Have a Look Inside Amazon's New Store in Glendale

Drew Grant

Drew Grant is dot.LA's Senior Editor. She's a media veteran with over 15-plus years covering entertainment and local journalism. During her tenure at The New York Observer, she founded one of their most popular verticals, tvDownload, and transitioned from generalist to Senior Editor of Entertainment and Culture, overseeing a freelance contributor network and ushering in the paper's redesign. More recently, she was Senior Editor of Special Projects at Collider, a writer for RottenTomatoes streaming series on Peacock and a consulting editor at RealClearLife, Ranker and GritDaily. You can find her across all social media platforms as @Videodrew and send tips to drew@dot.la.

Amazon Style Glendale
Image by Joshua Letona

Starting today, Glendale’s most meme-able outdoor mall, The Americana at Brand, will be home to the Amazon Style store—the ecommerce giant’s first foray into brick-and-mortar apparel retail. We got an early sneak peak inside the new digs (located on the corner with Sprinkles Cupcakes, next to H&M and the Apple store) and were able to try out some of its tech-enabled features, which—as ever with Amazon—seek to make the act of shopping as easy as possible.


1. It’s Bigger Than It Looks—Even From the Inside

The floor is massive—laying out original products from Amazon’s own apparel lines alongside name brands like Theory, Adidas and Calvin Klein, as well as several other lines that have up until now only existed online. But the actual store is much larger than the two floors that most customers will only ever see.

Amazon Style is just the front—the homepage, if you will—behind which a large warehouse facility keeps a gigantic surplus of inventory. A floor-to-ceiling glass window on the main floor gives shoppers just a peak behind the scenes, as employees help load industrial-sized elevators with racks of goods to send upstairs to the dressing rooms.

2. Online Shopping IRL

When perusing the store’s bouquet of cottagecore maxi dresses, Kendall & Kylie blazers and, yes, a whole section dedicated to Y2K apparel, one doesn’t just pick an item off the rack and take it with you while you shop. Instead, each rack has a barcode that you can scan via the Amazon Shopping app, which has your sizes pre-loaded from previous purchases. (You can opt for a different size if you choose.) That cues an AI-enabled algorithm to start searching through the store’s warehoused catalog and zip the desired item over to the second floor, where the dressing room provides its own glimpse into the future of shopping.

The store also boasts a version of The Drop, an Amazon staple that allows online customers to shop entire influencer-curated collections for a 30-hour flash window.

3. Changing Stations of the Future—Today

Your phone also acts as your keycard to get into your personal dressing room. To prevent waiting, you are put in a virtual cue the moment you scan your first item; should the Amazon app prompt that your room is ready while you’re still shopping, a tap of your screen allows you to hold your spot in the queue while freeing up the room for someone else. (And if your phone dies while you’re waiting, Amazon says a Style employee on the floor will be happy to help you keep your place in line, or hook you up with a charge.)

Amazon Style’s dressing rooms offer a tech-enabled twist to trying on clothes.Image by Joshua Letona

The changing room is like its own parlor trick. Designed to look like a walk-in closet, one wall has a full-length mirror and a giant touchscreen while another has all the clothes you scanned in your style and size preference. Expect to see a few surprises in there, as Amazon’s algorithm picks out other stuff you might want to try on based on your picks. It would be spooky if it wasn’t so convenient—an IRL mashup of the online retailer’s “Recommended Based on Your Purchases” and “Frequently Bought Together” features.

If an item doesn’t fit quite right or you want to see how a skirt looks in blue instead of black, just tap the touchscreen to request a variant. Or an entirely new outfit, as the screen makes available everything in the facility. Then just bring it down to checkout—perhaps the wildest part of this ride.

4. Palming the Bucks

Checking out of Amazon Style’s flagship store is what really blew my mind—although apparently it’s because I haven’t been to one of the Amazon Go, Amazon Fresh or Whole Foods locations where cashless checkouts have been an option in select stores since 2020.

I assumed you could just walk out the door with your purchase, because I watch "Saturday Night Live" sketches for news. While the Go payment option isn't available at Amazon Style, there are several checkout options to keep the experience as frictionless and non-cumbersome as possible.

