A lineup of disconnected plaster legs display hosiery in a rainbow of colors. On the ground, where the little kids can get at them, are seductive battery-driven plastic toys, incessantly gyrating and squawking. Around the corner, a boom box blasts away. Over here, next to a tie rack, a rotating light beacon shoots out dazzling red, white, blue, and green flashes. Self conscious teenagers prance or slouch by.
Harried mothers try to distract their kids from the costume jewelry and grotesque cosmetics.
It's a carnival, a comedy of manners set on a richly decorated stage. It is one of L.A.'s most amazing public spaces. Weekends are more crowded and playful than week days. The entrance to the CalMart is on Ninth Street between Los Angeles and Main Streets. You can't shop in the CalMart unless you have a re-sellers license, but you can eat lunch there.