Drumroll, please! Following yesterday's roundup, here are the 10 most popular stories published this year that scored the most clicks and taps from UncoverLA readers. Read on below, and we'll see you in 2021!
10. L.A. Store Owners and Protesters React to Demonstrations (May 31)
Local store owners and protesters shared their accounts of the Black Lives Matters demonstrations as well as their thoughts on the rioting and looting — mostly by non-protesters — that followed. "Although our business has been impacted and we feel for our neighbors and their losses, personally we are not upset about losing profits right now. It is temporary," Capsule Parfumery (formerly Orris Perfumery) co-founder Linda Sivrican told us. "These protests are a very necessary message that must be heard by everyone in order to make a permanent change in our society. We stand in solidarity with the protesters. More than ever, it's Black lives that need our support the most right now."
9. Peek Inside L.A.'s Stylish New Massage Mecca Designed to Inspire Viral Kindness (Jan. 17)
Culver City retail hub Platform scored a positivity-promoting massage haven, Lifehood, in January. Founded by fashion and lifestyle industry veteran Amy Krofchick (the former co-founder of The Now) created the wellness studio as a way to encourage R&R seekers to "love it forward" by gifting treatments to others.
8. Black-Owned Fashion and Beauty Brands and Stores to Shop in L.A. (June 5)
In addition to our roundup of the best vegan- and vegetarian-friendly L.A. coffee shops and cafes owned by Black entrepreneurs, our list of the most stylish (and Black-owned) fashion and beauty brands also got readers clicking and shopping.
7. You Can Shop Flesh-Toned Face Masks to Match Your Skims Shapewear Starting Today (May 16)
If you're a loyal UncoverLA reader, you've likely noticed the lack of Kardashian kontent here (yup, that was our choice). We did, however, make an exception for the launch of KKW-owned label Skims' skin tone-hued face masks, as the brand also donated product and $1 million to COVID-19 relief efforts.
6. Gucci Beauty's First Pop-Up in L.A. Will House a Luxe Diner, Library, & More (Feb. 27)
Luxury beauty buffs were treated to the Gucci Beauty Network Studios in early March, right before the city shuttered because of the pandemic. The two-day beauty pop-up was inspired by Hollywood and housed a "screen test" photo booth, a cool diner, and more photogenic corners inspired by its fragrances and cosmetics.
5. Here Are the Reopening Plans of Popular LA and OC Shopping Centers and Streets (May 29)
Angelenos were itching to get back to their regular shopping routines, as shown by the popularity of our status update on L.A. and OC's most popular retail centers. Outdoor destinations such as The Grove, Americana at Brand, Palisades Village, Platform, and Westfield Century City remained open for the public to enjoy, while indoor spots like the Beverly Center were temporarily closed. As of today, L.A. stores are limited to 35% capacity and outdoor dining is on hold (however, you can still order for takeout and curbside pickup at restaurants).
4. This Magical Motel in the Arts District Will Transport You to an Alternate Universe (Jan. 28)
Elsewhere at the Madcap Motel was among the most anticipated immersive experiences of 2020, only to be postponed indefinitely because of the pandemic. The grand opening date is still up in the air, and you can sign up for the event's newsletter for updates at Madcap Motel's website.
3. The 11 Best Outdoor Workouts in L.A. for Angelenos Missing the Gym (Aug. 27)
Angelenos were running to return to their regular workout routines, and many L.A. fitness studios brought their sweat sessions to rooftops and sidewalks.
2. A Running List of Non-Medical Face Masks to Buy from L.A. Brands (While Donating to Those in Need)
As coronavirus prevention efforts ramped up in L.A. in early April, Angelenos were snapping up N95 and non-medical face masks. These were some of our favorite brands producing the face coverings, and most (if not all) donated product to essential workers or gave proceeds to nonprofit organizations supporting relief efforts.
1. When Is Barneys New York Closing Its Beverly Hills Store?
It seems like a zillion years ago that Barneys New York's closing was the biggest retail headline. The legendary designer department store shuttered all of its brick-and-mortar locations, including in Beverly Hills, and we kept readers up to date on everything from insiders' favorite memories to the best store closing deals.
