Los Feliz Business Directory

Quite possibly the most unique store in the world, Soap Plant / Wacko is an international shopping destination that has attracted visitors from most countries on all seven continents (Antarctica included!) and seems to epitomize the cultural versatility of Los Angeles. Started in 1971 by proprietor Billy Shire as a soap, oil and incense shop, the business expanded to include unique fashions and jewelry, local and imported folk art, toys, prints and posters. Today the store occupies 5200 square feet (in what was once the Los Feliz Post Office), and in addition to the essential oils and shower products that launched the business nearly 40 years ago, houses one of the world's most thorough collections of postcards, chotchkies, art books, and collectible art- toys. Since 1986, the store has also incorporated La Luz de Jesus Gallery, which helped launch the Lowbrow and Pop-surrealism movements of California art, and continues to support, promote and advance the Los Angeles art scene via groundbreaking exhibitions that have built careers while gaining global attention.