The one hundred-block Fashion District in Los Angeles is well known for its bargains and a shopper's...

1. Tips For Shopping The Fashion District In Los Angeles
The one hundred-block Fashion District in Los Angeles is well known for its bargains and a shopper's
ability to negotiate with vendors on prices. Unless you live close by, you'll want to take advantage of
your trip to the vast District by spending a full day. Without guidance, you could waste hours
searching with nothing to show for it because shops sprawl out in every direction. Stores are
basically arranged in groups according to products. But you may find some items like accessories,
in every nook and cranny. So how do you know where to find what? Read further for tips and
recommendations to insure you make the most of your time in the Fashion District.
MAKE A LIST
Make a list in advance. Know what you're looking to buy. Once you have decided, you can use the
extremely helpful Fashion District guide (http://www.fashiondistrict.org/map/ ) to determine how
many areas of the District you will need to visit. Â
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The map shows which streets sell which type of products.
SANTEE ALLEY
If you have nothing special in mind and just want to browse, take a look in Santee Alley. Â First time
visitors are very recognizable because they are so overwhelmed, they barely move through the
Alley. They also have a secure grip on their purse and a dazed look on their faces. The Alley is
crammed with people and it's loud. A dizzying array of clothing and other goods hang everywhere
creating a slightly carnival feel.  From trendy clothing to accessories to perfume and more, you'll

2. find over 150 booths offering great bargains. Veteran Alley shoppers hustle through the booths,
knowing what they want and where to find it. On your first visit, watch your step while shopping in
the Alley because the dazzling mix of sights and sounds might cause you to trip on objects set close
to the ground.Â
As the name indicates, Santee Alley is an actual alley and is closed off to street traffic. While its
swap meet appearance draws huge crowds, the prices in the Alley don't differ much from shop
prices but feel free to try for a discount by negotiating with the seller. Santee Alley is one of the
most popular shopping areas in the Fashion District. The Alley is open 365 days a year from 9:30
a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Vendors change frequently while some have occupied the same space for
years. There's no guarantee that an item you see while shopping will be available the next time
you visit the Alley.
PARKING
Map out your shopping day by deciding where to park. Since the District is so big, it's not realistic to
think you could walk it completely. You may find you want to visit shops in two different areas.Â
This will mean moving your car from one parking spot to another. Planning ahead will help you to
decide how best to approach the parking situation and how to minimize what you'll spend on
parking. Even if you park in one lot for the day, think about how far it will be from your shopping. If
your bags get so heavy you need to drop them at your car to continue shopping, will it be close by?
Scattered throughout the District, you'll find parking lots where you pay by the hour or a flat day
rate. Expect to pay $5 or more for the whole day. If you arrive in the District in the afternoon,
parking rates are discounted.
You can also park on the street in the District, but this is only convenient if you plan to visit shops
grouped together and won't spend more than an hour in that spot. Meters cost $3 an hour or $.25

3. for five minutes.
GETTING THERE
Taking the train to the Fashion District is a good option if you don't like dealing with LA traffic. A
bus leaves the train station every few minutes headed for the Fashion District. If your list of
purchases is long, consider bringing a roll-around bag as your items may become too heavy to carry.
COMFORT
Plan ahead. Wear comfortable shoes. Bring along a tote to carry your small purchases, a water
bottle, sun screen if the day is warm, and snacks if you don't want to stop shopping to have lunch. If
you'll be buying lunch, don't expect to find too many restaurants conveniently located. Fast food is
plentiful at booths in the Santee Alley area, from street vendors, and at an occasional food court.
CASH OR CREDIT
Bring some cash with you. Although credit cards are accepted in most shops, you may find a rare
one where they only take cash, or they have a spending minimum for shopping in their store T shirt
printing anaheim regardless of your payment method.
Be aware there are certain shops that cater only to wholesale buyers. Those shops are generally
grouped together on certain streets.
DOWNLOADS AND OTHER HELP
Download the Fashion District Guide (http://www.fashiondistrict.org/map/ )Â This is a must. The
guide is a complete map that shows which blocks/streets sell which types of goods. It also uses icons
to indicate parking, restaurants, and restrooms.
You may also want to download the Driving Map. It includes driving directions from different areas
of California to the Fashion District as well as bus and rail system information.
Still looking for more information about the Fashion District? A Podcast shopping tour is available
for free download and includes the District as well as other downtown shopping areas. In addition,
guided group tours  streamlined to suit your shopping needs are available.
After several visits to the District it becomes apparent that it's a safe place to shop, although it may
look questionable at first glance. Safe Team officers police the District on bike and are easily
recognizable by their yellow shirts. Any Safe Team officer will be happy to answer any questions or
T shirt printing anaheim help with any problems you might encounter. They will even supply you
with a free map guide!