Initially, I was a little scared to go in because of all of the reviews-- Upon my first visit, I just browsed, and there was some dude hanging around who told us to put our phones away. Eh, that's fine, I was expecting that (My friend wanted to look something up and forgot about the rule), but I suppose that guy did give us an uncomfortable feeling. However, I went in a second time with a different friend- During Covid- So I emailed/called first to make sure they were open. Richard was so nice! He had a lot of knowledge to share about certain products we were looking at. Other people have had odd experiences, but ours was amazing. He had just gotten in a new shipment of tea from Kyoto, and he actually made some for us and we chatted about tea, and his friends in Japan. He even showed us his new shop next door filled with furniture he's working on, which was all so cool. The vibe is just so well-lived in "wabi-sabi". Honestly, I had a great time. I do hope people just remember to respect that they have rules and conduct expectations- Not unlike Japan. Follow and have manners, and you'll be treated accordingly. (: read more

I've been shopping here for a few years now. I especially love it for this last minute gifts that are thoughtful and special. I read a few of the reviews about the owner. I miss the days when people appreciated character. Especially shop owners. He may be a bit eccentric and sometimes direct (with cute dog in tote) but I feel like it adds to the charm and experience of it all. This store is an experience. Very special. I feel like yelp has created an unhealthy dynamic of people expecting 5 star treatment everywhere they go and for workers to act as slaves. Personally... the grumpier, more eccentric, or offbeat a shopkeeper is the more I love it. It's what us LA natives grew up with and it gives a place character and authenticity. If people have issues with character other than "hello how may I serve your pretentious entitled self today?" They should be shopping in a different neighborhood such as Beverly Hills. Regardless of what anyone says, this shop has the most beautifully curated collection of fine Japanese treasures and I will be a lifelong customer. I just brought two of my friends in today and we were treated so wonderfully and the two gems working were knowledgeable and helpful from the moment we walked in. Not to mention we had a very babbley baby in tow and it didn't seem to bother them at all! My last note: if anyone decides to research Japanese traditions and customs it isn't all that outrageous that phones are asked to be put away during your visit. It really takes away from the experience of it all. My suggestion/tip... go in, phone away, connect with the people, sit in silence, appreciate the craftsmanship of these incredible items... just put your western everyday distractions and habits away for a short time and you will leave this place feeling a sense of calm and happiness. It's really something to be appreciated. I hope New High Mart is around forever! read more

Go to this store. It's very very cool. I was visiting from NYC and picked up some of their repurposed vintage. The home stuff was really amazing. Felt like you walked into Japan. The store smelled amazing too. They don't have social media and you can barely find it. You'll be happy once you do. read more

Richard and Miho are beautiful people. Their personalities are endearing for those who get to know them. Their taste in clothing and home goods are fantastic. Whenever I want to find something wonderful and meaningful that will last for years or even a generation, I know I'll find it at their shop. I want to say I've never seen another shop and experience like New High Mart. So glad they're around. read more

A wonderland of Japanese goods curated to the absolute highest level. Consider this half shop, half, say, art gallery--or maybe museum. It's a store that creates a particular atmosphere and will go above and beyond to preserve it--and that includes interacting with customers in a way most aren't accustomed to. That means having more respect than most people have for what they consider to be a straightforward retail shop. I think a lot of people blunder in here, feel like their credit card gives them the right to act whatever way they want ("the customer is *always* right"), and react like kids when they get called out. I'm not a japan-o-phile, but having just returned from a trip in Japan, it feels Japanese. The way the commerce of the store operates feels Japanese. You will not be doted on and have every whim attended to. They didn't do that in Japan, they don't do it here. You won't be complimented for your taste, or be forgiven for saying tacky rude things to the people that work there just because you're spending money. You can't grab items and then leave them all over the store because you're too lazy to put them back. You won't be given a pass for forgetting clearly stated rules that are literally right in front of your eyeballs in clear text on the door (no phones). You know, like a museum. Richard and Miho are wonderful people, btw. They're patient, kind, and will answer all your questions about every aspect of any item--down to the quality of the dye pigment, where it's woven, the history of it's traditional use and modern interpretation, and what other companies from Japan are working in a similar space. IF YOU'RE POLITE. If you're asking to learn and understand in a genuine manner. All you have to do is change the frame of reference you shop with before walking into this space and you'll see a different way that commerce can occur. And you'll be rewarded for it. I was. read more

