Santee Alley

by Nadine Choe

Located right in the heart of the Fashion District is Santee Alley, where storefronts are always busy selling handbags, shoes, clothes, and everything you could imagine.  The impression at first is weird. How could you find something trendy downtown, where it's dirty and ugly?  The trick is to look further into these small stores to find that perfect handbag or shirt.

The Fashion District consists mainly of factories and wholesale retailers, which is why these shops have a lot of the same products as major stores like the B.P. section at Nordstrom, Urban Outfitters and Forever 21. In fact, the latter began as one of these little shops, when it was called Fashion 21. 

Santee Alley has the merchandise before any of the major stores.  I bought a jacket this past August and, only a couple weeks later, saw the exact same thing at Forever 21 for a few dollars more. 

So, what exactly can you find at the Alley?  You name it: sneakers, grills (yes, I mean the diamond-encrusted gold things rappers have on their teeth), colored contacts, imitation designer handbags, shoes and even pet turtles.  Although the merchandise is already priced low, you can negotiate with the sellers. 

One common misconception is that the merchandise downtown is fake.  Like I said before, there are wholesale retailers, such as Nike, Adidas, and Reebok selling their wares at much cheaper prices.  I purchased a pair of Nike Dunk hi-tops for only $60.  If I had bought them at a regular store, I would have to pay $85. 

One unforgettable thing about Santee Alley is the atmosphere.  It is hectic and sometimes too crowded (which is why I advise you to go during the week, rather than on a Saturday).  There is always one man grilling hot dogs or selling fruit. Another man will out advertisements, like "Cost only $5 for the sunglasses!" as people crowd around him to check out the goods.  As you walk down the alley, there are stores on both the left and right side.  These hole-in-the-wall stops do not have doors and shopkeepers usually have items displayed for passersby.  There is every type of store imaginable, even one that sells only Chinese clothing and accessories. 

My favorite shops are the ones that sell trendy handbags.  They always have a huge selection of bags that aren't exactly "knock-offs," but look similar to designer bags.  I also really like the jewelry stores, where I found a gold chain with a gun pendant for only $15. 

I suggest that you set aside a day for the trip to Santee Alley.  The earlier you go, the less busy it will be.  Stores open as early as 9 a.m.  On Sundays, the stores are closed. 

Santee Alley is located on Santee Street between 11^th and 12^th Streets, to the east of Maple Street.