Soap Plant / Wacko — Attraction in Los Angeles

I had a bizarre interaction with an employee here. I was waiting to purchase something, so I was standing behind a man and his child who were buying something. The child was looking at the candy on the counter. This store is packed with merchandise and has narrow aisles and walkways. There is literally nowhere else to stand besides in an aisle when waiting in line. I want to emphasize that I was standing behind them, and they were close to finishing their transaction. An employee behind the counter signaled to me so I approached her and she said something to me (and I’m paraphrasing here) “You’re standing in the the prn aisle. If there is a child here you can’t stand there because they will stand behind you and look at it” Then she quickly walked away. I said okay and laughed. It took me a minute to fully process what she said because it made no sense. The father of the child looked at me with a confused expression on his face. I think the employee was referring to art books that contain nudity. What she told me was unreasonable and bizarre. I want to be clear that I am not responsible for other people’s children and what they look at in this shop. Perhaps there should be more space for people waiting in line to buy something. Also if there are concerns about children potentially looking at the prnographic art books then make a space that is for adults only. The other employees seemed lovely and were very helpful. Besides that strange conversation I enjoyed the shop...

Idk why it has taken me so long to review this place. Everyone always tells me how good i smell.. One lady even told me i smell divine LOL.. Well, the reason why is smell so good is because of the lite egyptian musk i buy from the soap plant. Not only do they have an essential oil bar where you can customize and blend your own oils - but you can also get them in lotion, body wash and other fun self care items! But that is just one of the rad things about this store... There is so much here it is really quite amazing. Everything from the most amazing selection of books you have EVER seen, jewelry, knick knacks & doo dads, vintage clothes, band tees, socks, insence, posters just a lot of stuff.. I usually do quite a but of xmas shopping here, and the gifts are ALWAYS a huge hit! Lot's of one of a kind unique gifts.. But this year I am LITERALLY buying most if not all of my holiday shopping here! Which is great cuz you can even schedule a time to shop, and miss the crowds AND the lines!! If that wasn't reason enough.. The onsite art gallery LA LUZ DE JESUS is famous for it's decades long history of providing LA with thee sickest topnotch world-class art.. YOU ABSOLUTELY MUST check this place out!! Shout out to the staff for ALWAYS being pleasant! Here is just a couple of fun things i bought from here on my...

One of the coolest gift stores ever. With the internet co-opting more & more of our shopping experience, a visit to Wacko reminds us why the tactile and in-person visual is so important. It inspires us and gives us scale, an anchored moment in time & space. Everything you never needed is here and things that will change your life - a large,thoughtful collection of books, slanted mostly to art and design, has something to speak to everyone. Toys - vintage & new, household items, jewelry, a curated set of vintage clothes, incense, tiki mugs, etc...if you have a friend who wants a unique gift - you'll find it here. The special treat here is La Luz de Jesus Gallery in the back corner of the store. Billy Shire, Wacko proprietor, is a renaissance man; the patron saint of "low brow" and "pop surrealism". You will see the latest work from the up and coming. But don't miss the hallway, a rotation of Mr. Shire's permanent collection with pieces by the likes of Camille Rose Garcia, Isabel Samaras, Mark Ryden, Shag, Baseman, Robert Williams & Tara McPherson. Fantastic...