To a regular hipster, finding somewhere to shop can be rather difficult, especially when thrift stores and shopping malls are becoming too “mainstream.” Due to a rising epidemic where regular shopping malls are considered monotonous, The LAB Anti-Mall was created to fight conforming shopping centers in 1993.
The LAB, “Little American Business,” supports small businesses by establishing a spot where the hip can hang out. Shops like PopKiller, Buffalo Exchange, and the Shangri-la have claimed The LAB as their home.
Modern-day hipsters come here to find treasures no “normal” person would be seen in. Buffalo Exchange acts as a consignment store that sells higher-quality clothes for a cheaper price. PopKiller offers vintage and quirky pieces that only a real hipster would wear. To live out your jewelry fantasy, Shangri-la showcases unique, wearable artwork any normal person would fall in love with.
As if hipsters aren’t happy enough with the lively shops, the LAB also adopted the Gypsy Den and Zipangu. Both are trendy restaurants any hipster would be content with.
Featuring healthy homemade foods, the Gypsy Den Cafe reflects a bohemian vibe fit for the modern-day youth. This vegan and meat friendly cafe also hosts open mic nights and poetry readings for those who have “a lot of feelings.”
Zipangu, a Japanese restaurant, exhibits sushi from two menus. The traditional menu consists of authentic sushi and is selected by the chef only. The modern menu is for those who wish to experience what is hip with the Japanese youth.
The LAB is the perfect place for hipsters to shop to avoid mainstream society. Don’t all rush there at once though! These type of people have special hipster-senses that alarm them when something is becoming too mainstream.
