On Valentine’s Day, one thing is essential, whether you’re going out with friends or a one-on-one date: You’ve got to have your presentation together! Check out our list of Downtown suggestions for getting your look just right and finding a gift that will make sure the object of your desire knows exactly where you stand.
DRY CLEANING & ALTERATIONS
Sandoval’s Tailor Shop / 245 E 7th St.
This shop has been well known for quality work and quick turnaround times ever since tailor Jose Sandoval first set up shop in 1973! Current owner Raoul Leon said that “whether you need a suit resized, a dress hemmed, or some work done on a trickier fabric like chiffon, Sandoval’s has the experience to get your Valentine’s Day apparel looking just right.”
Sandoval’s is open from 10 AM to 6 PM Monday through Friday, and 10 AM to 3 PM on Saturdays. Closed on Sunday. Phone: (562) 432-2010. Follow Sandoval’s on Instagram!
Atlantic Cleaners / 301 Atlantic Ave.
Known for its neighborly and welcoming approach, Atlantic Cleaners also has a reputation for doing quick, high-quality dry cleaning and alterations. If you get into a pre-Valentine’s Day time crunch with your outfit, this could be a great option!
Atlantic Cleaners is open Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 6:30 PM, and Saturday from 9 AM to 5 PM. Closed on Sunday. Phone: (562) 590-8907
Designer Suit Warehouse and Outfitters / 256 Pine Ave.
There are two clothing stores under one roof at this Downtown corner: Designer Suit Warehouse carries quite an assortment of suits, from the understated to the flamboyant — tuxes included! The shop also offers full alteration services. The inventory at Outfitters leans toward sporty, trendy activewear, which could make it a perfect place to find something gift-y.
Designer Suit Warehouse is open 10 AM to 7 PM Monday through Saturday, and Sunday from 11 AM to 5 PM. Outfitters is open from 10 AM to 7 PM every day. Phone: (562) 901-2005
Bon’s Cleaners & Laundry / 565 Pine Ave.
Owner Christine and her daughters have developed a reputation for treating customers like family at this North Pine spot. One former Downtown resident who moved to Burbank says he still brings his clothes to Bon’s to get them organically dry cleaned! You will get impeccable and quick dry cleaning and alteration services here — and if things get serious, Bon’s will expertly tailor your wedding dress.
Bon’s is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 6 PM, and Saturday 9 AM to 3 PM. Closed on Sunday. Phone: (562) 436-8795
FLOWER SHOPS
A Beautiful California Florist / 455 Atlantic Ave.
Owner Josy Johnson realized a life-long dream when she opened A Beautiful California Florist. You can feel the love when you shop there! It’s filled floor-to-ceiling with flowers, jewelry, pots, chocolates, plushies, balloons — everything to make your Valentine feel special. The shop offers same-day delivery service as well! To see the flowers, including many AMAZING Valentine’s Day designs, click here.
The Scarlet Flower / 443 E Broadway
The Scarlet Flower’s elegant bouquets and arrangements can be picked up at their Broadway address — but the shop is best known for its delivery services; You can arrange for beautiful flowers to be quickly delivered anywhere in L.A. and Orange counties! For shop and delivery hours, a look at the gorgeous flowers, and to place an order, click here.
Foliage LB / 205 Long Beach Blvd.
Cut flowers always make wonderful gifts — but perhaps your Valentine would prefer a more durable form of plant life as a token of your feelings. Try Foliage LB! A jungle of lush indoor plants awaits you; Check out their Philodendrons, Monsteras, Staghorn Ferns, and MANY more beauties. Foliage LB will also deliver plants directly to your door. To see the plants, get store hours, and arrange for deliveries, click here.
GIFTS AND/OR AN OUTFIT TO LOOK YOUR BEST!
Masaya / 501B Pine Ave.
