villainy general store – Echo Park Now

villainy_storefront

This is a bit sad news because we’ve gotten to know owners and Echo Parkians Erich Schlieske and Ellen McAlister (eEvil Ink Design) quite well. Villainy General Store opened in the former Echo Curio space almost exactly two years ago, taking on the challenge of renovating the space and that terribly tiny bathroom. Erich announced the store’s closing on the store’s Facebook page, saying:

THANK YOU ECHO PARK !!! We have met so many very cool and gracious people here. We met lots of neighbors, old-timers, new-timers and for the most part we’ve been well received and we’ve always appreciated that kindness.

Who knew that a Villainy General Store could last for 2 years? More importantly, what is a “Villainy General Store”? It was an experiment, what can I say? I’ve always been intrigued by junk drawers, misfit accessories, vintage curios and funny, odd gifts.

And a curious store it is – but we’ve always found something to take home. Since the store won’t be closing until the end of December, you can still pick up some great and unique gifts, including cheeky greeting cards and (my favorite) t-shirts with hipster sayings like “Echo Park: Where Silver Lake Comes to get Drunk.” After December you can always check them out online at villainyla.com.

What will be next for the storefront on Sunset Boulevard and Laveta Terrace? Perhaps another boutique?

Villainy General Store opened its doors just last month, on September 15, 2011, taking over the former Echo Curio space after a couple of different places tried and failed to renovate and rent the space (a coffee shop/bakery type place, the a tattoo shop). After repainting the walls, rehabbing the original floor, replacing the stained glass window at the front (someone had broken it), and thankfully improving the bathroom, Villainy was open!

You can find owner Erich Schlieske by the cash register. He and wife Ellen McAlister started eEvil Ink Design in 2003, producing everything from greeting cards to silk-screened t-shirts, bags, journals, and more. Better yet? They live in Echo Park!

If you haven’t been to the new store yet, you should check it out – and, no, you don’t have to be a hipster to dig it. Some of the items I was eying and will definitely go back for include some of the Giurto’s Vita-Grain, which is a high-quality brand that makes flour, salt, and even organic cereal and polenta. The pancake mix they make is on my next shopping list, so that I can force the hubby make me breakfast one of these days soon.

Also of note (should any of my family be reading this article, hint hint): Peppercorn Bacon bitters for those houty touty cocktail nights, a 5 quart Dutch oven ($60 is a great price on that), lucky horseshoes for a mere $5, cast iron cookware and these really cool wood letter cutouts that I’m pretty sure would at least spell B-E-E-R in some combination (they run from $3-10). And of course, there are plenty of eEvil Ink items to pick up.

For some of these items the price might appear a little steep – but a trip to other specialty item stores like Whole Foods and TJs and there isn’t much of a difference. For instance if you’re into organic floor cleaner made from natural ingredients, you’re not exactly paying supermarket prices. If anything, Villainy is really a great local place to drop in and pick up a unique gift for someone, especially those people who are hard to shop for or already have everything.

And today’s (Saturday, October 15) a great day to swing in – they are hosting a grand opening party, celebrating with refreshments and music from 7:00 – 10:00 pm.

Villainy is located at 1519 W. Sunset Blvd.

Check out our photo gallery below:

Get the flash player here: http://www.adobe.com/flashplayer

Tag Archive for: villainy general store

Villainy General Store closing for good

Villainy fills in the former Echo Curio space nicely