It's a cool store with very curated items. Many items can be found with better price somewhere else. But I appreciate their efforts and it could rationalize the price tag in some way. However, I believe it's illegal to lock the exit while costumers are inside the store. It violet the safety regulation (OSHA). I didn't know they locks their door and it was a bit uncomfortable to be locked in. read more

Pros: Fantastic inventory curation, and ambience. That's it. Cons: Literally everything else. Ownership is atrocious and the lock-in compulsiveness is not only an OSHA violation but a massive liability in case of fire or panic. Definitely reporting the store. read more

Love this place, been going for years! Small special store, owned by a knowledgeable and passionate couple. Go support this business!

I wandered in after seeing the beautiful display and saw an interesting mix of stuff-- it almost reminds me of a mini-Anthropologie-slash-Etsy. They sell things that are local and non-local, made by artisans and made by big companies. I found some great piñon incense, saw cute camper shoes, and was also impressed with their selection of random stuff-- pretty socks, handmade soaps, leather jewelry, etc. One thing: when I walked in, the employee/owner person was talking to someone and never greeted me, never asked if I needed any help, etc. Eventually when I went to make my purchase I made conversation and she became friendlier, but it was weird that I had to sort of initiate friendliness. read more

New High Mart - Men's Clothing Near Me - Los Angeles, California

It's hard to describe this store, but it's definitely one of a kind. It caries a variety of merchandise, from knitting supplies and yarn to up-market, beautifully crafted clothing. It seems to be aimed at fashion-conscious, outdoorsy types with disposable income. Almost everything here strikes me as high quality. The clothing, tchotchkes, jewelry and the like. Like Coop 28 down the street, it can definitely serves as a place for unusual gifts, but for a very different group of people. I've only ever bought one thing here, but it's something that I really love: piñon incense. It's amazing and the fragrance is like nothing else I've ever encountered. So, despite that fact that it's unlikely I will buy clothing here anytime soon, they have my business. And, honestly, I can appreciate a store for it's uniqueness even if it's really not my thing. read more

Every item selected in this store is selected with love and thoughtfulness. My husband and I are big fans of New High Mart. Not just for the items inside the store but the experience we have when we walk inside . It's as if we've been transported to another world , one that is in the moment and not rushed. The owner Richard always brings much warmth to the space and shares so much knowledge of incense, tea and life with you if you are open to converse. read more

Best tea ever, Miho is incredibly kind and has exquisite taste. Great selection of books and household items as well.

I've been coming to this store for years and bringing numerous friends in from out of town but am completely bummed at their elitism and wack service and complete disrespect for customers. Despite having a great curated collection, the management is unbelievably patronizing. Saving myself for Japan before I come back to frequent this store. BYE! read more

I have read the negative reviews and think some of them can be explained by misplaced expectations: this isn't a Banana Republic, and the staff does not offer hollow, obsequious service. Rather, a quiet, deferential aesthetic permeates. The staff is soft-spoken and knowledgable, and the owner is engaging, enthusiastic about his merchandise, and seems proud that he is not offering the same generic products you could find anywhere else. If you expect a conventional American retail experience you might interpret this approach as "rude," but if you go in with an open mind and don't expect to be pampered, you might love it. read more

This in-person shopping experience is memorable and has stuck with me for years. As a New Yorker, it kills me that I can't frequent the shop but it makes it that much more special when visiting LA. Their products are top notch and their taste is impeccable. Friendly and welcoming service, too! read more

Though I can imagine some having the extremely off-putting experience they describe in other reviews, I must pay tribute to my great respect for this store. Richard, the owner, is not really there, like others, to make money--that much is evident. One senses he has other means, so he does this from deep and passionate love for a beautiful, thoughtful life, inspired largely in Japan. Richard is very contemplative--and the store reflects that. It's almost as if his world there is conjured from poetry, even if we're talking in some cases only about a dish towel. Everything is of the highest quality, right down to the variety of Japanese brushes for all manner of household chores; ditto the Japanese rain coat I bought there. My Japanese broom, a marvel of weaving beauty, delights me like few other things I have, and I'm not short on household treasures. It's a highly refined world he presents, with which the likes of Louis Vuitton and Gucci could never compete--this is far more rarified. There is no bling here, but there is nobility of spirit and craft, which Richard celebrates. I may recommend to future visitors, should they see this post, to enter the store quietly and go about it slowly. My sense is that the staff and Richard either like you or they don't and it may affect your experience of the place. You may find yourself at an extended tea with Richard, poring over books on Japanese aesthetics; flowing with the vibe of the place is worth it, even if it's not in your nature. read more