This shop has such a fantastic feel; The word masaya means “joyful” in Tagalog! Inspired by Filipino culture, Masaya offers clothing, accessories, and homewares that perfectly complement the urban beach lifestyle. Click here to check out the beautifully curated inventory, get shop hours, and purchase gift cards.
Designer Suit Warehouse and Outfitters / 256 Pine Ave.
For those looking to up their fashion game — or help a Valentine up theirs — there are two clothing stores at this Downtown address: Designer Suit Warehouse carries quite a collection of suits, from the classy to the flashy, and will provide full alteration services to achieve the perfect fit. At Outfitters, one can find sporty, trendy activewear; Maybe you and your Valentine can lace yourselves in matching designer sweats!
Designer Suit Warehouse is open 10 AM to 7 PM Monday through Saturday, and Sunday from 11 AM to 5 PM. Outfitters is open from 10 AM to 7 PM every day. Phone: (562) 901.2005
ButterScotch Motor & Bean / 132 Linden Ave.
According to shop owner Tommy, ButterScotch is a mens shop rooted in a love of “all things on two wheels, coffee, and clothing.” Visit ButterScotch and deck yourself out in some solid boots, a heavy-duty work shirt, and a corduroy jacket before taking your Valentine for a ride on your Motorcycle! Grab a cup of coffee in the East Village afterwards. To get a look at ButterScotch’s winter styles and to read the shop’s blog posts, click here.
Burke Mercantile / 435 E 1st St.
Owner Maggie Stoll describes Burke Mercantile as “a modern lifestyle shop that brings together conscious fashion and contemporary design from independent brands.” The shop packs a lot of variety into a small East Village space! You can find all kinds of stylish gifts for your Valentine (or a stylish, sustainable outfit for yourself). Or, you can find ways to freshen up your own space for when your Valentine comes over. For shop hours and a preview of many wonderful gift possibilities, click here.
Long Beach Vintage Etc / 737 Pine Ave.
Whether you want to shop for a Valentine’s Day gift or bring your Valentine so they can go on a wild shopping spree themselves, one thing is certain, you could spend HOURS in this shop! With over 7,000 square feet of space in which curios and antiques from many eras are crammed, Long Beach Vintage Etc is the perfect place to find that one-of-a-kind gift for your special someone(s). Visit the website to see how groovy this shop is.
Anneise and Saffria Sage Soap / 440 E 1st St.
Two very gift-y shops inhabit this East Village address: the clothing/jewelry/accessories shop Anneise, and Saffria Sage Soap, which specializes in high-quality, natural, artisan soaps. This is another perfect spot for either sprucing up your personal style game, helping your Valentine work on theirs — or both at the same time! It’s a great stop during an extended East Village Valentine’s Day field trip.
Albert’s Petite Sweets @ Partake Collective / 456 Elm Ave.
Albert’s strives to create an edible art experience that sparks amazement, wonder, and fun! One glimpse of their spectacular candy assortment will convince you they’re on the right track. Bonbons, Pate de Fruit, the Cupcake Bash (a chocolate shell filled with bite-sized treats) and much more will be at your Valentine’s fingertips soon after you take a look at your candy options and place your order here!
ADULT SPECIALTIES
Lovers / 441 E Broadway
Sometimes adult fun requires an adult shop, where you can buy costumery, toys, and party favors that can’t be found at Walgreens. That’s when Lovers comes in. Open every day, the shop is always there to help you and your heartthrob realize your wildest flights of fancy. Shop hours: Monday through Friday, 11 AM to 11 PM; Saturday, noon to 11 PM; Sunday, noon to 10 PM. Phone: (562) 436 – 0049
Adam & Eve / 213B Pine Ave.
Adam, Eve, Steve — anyone who floats your boat that certain way might enjoy something from this new Pine Avenue shop. Adam & Eve, a leader in the adult industry, is the place for you and your partner(s) to get equipped for journeys into new frontiers of intimacy. Check out the Adam & Eve website for shop hours and a deep dive into their stimulating offerings.