In the heart of Los Angeles, a 900-square-foot space is proving that small-scale retail can thrive by evolving into something much larger than a store. Located on Glendale Boulevard, nestled between Echo Park and Historic Filipinotown, A Good Used Book has transitioned from a traditional retail bookstore into a dynamic community artisan craft space and food market.
By reimagining the role of a brick-and-mortar shop, the bookstore has become a vital sanctuary for local vendors and readers alike, offering a curated experience that challenges the dominance of global e-commerce giants.
The Sunday Funday Market: A Weekly Transformation
Every Sunday, A Good Used Book undergoes a complete metamorphosis. The retail bookstore transforms into the “Sunday Funday Market,” where the shelves and aisles make room for a rotating cast of local creators. This weekly event allows LA pop-ups to showcase their crafts, giving visitors the opportunity to discover everything from Filipino-inspired ceramics to vintage Japanese audio gear and hot honey pizza.
The market serves as more than just a shopping destination; it is a strategic effort to build connections among small business owners. Founders Jenny Yang and Chris Capizzi use the space to help vendors strategize layout and timing to ensure maximum success for everyone involved.
From Pop-Up Roots to Permanent Residency
The vision for A Good Used Book was not born overnight. Before opening their permanent doors in October 2023, Yang and Capizzi spent seven years operating as a pop-up. Their experience selling at iconic Los Angeles venues—including the Pasadena Rose Bowl Flea Market and the Melrose Trading Post—deeply influenced the store’s current model.
This history of vending taught the founders how isolating running a small business can be. By opening their physical location to other local vendors, they are paying homage to their roots and creating a collaborative environment that mitigates the loneliness of entrepreneurship.
The “Ant” vs. “Goliath”: Challenging Retail Giants
The philosophy behind A Good Used Book is rooted in a necessary defiance of “mega giant online sellers.” In an era dominated by corporations like Amazon and Barnes & Noble, Yang and Capizzi believe that creativity and community are the only viable competitive advantages for independent shops.
“Mega giant online sellers have the scale and the resources and the patience and the reach to capture most people,” says Chris Capizzi. “Whereas for us, I think we have to be really creative — we have to band together.”
Capizzi describes the power imbalance in stark terms, noting that compared to the “Goliath” of big-box retail, independent sellers are “just the ant underneath David’s foot.” The solution, according to the founders, is to gather as many small-scale creators as possible to create a collective strength.
A Calendar of Community Events
While the Sunday market is a primary draw, the store maintains a consistent rhythm of community-focused events designed to keep the neighborhood engaged. These gatherings are often promoted via hand-drawn flyers created by well-known artist Noah Harmon.
Weekly Highlights:
- Hi-Fi Friday Night: A dedicated evening for audio enthusiasts and music lovers.
- Saturday School: A weekend gathering focused on learning and community.
- Sunday Funday Market: The weekly artisan and food pop-up event.
Key Takeaways for Visitors
If you’re planning a visit to this unique Los Angeles landmark, here is what you need to know:
- Location: Glendale Boulevard, situated between Echo Park and Historic Filipinotown.
- Core Offering: A blend of used books, local artisan crafts and community pop-up markets.
- Best Time to Visit: Sundays for the full “Sunday Funday Market” experience.
- Atmosphere: A compact, 900-square-foot space focused on local creativity and independent spirit.
The Future of Local Retail
A Good Used Book represents a growing trend in urban retail: the “hybrid” space. By refusing to be just one thing, the store ensures its relevance and survival. It serves as a blueprint for how small businesses can survive in the shadow of e-commerce by prioritizing human connection, local artistry, and mutual support over mere transactions.