Absolutely disappointing with the owner/man's rude approach - I somehow managed to bypass the supposed multitude of signs saying NO cellphones and was using my phone to Shazam the music that was playing. I didn't mind him informing me of his policy - it was the way he approached it. I apologized and told him what I was doing and he then reprimanded me and said I should have just asked. I then told him that many times store owners have it on a track and don't know the artist. I have shopped here before and spent over $500 but after this uncalled curtness from him, I have no intention of stepping foot in there again. There ARE ways of telling someone without coming across like a tyrant. I wasn't taking photos of the merchandise, making a phone call or even texting someone, just merely trying to identify the artist that was playing in the shop. As for the previous comments saying this store won't be around much longer - one of those posts was from six years ago. I think they have enough money in their reserve that it might not matter if they lose clientele. Obviously the reviews regarding the owner's dispositions (husband and wife) hasn't registered with them. read more

This is my first Yelp review. I feel compelled to write something because I love New High Mart. Every time I step out of the shop, whether I leave with a delicious bag of tea or empty-handed, I am smiling inside. This space is curated with care; each item has a history or story behind it. I often have lovely conversations with Richard or anyone else that is tending the shop. It is clear from my visits (and from the other reviews) that this is an experience and a space created with intention. It is more than a shop. If you come here, enter with respect (i.e., do not use your phone) or do not come at all. If you feel uncomfortable with that rule, then go to another shop. Simple as that! If you are respectful, you will have a delightful experience and perhaps even sample a cup of tea. I feel lucky to have discovered New High Mart, happening upon it by chance years ago. Since then I have made countless cups of tea at home (Hojicha, Bancha, Mugicha...), discovered one of my favorite albums of all time (Midori Takada - Through The Looking Glass), found many delightful gifts and cards for loved ones, and even bought some beloved pairs of pants and tees. One of my favorite spaces in LA. read more

I don't know if this place has the same owners as the early reviews on here but my experience today was one of the most pleasant I've ever had and probably the best I've had in all of LA. I believe the man and woman who were working there today, Richard and Miho (sp?) are the owners. They were so helpful, positive and wonderful to share a bit of time with and I was thrilled to find my new pair of Birkenstocks there. You wouldn't believe how difficult it is to find Birkenstocks in LA! And to find someone is actually incredibly knowledgeable about Birks is a virtual impossibility and Richard was that guy! I was happy to spend money at this shop and I honestly look forward to going back...they have some seriously cool stuff there. Completely unlike any place I've ever seen in LA. Also, when I was ready to pay I inquired if they did a KCRW discount and Miho said they hadn't officially set that up yet but she would be happy to give me 10% off...such great service! Can't wait to stop in again. Thanks R & M! read more

I came back in here recently, scared, because my friend wanted to take a look. Mean shop lady looked up and said hi. Didn't tell us to dump our coffees! BUT was still very cold when I asked about a pair of socks. Bottom line is that is a nicely curated shop. Most things you can find elsewhere but it's nice to browse. And fantasize about buying everything. read more

This store is like an art gallery. I marvel at the confluence of architecture, display and design in this eclectic but warm storefront. The range of super high quality, unique products makes me wish I had hundreds to spend every time I walk in there. Most of the items are expensive for sure, but they're of amazing quality, and- i'd guess -mostly hand made. An example of how their style is so unique is that they carry Jansport backpacks, but they're like none you've ever seen. They're sexy yet rugged; utilitarian, but fashionable. Some items - like a winter parka - are $500 plus, but you can also get an artisan made brass keychain for about $5. Or a hand made sweeping broom that's pretty enough to hang on your wall for $10. read more

Beautiful store. Wonderful products. Not sure what's up with people saying the folks are rude here- I've been a few times and everyone has been very nice. read more

Like a secret James Bond villain lair hidden away, this amazing store and its owner Richard have the best taste in town.

