Downtown's 'Dollar Days' Were Part of Retail Past

DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES —

This Times shot from 1932 shows crowds for Dollar Day, when one-fifth of L.A.'s population was supposed to have turned out to shop.

February 11th, 1939, was 'Dollar Day' in Downtown L.A., the fifteenth time retailers had joined together to offer massive discounts. The twice a year event began in 1932 and took place each February and September. Each time around extra streetcar service would be arranged to handle the traffic. The very first event in February of 1932 was reported to have turned out one-fifth of L.A.'s population. The practice lasted until 1960, with over four hundred merchants participating.

Right now, the closest thing to 'Dollar Day' may just be the Art Walk, which this month falls onto Valentines Day. This summer DCBID offers its own take on the neighborhood concept, inviting everyone to a Downtown Open House the first weekend in June. Director of Economic Development Hal Bastian gives a presentation on the event to tomorrow DLANC Board Meeting.