Gum Saan

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CLOSED NOW - Opens at 10:00am

Although it may be a bit out of the ordinary to have a Chinese import store in the heart of Old Town, it is a store with history which would then make it fit right in to the area. Based on historical information given to me by the owner, it was the discovery of gold in California that was the primary reason for Chinese immigration. They called California ‘Gum Saan' meaning the Golden Mountain.



The store is inspired by the history as well as the background of the owner's grandmother who moved to Japan in her younger years when her husband was stationed there. She brought back her Far East influences which have continued to be a part of what the store is today.



Twice a year there is a three-day convention in LA at which time pieces for the store are selected and vendor relationships are formed. The furniture, jewelry, décor and overall cultural atmosphere of the store is enough reason to pay it a visit, but there is also a genuine appreciation for a store owner who enjoys explaining the history and has an in-depth knowledge about the store's background so that it can be proudly passed on to inquiring customers.