Holy moly! The proprietress is a lunatic. She let me in and followed me around the store the whole time. Frowned fiercely whenever I paused to examine anything. Warned me repeatedly not to touch items. I've never felt so surveilled. She clearly doesn't intend to sell anything. All the stuff is cheap Aliexpress merchandise with absurd markups. Nothing remotely 'curated' about it. She barked out that her boutique was for 'celebrities' only and would not let in someone else who rang the bell for no specific reason. Rampant profiling is not what I want when on a leisurely shopping expedition! As a parting shot she said 'thanks for nothing' as I left without buying anything. I won't be returning. Go only if you desire a psycho experience. read more

Despite shopping at this store for years, after my experience yesterday, I will never go there again. I came in with 3-other friends, who also been shopping there for years. We were all made to feel completely unwelcome and like potential shoplifters. The owner made a snide remark as we came in... because there were 4 of us coming in at once. And then one of the salespeople started stalking us around the store. It made my friend so uncomfortable that she stepped out of the store within minutes. The rest of us had actually come in for specific items, so we stayed and purchased those things.... but those will be the last purchases any of us make! read more

Very poor customer service experience here. I was in for the first time with friends visiting from out of town. We looked around for 5 minutes or so and it is a very eclectic mix of goods, much from Japan but as it turns out a lot of things from elsewhere as well. When I tried to ask the person working there if she could tell me more about the shop she said "I don't understand what you are asking me." And she was being rude about it. So I gave her more explanation like "what do you tell people about this store? Is everything here from Japan?" And finally I got a small amount of information about the owners and how they source things. I mean, if you are going to run a shop like this I think it would be a good idea to be open and nice when a potential customer asks you about your business. That's all. Not going back and not recommending others do either. read more

The police/authorities need to check on this place. Door is locked during business hours and when you enter, the creepy shop owner locks the door behind you. After browsing for 10-15 minutes, we tried to leave and the store owner harassed us saying we needed to purchase something for the amount of time we spent in the store as an 'exchange.' He continued to aggressively block the door and after minutes of reasoning with him he finally unlocked the door and let us out of the store. There is clearly something very wrong here and its worth an investigation as the owner displayed erratic and psychotic behavior. read more

I have strolled in here three times with some friends. The main thing we noticed is that the owner has a very dour and off-putting attitude and unwelcoming demeanor. A few of those times there were people in the store who committed the offenses of drinks-in-store and iPhone use to take notes on products, even if that note was actually a reminder to come back to buy a gift for someone. While I completely understand her motivations and sensitivities to these "offenses", I think that her methods and attitude do not beckon dollars from customer pockets.I get it that brick-and-mortar businesses face tough competition from internet sales, hence her guard-dog-barking at the iPhone users, but she could make people want to shop there by being more friendly and engaging with her customers (for instance the staff/owners of Apolis actually offer me fresh coffee in-store if I didn't have one already. It's called hospitality.) You can't shout rules at people and the wonder why they leave with cash in pocket. Amazon and Zappos don't yell at people, but they also doesn't have nice friendly conversations with us either if you catch my drift... hint, hint. I would urge the owner(s) to try to ease up and actually intrigue me with some smiles and friendly conversation. Whether you realize it or not, it does sway my wanting to shop there and makes what should have been a good experience a bizarre waste of my time. To your surprise, I happen to use the internet for a large amount of my purchases, but I still want to buy from local shops with locally-made, unique, one-of-kind goods. It's just more fun and easier when it comes to clothing. So don't trip on my iPhone, if I wanted to remember an item to find somewhere else, I would just... I don't know... memorize it. While the service was a tad bizarre and unwarranted, I really liked some of the items in here. Nice fabrics, good styles; peasant-like garbs with nice threads. Lots of potential and I wanted to drop some coin, but alas... lighten up, say "hi" and engage, then we'll see. read more

