By Sam Skopp
On Saturday, January 28, the Santa Monica Pier was host to its first Odd Market. This is the newest of five monthly Odd Market events that occur throughout Los Angeles, following a one-time Holiday Odd Market that was held at 5th and Arizona in Santa Monica just last year. The Santa Monica Pier Odd Market will continue to be a monthly event.
A wide range of over 75 vendors, including those selling food products, art pieces, men’s grooming products and much more lined the area adjacent to the pier parking lot, attracting many visitors browsing or looking to buy locally-made products, or just visit the food trucks.
“I love the view. It’s fun to be on the pier,” said Bijan of Proper’s Pickles, who sell artisanal pickles throughout the greater Los Angeles area.
“The customers are awesome,” said Luis of LF Cubed Designs, whose featured items included art made from recycled circuit boards, wood art shaped like a cordless home phone and more.
“It’s a great day. Everyone here has been absolutely wonderful. We’ve gotten a lot of exposure,” said Duane of Blacksmith Grooming Co. who featured a range of natural men’s skincare products.
Other vendors included Second Tyme Chimes, selling Windchimes and based out of Bellflower California; Lost Life on Wax, selling vinyl record art onto which black and white photos are superimposed; Freedom Stones Jewelry and many more.
Each Odd Market event (others are located at The Autry, the L.A. Equestrian Center, Santa Fe Ave. and the California Market Center) offers something slightly different from one another, unique to its location. For example, the L.A. Equestrian Center “Odd Nights” event includes a horse show along with the price of admission.
For details about the free and now-monthly Santa Monica Pier Odd Market, visit theoddmarket.com.