9 Aug

The Evolution of the LA Fashion District: From Manufacturing Hub to Fashion Destination

The Evolution of the LA Fashion District - WFS

One hundred blocks and 2000 wholesalers with the trendiest clothing and accessories for you to fall in love with and purchase for your boutique customers. It’s the Los Angeles Fashion District, the place for buying wholesale on the west coast.

It all started in the early 1900s. Then known as the Garment District, it was a place for manufacturers to create and sell their work. It has been growing since, hitting some major milestones, like becoming the center for sportswear and women’s clothing in the 1950s. It is where wholesalers want to be to attract the right customers.

Eventually, some retailers were allowed to sell their purchases in the newly formed Santee Alley, which referred to retailers selling out of the backs of wholesale and manufacturing shops. It later grew into four blocks worth of retail shops. Around the mid-90s, a group of businessmen changed the name from the Garment District to the LA Fashion District and redeveloped the area for improvements.

Today, the District is home to the world’s largest flower and fabric markets. It is a destination spot where someone can stay, eat, and be entertained without leaving the area. 

Benefits for Retailers

The LA Fashion District vendors want retailers to be happy customers. LA Market Week offers fashion trade shows where retailers can meet suppliers. But that’s not the only one. LA Majors, LA Kids Market, and LA Textile events also happen yearly.

The most significant benefit is that boutique owners see the latest trends and styles before the rest of the world. Sure, shopping and ordering from wholesale suppliers online can be convenient. Still, nothing is more exciting than being on the floor in a contemporary showroom with the makers and suppliers eager to show you the next big trend.

Los Angeles Trends and Style

One of the hottest trends is layering sheer clothing, like a sheer sweater over a tank top. Buy it in a neon color, and it is even hotter. Clothing with fringe or tassels, optical illusions, and bold statements may seem unusual, but they are popular with buyers.

Trends today have a lot to do with the fabrics and textiles manufacturers use. Cotton is a big hit for the hot summer weather. Silk clothing is no longer for sleeping and ultra-luxurious events. It can be paired with a business suit or a pair of jeans.

Eco-friendly and sustainable wear is seeing a spike in clothing made with bamboo or recycled denim, or polyester. Finally, you will likely see a lot of crocheted tops and dresses, cargo pants, maxi skirts, and denim in the upcoming seasons.

As a boutique owner, you must work with wholesale suppliers who sell what is trendy and at a great price. Most importantly, you must have fashion items that are of the highest quality.

Benefits of Finding a Quality Wholesale Supplier

Working with a quality wholesale supplier is like having a business partner, except the only thing you genuinely share is a desire to make your customers happy. It’s that shared desire that creates many benefits for the retailer, like the following:

  • You can create your entire line with just one wholesale supplier. Wholesale Fashion Square, for example, offers new wholesale clothing, accessories, and much more. They are a one-stop shop for retailers, freeing up much-needed time.
  • You get big discounts on bulk orders but also have the option to purchase small batches.
  • You can count on the quality of the items. Wholesalers have quality assurance guidelines they follow because they want to meet your customer’s standards.
  • Many wholesale suppliers offer flexible payment options, and with online ordering, the buying process is simple and quick.
  • You get the inside scoop on upcoming promotions and discount events.
  • Wholesalers are good at meeting deadlines, shipping items in plenty of time to meet the needs of your boutique. Some even offer free shipping, depending on the size of the order.

What To Look for in a Wholesale Supplier

If you show up in the LA Fashion District with the goal of choosing one wholesale supplier, you will feel overwhelmed and anxious. How can you pick one out of 2000? Believe it or not, guidelines are listed below to help you make this critical decision.

  • Find a wholesaler in your niche. You can immediately mark wholesale suppliers off the list that sell anything other than clothing and accessories. It would not make sense for you to visit a supplier of kid’s clothing when you sell women’s clothing. To further narrow your niche, think of your customer. Consider their age, lifestyle, income, and culture. Also, consider your brand and find a wholesaler that represents it best.
  • Find a wholesaler with an excellent reputation. What current and former customers think about the wholesaler is essential. Don’t be afraid to ask a wholesaler for references to contact. Look on their website for reviews. Join online groups. Try to learn more about the supplier before signing a contract.
  • Find a wholesaler that is accessible and has excellent customer service. If an order arrives damaged or late, you want to work with a team eager to fix the problem. You can check accessibility by sending an email and timing how long it takes them to respond. Or place a small batch order to test the entire buying process.
  • Find a wholesaler that values quality. If shopping in the LA Fashion District, look for suppliers that value the LA trends, like Wholesale Fashion Square. Quality is their priority, so they buy from manufacturers who use the best fabrics, textiles, and seamstresses or sewists. Rather than substitute trends and style for quality or vice versa, they give you both.

Takeaway

The LA Fashion District is an experience every boutique owner should have. Attend a trade show, meet wholesalers, and get great deals you can pass on to your customers. 

If you’re looking for a quality wholesale clothing and jewelry supplier, feel free to reach out to us for information and with any questions. We serve California and Texas with their wholesale needs, and throughout the United States.

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