Eclectic Mix
Whether you’re looking for handcrafted soaps, special interest books, collectible pop-culture toys, or Lowbrow art, this gigantic and legendary Los Angeles store has you covered. There’s truly something for everyone here. And with more than 6,500 square feet housing an inventory of over 2 million treasures to search through, you’ll definitely find at least one prize to take home.
Soap Plant Beginnings
When Soap Plant was first opened by Barbara and Hank Shire in 1971, it was a family-run operation. Barbara handmade the soaps, oils, and lotions, and Hank designed the graphics for the shop. Their sons added their own artistic contributions with Peter and Billy producing ceramics and leatherware. But by 1980, more space was needed, so the shop moved to Melrose Avenue. That’s when Billy started adding books, ceramics, and unique jewelry to the store’s stock.
Punk Rock WACKO
A second storefront was soon opened as Billy realized that even more space was needed for the ever growing collection of Japanese robots, tin wind-ups, gimmicks, games, and novelties. Plus, they offered the largest selection of postcards in Los Angeles. WACKO was described as “a pop culture toy shop with a punk rock attitude.”
Groundbreaking La Luz de Jesus Gallery
The megastore decided they needed even more to juggle and opened up La Luz de Jesus Gallery in 1986. Not only was it a smashing success with collectors, galleries, and artists around the world, it also gave birth to a new genre of art unique to California called Lowbrow. Plus, Billy quickly became known as “the Peggy Guggenheim of Lowbrow.”
Community Connections
Finally in 1995, the entire empire was moved to a new location back in the neighborhood where Soap Plant first originated. The gigantic new space even has a private back lot where La Luz de Jesus Gallery’s art openings are hosted on the first Friday of each month. This incredibly unique megastore has over 53 years of experience making customers very happy with uncommon treasures that are almost impossible to find elsewhere.
Check out Soap Plant/WACKO’s website here for more information and La Luz de Jesus Gallery’s website here.
Call: (323) 663 0122
Location: 4633 Hollywood Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90027 USA
Hours: 11am-7pm Monday-Saturday, 11am-6pm Sunday