I was curious after reading all the negative reviews about the shopkeeper. I wish I could disagree with the other reviews. I wonder what her problem is? She has a cute store, there's no reason for her to act so insecure and snotty. Trust me lady, nobody thinks you're cool because you reluctantly say hi and look them up and down. I don't like being mean, but just wanted to warn other yelpers. Hopefully the store owners are reading this review, and will make some changes. My suggestion to shoppers is to take note of anything you like and look for it at other stores or the Internet. You'll get a much better deal and all without the 'tude. read more

My friend and I were checking out the shops on Vermont yesterday and I told her the owner of New High was odd... We walked in with another couple ... 4 of us at the same time. We were immediately ushered out. Yes the items are very cool, but she's just too odd. I'm a designer and artist so I get weird but this is just too much. She's like the soup nazi from Seinfeld, if u don't look the way she wants her customer to look (we were wearing work out clothes) or say the right thing (I said Hello), or whatever her preconceived idea of who she wants her customer to be, Well then get out ok her store. Too much work ..! read more

This used to be my favorite secret store. Not any more. They've changed to Appointment Only and just turned me away at the door. Rejecting a customer very likely to spend money? I won't be back now. read more

Absolutely rude owner. She did not look up at my friend and I, as we perused the shop. I took out my phone to check a txt message and she shot over to reprimand me. We immediately left the store. Woeful customer service. I don't see this place lasting long at all. read more

Beautiful clothes, but literally no customer service. I was in there for an extended period of time examining the clothing and not once was I approached by the two women inside. Very little explanation from the owner about the origin of the fabric. This store has the potential to be an amazing retail experience, but unfortunately fails in that regard. However, this should not take away from the quality of the curation which is very good. read more

"My Experience" I will preface this by saying I've been a fan of New High Mart since moving to LA a year ago, frequently dropping in and eyeing vintage and repurposed clothes, Japanese homewares, pricey they may be. When my parents visited Los Angeles for the Holidays this year, I thought it might be nice to bring them by the store. We enter around 6 on a Thursday night, and the store is staffed by Richard (whose name I've deduced after the fact from various negative yelp reviews) and I approach him to ask about any traditional bedding or quilting he might have. Immediately he's taken aback by the question, probing "What even is Japanese bedding?" or something to that effect, then stating that he is either in this store or in Japan and can't advise on other avenues. A hilarious notion, oscillating between his store in Los Feliz and Japan. I abandon the bedding and ask about a matcha whisk. "We only carry things here that the Japanese ~actually~ use," with "actually" drenched in some type of toxic know-it-all-ism. My father and I shoot glances at each other with it immediately clear that this guy is trouble (or troubled). I move over to the clothing, and it is worth mentioning that what the store has stocked is beautiful. I'm eyeing some pants, unfolding them, looking for sizing tags, materials, etc. and Richard swishes over. I'm pressed to engage because I'm clearly being watched so I fumble out some observations "these are nice" "what's the story on these" "who makes them?" Richard leans back and releases a sigh, "We don't really discuss brands here. As you can tell there's no branding and they prefer to speak through their design." There's a pause - Richard is clearly operating as antagonist - "Besides you probably haven't heard of it." I don't so much as have an issue with this branding philosophy, though the entire nature of a boutique like this is to curate brands unfamiliar to the US market, but dropping that last gem, "you've probably never heard of it," is such an astonishing level of narcissism and arrogance that he had in effect declared war on his potential customer. At this point we're stifling smiles - the experience is surreal. I check out the coats and can feel him boring a hole in the back of my head. My dad asks a question about a product, he answers curtly. We discuss amongst ourselves for a minute and decide to leave, but mom is looking at the books, I return to the pants. Richard approaches the other side of the table. "Hey, I'm going to have to ask you to leave." "What are you talking about?" I ask. "You're kicking me out of your store?" He rambles on about how they do trades here and it's just not right and I'm going to have to ask you to leave. Please just leave. He escorts my father and me to the door, places us on the other side of the threshold, walks over to my mother, grabs the book out of her hand and says her family is waiting for her outside. We stand there shocked. My mom asks is this what LA is like, is this what Japan is like. I've spent a few days thinking about the experience, and though I'll admit it is truly remarkable to meet an actually cartoon, sour shopkeeper in real life, it's grown more complex, more sinister. Richard is clearly a man who has adopted the Japanese way of life, learning the language and the customs, taking the acquisition process very seriously. His store is meticulously curated and researched - I'm sure he could speak for hours on tea ceremonies, cuisine, etc. Richard, however, is not Japanese - I suspect he's a white guy from the US who like so many others, found Japanese culture the tongue to his groove. A "weeaboo," if you will. However, his obsessions reek of a Western interloper's fundamental misunderstanding of his role in this economy. His conduct wildly distorts the Japanese way of life and, I'd argue, does more damage than good to the Japanese people. I see some reviews in here which rationalize his behavior as quintessentially Japanese - store clerks which Americans might find cloying, hovering, etc. Having visited Japan, it pains me to see such wonderfully complex, kind and loving, helpful people reduced to the way Richard operates his shop. I argue Richard uses the exoticism surrounding the Japanese way of life as a human-shield of sorts, enabling his own pathetic behavior. Has he no compunction? I've never been kicked out of a store before. For a moment I worried that we had appeared as shoplifters, as anything, until I checked yelp. Story after story of inane, borderline psychotic behavior abound. I'd be remiss to say I wish the store the worst - it was painful to have to talk through with my Southern 60+ year old parents about why they were humiliatingly kicked out of a store with me - but I won't. I will say I wish Richard the best and that whatever void it is he's trying to fill, he finds a mechanism to do so which doesn't drag his customers through the mud and sully the beauty of the Japanese people. read more

