Originally founded by Hilary and Richard’s parents, Selma and Bernie, Sticker Planet is a favorite destination for both children and adults. In fact, a large portion of the store’s clientele are crafters and artists who use stickers to create cards, event invitations, journals and other fun projects. With new and repeat customers visiting every day, Sticker Planet is one of the happiest, most enjoyable stores in the Market. We had a chance to chat with Hilary and Richard about their store:

How did it all get started?

Hilary: Our parents had the original idea to create a specialized sticker store. In 1990, they were planning to open a store selling artistic rubber stamps because rubber stamping was a popular hobby back then. While at a retailers’ trade show looking for merchandise, they happened by a booth where Andrea Grossman was selling her stickers. Mrs. Grossman’s Paper Company was one of the originators of the sticker craze in the 1980s.

Our parents were inspired by Andrea Grossman and wanted to set up their store with stickers displayed on rolls, just like Mrs. Grossman’s trade show booth. Andrea discouraged them, explaining that most stores no longer sold stickers on rolls and told them it was more efficient to order stickers in packages now-a-days. But, our parents were determined and placed an order for rolls only…and the rest is history. Today we still sell on rolls…the old-school way!

Richard: We’re the only store like ours that we know of anywhere. We have a gigantic selection of stickers… at least 5,000 different stickers at any one time with many on rolls so

people can pick exactly what they want. We carry so many varieties…from fuzzies to scratch ‘n sniff, 3-D, decals and more. Our store motto is “the world’s best stickers, all in one place!”

Hilary: We also carry temporary tattoos (because they stick to the skin) and hundreds of fun, educational sticker books. We have stickers that are reusable to keep kids occupied for hours on long trips.

What do you want people to know about your store?

Hilary: The biggest misconception people have about our store is that it’s just for kids, but really so many of our customers are adults who do crafting, journaling and all kinds of art. We love seeing how creative our customers are.

Richard: We also have business clients who use stickers for promotional materials or to create things like fun nametags for corporate meetings or events.

What’s the best part of being in the Farmers Market?

Hilary: Seeing so many people wander into our store with looks of amazement. When people walk in and have a joyful 10 or 15 minutes (or sometimes an hour or two), I’m thrilled we can contribute that happiness to their lives. We truly love being part of the Farmers Market community. The Market is such an eclectic mix of people, not only from LA, but from all over the world.

Richard: We’ve been here over three decades and we’re still the newbie store. There are merchants who’ve been here much longer than we have, and it’s nice to be part of something that’s such an important part of Los Angeles history.