being turned away and maximizes your time in these high-value locations.
Conclusion: Los Angeles Fashion District
The Los Angeles Fashion District offers incredible opportunities for boutique owners and fashion entrepreneurs. Whether you’re exploring the open-to-public areas or shopping at exclusive wholesale-only vendors, preparation is key. Don’t forget your resale certificate, use the district’s website for planning, and make appointments for high-end showrooms. With these tips, your trip will be successful and productive.
I’ve had the experience of exploring other wholesale districts in different areas. I’ve shared my insights on the different wholesale districts here.
FAQs: Los Angeles Fashion District
- Do I need a resale certificate to shop in the district?
- Yes, most wholesale vendors require it, but some retail options are available.
- What are the top streets to visit?
- San Pedro, Crocker Street, and the California Market Center are popular.
- Can I shop without a resale certificate?
- Yes, look for “open to the public” vendors or shop on Saturdays.
- How do I use the district’s website?
- Visit fashiondistrict.org to find and filter vendor listings by category.
- Is it possible to shop in the Cal Mart or New Mart?
- Yes, but appointments and a resale certificate are required.
Watch the full video below.
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Key Timestamps in this video:
00:00 – Introduction
Discovering a game-changing method to find wholesale vendors from home.
00:08 – Resale Certificate Overview
Options for shopping with or without a resale certificate.
00:18 – Recap of Last Week’s LA Fashion District Tour
Revisiting the tour and addressing questions about the wholesale district.
01:10 – The Importance of a Resale Certificate
Tips on obtaining and carrying your resale certificate to avoid vendor issues.
03:02 – Shopping Without a Resale Certificate
Explaining retail-side options for shoppers without a resale certificate.
03:57 – Finding Vendors for Specific Categories
Strategies to plan visits to accessory or kids’ vendors in the district.
04:16 – Using the Fashion District Website
How to navigate the fashiondistrict.org directory for wholesale vendors.
05:09 – Filtering by Categories on the Website
Finding vendors for kids, accessories, and more by using website filters.
06:04 – Vendors Open to the Public
Explaining the distinction between open-to-public and industry-only vendors.
07:09 – Contacting Vendors Without Websites
Tips on reaching vendors via phone or email for line sheets or product details.
08:52 – Exploring Additional Wholesale Buildings
Details about the Cal Mart, the New Mart, and other wholesale locations in LA.
10:10 – Requirements for Shopping in Professional Showrooms
Guidelines for appointments, documentation, and minimum order quantities.
12:04 – Seasonal Buying in Advanced Markets
Explaining how advanced purchases work for upcoming seasons.
13:35 – Final Thoughts on the Fashion District Tour
Encouraging viewers to explore the Fashion District website and plan trips effectively.
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