One way is to take the clothes you want out of the dressing room and go directly to Amazon’s palm-enabled checkout kiosks. That’s right: Register on the spot for an Amazon One account, and you need merely to wave your hand over a little black device that reads your palm and charges your on-file payment method. It’s super convenient for everyone except $10 boardwalk psychics, who just may be put out of business by such technology.

For the more traditional set, you still have the option of paying via credit card or cash.

Shoppers can check out of Amazon Style with the wave of a palm. Image by Joshua Letona

5. Supply & Demand & Return

Amazon Style’s brick-and-mortar location opens up a variety of new ways to shop, return and exchange clothing. For instance, you can order a load of clothes online and pick them up in the store; anything you don’t want can be returned in the store without you ever having to print a shipping label.

See something you like but don’t have time to try it on? Just scan the barcode, pick it up at the front of the store and pay on your way out without ever going into a dressing room.

The Amazon Shopping app also boasts a Deals feature, which automatically sorts for the best price on items to help customers either save money (or believe they are).

While Glendale is home to the only Style store so far, Amazon isn’t ruling out more locations. With fewer retailers able to afford rents on America’s main strips and shopping malls, Amazon’s resources—and its unique position at the intersection of tech and retail—make it easy to envision more Style stores on the horizon.

A Look Inside Amazon's New Retail Store in Glendale

Image by Joshua Letona

Luxurious Second Home Ownership without the Headache: How Pacaso is Changing the Landscape of Real Estate

🔦 Spotlight

Pacaso addresses the pain points of second home ownership, offering a luxurious, flexible, and financially sound alternative to traditional second homes and ultra-luxury hotels. Co-founded in 2020 by entrepreneur Austin Allison and former Zillow executive and prominent LA tech figure Spencer Rascoff, Pacaso, an unicorn startup, has redefined vacation home ownership with its unique co-ownership model. Rascoff's contributions to the LA tech scene extend beyond real estate; he also founded 75 & Sunny, an LA-based startup studio and venture fund, and co-founded dot.LA, an LA tech news and events company.

LA residents adore Pacaso for its lush vacation destinations that also make for smart investments. Pacaso offers everything from serene weekend getaways in Aspen to sophisticated escapes in Paris. Each residence, valued between $200k to over $2M for 1/8th, boasts meticulous design, high-end furnishings, and premium amenities. Unlike traditional second home ownership, which involves high costs, maintenance, and underutilization, or ultra-luxury hotels, which lack the personal touch and investment potential, Pacaso's co-ownership model offers a superior solution. Co-owners enjoy the benefits of a high-end vacation home without the full financial burden and hassle of sole ownership, making it a smarter and more flexible choice for discerning buyers.


Image Source: Pacaso

Cabo, Mexico

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5 bds. l 5 ba. l 4,969 sq ft

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Image Source: Pacaso

Paris, France

$600,000 (1/8th ownership)

2 bds. l 2.5 ba. l 1,410 sq ft

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Image Source: Pacaso

Malibu, California

$750,000 (1/8th ownership)

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Image Source: Pacaso

Park City, Utah

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Head to Pacaso to learn more about its innovative co-ownership model that addresses the common challenges of second home ownership!


🤝 Venture Deals

LA Companies

  • Oak Essentials, the natural skincare brand founded by Jenni Kayne, has raised an undisclosed amount in Series A Funding from Silas Capital and Unilever Ventures. This investment will drive the brand’s expansion, focusing on product development, boosting marketing efforts, and expanding distribution channels. - learn more
  • Playhouse MD, an upcoming children’s healthcare platform that incorporates play to enhance health outcomes, has raised $4M in funding, according to a recent SEC filing. - learn more
  • FluidLogic, a high-performance hydration system provider, raised $15M in a Series A Extension led by Solyco Capital to support product development and innovation for adventure sports and outdoor endurance categories, with consumer products launching in early 2025. - learn more
  • Reflect Orbital, which uses in-space reflectors to direct sunlight to solar farms and large-scale lighting applications after sunset, has raised $6.5M in seed funding led by Sequoia Capital. The funding will help the company develop production vehicles and expand its team as it builds space-based energy infrastructure. - learn more

