Holiday Shopping in the Alley
If you really want to see where the holiday shopping throngs are congregating, try visiting the venerable Santee Alley in the heart of the Los Angeles Fashion District. Wedged between Santee and Maple streets, the four blocks with a bazaar-like atmosphere is known for everything cheap and trendy or kncoked off.
On Tuesday afternoon, the crowds were as thick as a cup of eggnog. The smell of roasting hot dogs wafted from one corner. The cry of tired children emanated from anothercorner. Shoppers carefully inspected the various handbags, T-shirts, sweatsuits, blue jeans, socks and toys that lined the alleyway. Everyone was looking for the perfect gift that wouldn't break the piggy bank.
The price was right on many items. Eighteen pairs of socks for $10, fashion jewelry for $1, wallets for $5 and four scarves for $10. Despite the rock-bottom prices, vendors said business still wasn't quite what it used to be. Julie Hong, the owner of Hi-Ho Fashion, which sells T-shirts, sweatshirts and jackets with the names of various athletic teams on them, said buisness was down 15 percent to 20 percent from last year. And last year was nothing to brag about. "Right now it is a little better because it is the last week before Christmas, but it is still slower than the past few years," said the shopkeeper, who has been operating out of the same space since 1995. She has lowered her prices by 5 percent to 10 percent this year.
Down the way, Orlando Telles was hawking sunglasses and vanity glasses that reflected the latest eyewear trend. He says the last five days have been good, but that doesn't make up for a lousy year. "Last year I could sell $1,000 in merchandise in a weekend. This year, I'm selling $500," observed the five-year resident of the alley.
Alvin Simson was unpacking cheap but fashionable handbags out of a cardboard box from China. He said he has had to really chop prices to entice customers. Last year, his bags, which have a remarkable resemblence to Ed Hardy purses, were going for $25 to $35. This year, a bargain was to be had, with the purses selling for $10. His business is down at least 25 percent."We're losing money," he said. "Not just me but everybody."
