For over two years, we’ve been visiting, sharing, and reporting on microgrocery stores—also known as Shoppy Shops, a term coined in Emily Sundberg’s viral article—around Los Angeles. As designers in the food CPG world, we were intrigued by this new breed of store, distinct from the regular grocery stores we shop at on weekends. These microgrocery stores are driven by a passion for food, innovation, connection, and, above all, community. They offer a curated selection of unique, new-to-market products, some of which we’ve never seen before, or only online. The store designs are equally captivating—thoughtful and exciting, enhancing the products displayed on their shelves and in their fridges.

While we’re not saying goodbye to our series, we’re taking a pause from regular reporting. Expect to see new articles pop up now and then as we continue to discover more stores. During the pandemic, we saw how these intimate, safe environments became a refuge, providing excitement and a sense of adventure that broke up the isolation of home life. Their popularity reached an all-time high. But as the world shifts toward “normalcy,” we’ve noticed that everyday practicality is starting to impact these stores.

Shops like L.A. Grocery and Cafe serve as a perfect example of finding the middle ground—offering a mix of niche, interesting products alongside more mainstream essentials, like Heinz ketchup and aluminum foil. Another example is the new Larchmont Cookbook, which features a coffee bar and cafe, allowing you to grab a cup of coffee, enjoy lunch, and pick up everything you need for dinner. Similarly, Sua Superette incorporates a full coffee shop and offers prepared food from Organic Oren.

We’re curious to see where the trend of the microgrocery store will go, especially as slightly larger specialty stores like Erewhon continue to thrive. We love these microgrocery stores and will continue supporting them in every way we can. They’ve become an integral part of the greater Los Angeles community, as well as the local neighborhoods they serve.

We encourage everyone to check out the map we’ve put together (so far) and visit one near you!

Lady & Larder – 828 Pico Blvd Suite 2, Santa Monica, CA 90405

Gjusta Goods – 324 Sunset Ave, Venice, CA 90291

Fatty Mart – 12210 Venice Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90066

Gratitude Market – 4874 W Adams Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90016

Hi-Lo Liquor Market – 8582 Washington Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232

Helms Bakery – 8800 Venice Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90034

Sightglass Coffee – 7051 Willoughby Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038

Cookbook Market Larchmont – 310 N Larchmont Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90004

Sua Superette – 144 N Larchmont Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90004

L.A. Grocery and Cafe – 5059 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038

Open Market – 3339 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90010

Bestie’s Vegan Paradise – 4882 Fountain Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90029

Soft Spirits – 3333 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026

Cookbook Market Echo Park – 1549 Echo Park Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90026

Dada Market – 1606 W Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026

Sesame LA – 441 Gin Ling Wy, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Yoboseyo Superette – 358 E 2nd St, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Grow The Produce Shop – 300 S Santa Fe Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90013

The Golden Poppy Market – 1209 Cypress Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90065

Wine & Eggs – 3129 1/2 Glendale Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90039

LA HOMEFARM – 3389 Eagle Rock Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90065

Cookbook Market Highland Park – 5611 N Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90042

Carla’s Fresh Market – 248 N Avenue 50, Los Angeles, CA 90042

Sips & Snacks – 5003 York Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90042

Potluck Local – 4705 York Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90042

Roma Market – 918 N Lake Ave, Pasadena, CA 91104

Altadena Food & Beverage – 1850 Allen Ave, Pasadena, CA 91104