Two Months Later, a Contrast in Street Presence
Eric Richardson
[Flickr]
DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES —
In June we talked about the sad state of retail at 7th/Spring, where a shop selling mostly adult DVDs had turned its back on Spring street (pictured, left). That shop closed at the end of the month, its lease terminated after developer Barry Shy fielded numerous complaints. In its spot a new shop opened, selling the typical 7th street wares of toiletries and perfume (pictured, right). While it might be nice to ask for a different product mix, the store represents a great improvement in street interface.
The DVD shop butted shelving units against the unit's Spring street side, and left those rolldown gates permanently lowered. That made the side of the building an attractive place to loiter. In contrast, the perfume shop has opened that side of the store back up and contributes life onto Spring.
Though the location's still not listed on their website, the opening of the Raspado Xpress next door on Spring has similarly done great things. The two combine to transform the feel of that end of the block.
While I'm not often looking to buy perfume or a smoothie when I pass by, I'm definitely fond of seeing both these shops open.
MaoTseDan on August 22, 2007, at 06:45PM – #1
I get the point your making, but the pictures do show people at the porno shop and no people at the perfume shop.
Victor Atomic on August 22, 2007, at 08:27PM – #2
That Rasapado place is pretty nice! I had no idea it was there, its clean, good looking staff (always a plus hehe) and I smelled just made waffles so I dont think raspados are the only thing they sell. I shall check it out this week.
-V
Eric Richardson (@blogdowntown) on August 22, 2007, at 09:13PM – #3
MaoTseDan: You can blame that one on rush hour vs midday.
jeannine on August 22, 2007, at 09:44PM – #4
The people standing around in the picture of the porn shop are waiting for the bus....they are not customers.
Pornographic Chicken on August 23, 2007, at 12:40AM – #5
But wow, that 7th street sign sure is leaning at a severe angle.
Tim on August 23, 2007, at 12:25PM – #6
Thanks for posting this Eric.
The residents of the Bartlett Building got together and made sure the porn shop was sent their packing papers. Though I don't shop in the new store, the owners keep all of their doors open and really create a better presence on the corner.