Good if you want to pay a lot to dress like a Quaker. Strange store and vibe.

I can see why there would be negative reviews, but my boyfriend pulled me in one random Sunday when the husband/partner seemed to be in charge and I have to say, while the no phone and picture policy is uptight, this place is a gem. He was SO knowledgable about tea and brewing and infusions and his willingness to share honestly inspired and humbled me. He also was able to share a story about their organic chemical free nail polish that was so great I bought one just for his time. He brewed is tea for no charge and was wonderful. It was like stepping through time and across boarders. If you want a trip to a Japan of yesteryear, this is your place: full of tradition and reverence. read more

This has to be one of my favorite stores in Los Angeles, so creative and unique in its product selection. I have to disagree with some of the cruel comments regarding the owner, its hard to judge someone if you don't have a conversation with them. THE OWNER IS VERY CHARMING AND KIND. (Actually both owners are very nice). If you've never been to this store, its definitely worth going across town to check it out, and there ar things in all price ranges. read more

I understand why many people feel sensitive about not getting lots of attention and smiles in a high-end L.A. store because there tend to be horrible sales associates in boutique shops, but this is not the experience I had at New High Mart at all. Some words I would use to describe the owner are: respectful, helpful, polite, knowledgeable, reserved and elegant. She seems like a woman of the world. I absolutely cannot stand the type of salesperson who will follow me around the store hounding me and asking me all manner of questions while thrusting clothes in my face for the entirety of my stay. In contrast, the owner here has a very calm and disarming demeanor, which, coupled with the smell of incense and cleanliness of the store make for a very relaxing shopping experience. As for the actual inventory, the shop is very well-curated and it seems as though every item has been carefully chosen with intention and discernment. Aside from men's and women's clothing, bags and shoes, the store also carries knick knacks and home items such as teapots, fabric lunchbags and sage for burning. I have been here two or three times and have purchased wool shorts, a couple of blouses and a raffia tote bag, all of which have become staples in my wardrobe and were well worth the money. I know that when I buy something here it is truly special and not something that can be found anywhere else in L.A. I highly recommend visiting New High Mart if you are a person of good taste or would just like to browse some unique items. read more

Wonderful staff (very kind and patient) Best selection of birkenstock sandals , they carry many unique styles only avaliable in Japan. Some of the items are quite pricey but quality of these items in outstanding. Many handcrafted items. If your sick of supporting unkind abusive mainstream clothing companies this is the place to go. Nothing else like it in Los Angeles read more

good merchandise, but the store is too small for much of an experience and thus the inventory is minimal. I understand its chinatown and space is tight, but I need to at least be able to try things on and see myself. the tent was so tiny I hit my leg... and I'm not big. I do like their designers though... if it weren't for that, I'd have given one star. Plus, if you're familiar with the labels, you can get them for the same prices elsewhere, in more comfortable environments. read more