Talking about Shelter Half a while back, I noted the further development of L.A.’s La Brea Avenue as a new little area of interest for retailers. There have been great stores in this part town for a long time, Union and American Rag being probably the two best known and most widely respected. General Quarters is one of the newish shops to join the menswear fray on La Brea. The store got a lot of call outs when I was working on an update to the LA shopping map and it wasn’t until recently that I had a chance to stop by. While the store is not “just opened,” I think it was worth highlighting here for those that don’t spend much time in LA.
General Quarters is sort of hitting on a lot of retail hot buttons that we have all seen over the last few years from a décor standpoint, but the shop carries a tight selection of brands – many of which are known – and some small and quasi-undiscovered stuff. It’s a digestible mix, so would probably say that the shop is light on product. I didn’t think so, I saw it more as non-threatening. I think also that General Quarters had a lot of strong personal touches that seemed done in a way to represent the owner’s taste; it didn’t seem done to fit the mold or work within a trend. It seemed natural and unpretentious unlike a lot of shops that I visit. That said, it wasn’t ground breaking either.
General Quarters (good name too) is a good shop that will get better with time. That and some hard work I think it will grow into something really great and become a shop that will rival its neighbors. If you happen to find your self on La Brea in LA, stop by and take a look.
General Quarters | 153 S. La Brea Ave. Los Angeles, Ca. 90036 | (323) 937-5391
You posted the same picture twice. Nice try bro.
I did? Can you point that out to me?
This shop looks great. Thanks for sharing. I agree about the clean and focussed merchandising. Less is more.
I did not see a double posting Michael. Your pics are amazing, and I love the “indie” look of the shop–even though a lot of shops have taken that slant–I LOVE IT.
Robert
Love that old Mobil Gas sign…
Glad you went by General Quarters! Blair is legit, and we are looking forward to more great shops on La Brea. Did you go by Don Ville shoes?
I’m liking those leather portfolio cases- iPad, laptop? The spare open space looks good too. Thanks.
looks like someone’s girlfriend wanted a new hobby.
This place looks great but can we please, please moratorium on Steve McQueen pictures. I get it! I get it! He was cool… now let’s all move on.
what a great looking shop.
Blair is a solid man that is building the business on his own. While his selections may not run wide at the moment, his service and hospitality make it an easy store to support.
Fun shop.
Great store, great people.
1. Bro, you’re a moron. Look at the picts again.
2. Who uses “Bro” anymore?
3. The article is great. Nice job Michael.
I love this store! Blair was very helpful and assisted me to find my husband some great stuff and it didn’t break the bank. The store really is amazingly cool.
Great place, Blair has made a store that is pretty much like him, old school james dean cool that’s updated for today. If you haven’t been there, you need to go.
Great work! General Quarters is an amazing little store, was fortunate enough to visit last year. Blair is a great guy, very welcoming and up for a chat – this vibe is shared thru-out the store. Still wish I bought that Steve McQueen book he had in there…
Went in a couple of weeks ago. Blair couldn’t have been more welcoming and sincere. I picked up a bracelet made from WWII parachute cord of their own making. Really tight selection but quality merch. Can’t wait to watch them grow.
About time. Blair is a quality guy with quality clothing and items. He does things his own way: independently and with integrity.
This place is awesome. Spend $400 across the street at American Rag for a sequened turtleneck covered in diagonal zippers or $400 here for 3-6 pieces of awesomely curated menswear.
The same picture is not posted twice.
Period.
If the accuser is referencing the fact that on the landing page you have a key image that is the clicking point; after which we are brought into the blog entry – which begins with that image…then to the uneducated I suppose you would make that inane accusation.
Great store!