Los Angeles’ retail scene has long offered a tale of two cities. While some districts boast blocks of luxury boutiques frequented by the rich and famous, others are known for their quirky vibe aligned with California’s laid-back reputation. 
As e-commerce and changing spending patterns have cut into retailers’ bottom lines, the city’s retail landscape has changed. It’s still a tale of two cities, but now the dividing line comes down to customers: who gets them, who doesn’t and why.
The divide between the haves and have-nots is growing more extreme as economic and social factors play out following the pandemic.