House of Woo

House of Woo is a lifestyle concept store and workshop in downtown Los Angeles’ Arts District. When owner Staci Woo moved into her production space eight years ago she had a tiny, open by appointment, retail shop at the front of her warehouse with a small window offering customers a peek into the behind the scenes operations. With the opening of neighboring businesses Wurstkuche and Poketo, the Arts District became a destination spot, and House of Woo introduced official store hours in October 2014. There is a unique feel to the space, a mix of industrial and vintage, and a custom made moveable door/shopfront. House of Woo has created several brands, goods for men, women, children, and home, there are artist collaborations, other brands they love and support, workshops, and events. The design workshop has been opened to integrate with the retail space. Customers can walk through the work room and witness the process. Every day is different depending on what is going on in the schedule. The entire space is shopable, and is a very unique shopping experience for most customers who have never seen behind the scenes.

The Shopkeeper

Staci Woo loves to create and experience things that will lead to ideas and inspiration. “My job is my hobby and my hobby is my job”. Staci had the fortune to be Adriano Goldschmied’s design assistant in her early 20’s, and counts him as her biggest mentor. She soaked up as much of his creative genius as possible, Adriano teaching her about the process of creation and a unique way of finding beauty in the details. ‘Woobags’ was her first line on her own, followed by the very popular ‘underwoo’, and then expanded into her other brands, Little Woo, Sand & Sea Club, and The Uplifters. Staci loves meeting her customers, and hearing feedback firsthand. Her favorite customer stories are the ones about favorite items they bought seven or eight years ago and are still wearing today. Staci loves shopping at the Rose Bowl Flea Market, office supply stores, and online. She has a crazy collection of gorgeous printed cotton sarongs. She loves spending the day at the beach, and would love a tropical beachfront home on an easy surf break.

On the Future of Retail

“I think that brick and mortar can still be very successful. Retail has evolved and is forever changed because of the internet and social media. There are still so many people who love the art of shopping…. Its a social activity and can be very interactive. Shoppers will always be inspired by merchandising, feeling fabrics, trying on clothes, thumbing through a book. Its part of the physical experience and will never get old.”

209 S Garey St., Los Angeles