The Grove LA Directory
The Grove is an open-air retail and entertainment complex in Los Angeles, developed by Rick Caruso and adjacent to the historic Original Farmers Market. Anchored by Nordstrom and Barnes & Noble, it features more than 70 stores including Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Apple, Anthropologie, and Zara. Located at 189 The Grove Drive, it’s known for its animated dancing fountains, vintage-style trolley, and 14-screen AMC theater. The Grove is owned and operated by Caruso, with its official website at thegrovela.com.
About The Grove
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | The Grove (The Grove at Farmers Market) |
| Type | Open-air lifestyle center |
| Location | Los Angeles, California (Fairfax District) |
| Address | 189 The Grove Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90036 |
| Opened | February/March 2002 |
| Developer / Owner | Caruso (Rick Caruso) |
| Architect | David Williams, Elkus Manfredi |
| Anchor Stores | Nordstrom, Barnes & Noble |
| Number of Stores | 70+ |
| Floor Area | Approximately 575,000–640,000 sq ft |
| Notable Stat | One of the highest-grossing shopping centers in the U.S., roughly $2,460 in sales per sq ft |
| Official Website | thegrovela.com |
| Main Phone Number | (323) 900-8080 |
Hours
The Grove is open seven days a week, 365 days a year:
- Monday – Thursday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Friday – Saturday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Restaurants, the AMC theater, and Nordstrom often keep extended hours beyond general retail closing. It’s best to check specific venue hours on thegrovela.com before visiting.
What Makes The Grove Different
Unlike a typical mall, The Grove was designed to feel like a European or Mediterranean town square rather than an enclosed shopping center. Rick Caruso hired a former Disney “Imagineer” to design its signature trolley, and personally selected the flowers planted throughout the property.
Signature Features
- The Fountain – A choreographed, animated dancing fountain at the center of the complex
- The Trolley – A free vintage-style tram connecting The Grove to the adjacent Original Farmers Market
- Central Park – Open green space designed for lingering rather than just passing through
- 14-Screen AMC Theatre – Art Deco–influenced design
Store Directory by Category
Below is a directory of well-known stores by category.
Luxury & Designer
| Store Name | Category |
|---|---|
| Gucci | Luxury Fashion |
| Louis Vuitton | Luxury Fashion |
| David Yurman | Fine Jewelry |
| Coach | Handbags & Accessories |
| Michael Kors | Handbags & Accessories |
| Vince | Contemporary Fashion |
| Todd Snyder | Menswear |
Fashion & Apparel
| Store Name | Category |
|---|---|
| Zara | Apparel |
| Anthropologie | Apparel |
| Aritzia | Apparel |
| Sandro | Apparel |
| Brandy Melville | Apparel |
| Banana Republic | Apparel |
| Edikted | Apparel |
| ALO | Athletic Apparel |
Beauty & Fragrance
| Store Name | Category |
|---|---|
| Sephora | Beauty |
| Charlotte Tilbury | Beauty |
| Byredo | Fragrance |
| Diptyque | Fragrance & Candles |
| Valentino Beauty | Beauty |
Books, Electronics & Home
| Store Name | Category |
|---|---|
| Apple | Electronics |
| Barnes & Noble | Books |
| Arhaus | Home Goods |
Dining
| Restaurant | Category |
|---|---|
| The Cheesecake Factory | American |
| Maggiano’s Little Italy | Italian |
| Din Tai Fung | Chinese (Xiao Long Bao) |
| Alma Cocina de Mexico | Mexican |
| American Beauty Steakhouse | Steakhouse |
| Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar & Grill | Sushi |
| Bar Verde (at Nordstrom) | American |
| See’s Candies | Candy |
| Wetzel’s Pretzels | Pretzels |
Note: The Grove regularly rotates tenants and features seasonal pop-up shops. Confirm current listings at thegrovela.com before your visit.
A Short History
The site was originally part of a dairy farm owned by A.F. Gilmore in the late 19th century, later becoming surface parking lots and a nursery. After nearly two decades of stalled development attempts, the Gilmore family partnered with Caruso Affiliated on a scaled-back plan following neighborhood concerns over traffic and scale. Nordstrom signed on as anchor in 2001, and The Grove opened in early 2002 at a privately financed cost of roughly $160 million. It won the Urban Land Institute’s Award for Excellence in 2003, and remains one of Rick Caruso’s flagship projects, later inspiring similar Caruso properties like Americana at Brand in Glendale.
Getting to The Grove
The Grove sits at the intersection of Third Street and Fairfax Avenue, directly connected to the Original Farmers Market by its signature trolley. Several Metro bus lines serve the Wilshire/Fairfax area, and valet and self-parking are available on-site, with curbside pickup located at Central Valet off Fairfax Avenue.
Tips for Visiting The Grove
Catch the Fountain Show
The choreographed dancing fountain runs on a schedule throughout the day. Timing a walk past the central plaza around a show adds a free bit of entertainment to your visit.
Pair Your Trip with the Farmers Market
The free trolley connects directly to the adjacent Original Farmers Market. It’s worth riding over for lunch or browsing the market’s food stalls before or after shopping.
Book Din Tai Fung or Maggiano’s Ahead
Both restaurants draw long waits during peak dinner hours. Reserving ahead, where possible, saves standing in line.
Check for Seasonal Pop-Ups
The Grove regularly hosts limited-time shops and holiday displays, especially around Christmas. It’s worth checking current offerings before your visit if you’re after something specific.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many stores are at The Grove?
The Grove has more than 70 stores and restaurants, anchored by Nordstrom and Barnes & Noble.
What are the hours for The Grove?
The Grove is open seven days a week, 365 days a year, generally from 10:00 AM–9:00 or 10:00 PM on weekdays and Saturdays, and 11:00 AM–8:00 PM on Sundays.
Who owns The Grove?
The Grove is owned and operated by Caruso, the real estate company founded by Rick Caruso.
Is The Grove connected to the Original Farmers Market?
Yes, a free vintage-style trolley connects The Grove directly to the adjacent Original Farmers Market.
What is the phone number for The Grove?
The main phone number is (323) 900-8080.