LA Venture Funds
  • Smash Capital led a €20M Series B round into Vilnius-based Ovoko, an e-commerce platform for buying and selling used car parts across Europe, marking Smash Capital's first investment in Lithuania. The funds will support Ovoko's product development, market expansion, and team growth as it aims to dominate the European market for second-hand automotive components. - learn more
  • M13 led a $9M Series A Funding Round for Zenlytic, the world’s first self-serve business intelligence platform. - learn more



LA Exits

  • Continuum Global Solutions’ healthcare vertical has been acquired by Everise, a customer service management company, enhancing Everise’s capabilities in pharmacy benefit management and expanding its growth prospects in the healthcare sector. - learn more
  • Radical Semiconductor, a company specializing in processing-in-memory technology, has been acquired by BTQ Technologies, a leader in post-quantum cryptography. This acquisition strengthens BTQ’s ability to secure data in the post-quantum era by integrating Radical Semiconductor's advanced technology portfolio. - learn more

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🎧The Essential Podcast Playlist for Entrepreneurs, Founders, Tech Pros, and VCs

Podcasts offer a front-row seat into the minds of the most successful entrepreneurs, VCs, and industry thought leaders. Whether you're scaling your startup, raising capital, or simply staying ahead of the game, these shows deliver invaluable insights, actionable lessons, and fresh inspiration. And let’s be honest, if you’re stuck in LA traffic (again), what better way to kill time than by learning from the best? Here’s a roundup of our top podcasts for entrepreneurs, founders, tech professionals, and VCs, complete with why they’re a must-listen.

Image Source: Apple Podcasts

The a16z Podcast

  • What it discusses: Covering a broad spectrum of topics like AI, blockchain, healthcare, and fintech, the podcast features interviews with founders, VCs, and tech leaders shaping the future.
  • Why you should listen: Get access to cutting-edge insights from one of the world’s most influential VC firms, keeping you ahead of emerging trends.
  • Why it’s great for entrepreneurs, founders, and VCs: This podcast brings cutting-edge insights from one of the top VC firms. Entrepreneurs will learn about emerging technologies, while VCs can stay ahead of investment trends shaping the future of tech.

Listen on: Spotify |Apple Podcasts



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Acquired Podcast

  • What it discusses: Acquired breaks down the stories behind major tech acquisitions, IPOs, and exits, dissecting the strategies and market dynamics involved.
  • Why you should listen: Gain deep insights into how tech giants build and sell, making it essential for anyone aiming to understand successful exits.
  • Why it’s great for entrepreneurs, founders, and VCs: Perfect for founders looking to scale or position themselves for acquisition. VCs will benefit from the deep dives into the playbooks of successful exits, offering valuable lessons on company growth and market positioning.

Listen on: Spotify |Apple Podcasts



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The All-In Podcast

  • What it discusses: From venture capital and tech trends to politics and economics, this podcast delivers unfiltered, candid commentary from high-profile industry insiders.
  • Why you should listen: It’s a no-holds-barred discussion on major issues affecting the tech industry, providing you with insider insights into the conversations that shape Silicon Valley.
  • Why it’s great for entrepreneurs, founders, and VCs: The candid, unfiltered conversations give listeners a peek into the decision-making processes of some of the biggest names in tech and VC. Entrepreneurs can gain valuable market insights, while investors will appreciate the high-level strategy discussions.

Listen on:Spotify | Apple Podcasts



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BG2 Podcast

  • What it discusses: BG2 takes you through macroeconomic trends, the tech market, venture capital insights, and cutting-edge technologies like AI. It’s a high-level conversation on tech investing.
  • Why you should listen: Brad and Bill’s deep experience in tech investing, combined with their straightforward, no-nonsense style, makes this a must-listen for tech insiders.
  • Why it’s great for entrepreneurs, founders, and VCs: Get insider-level insights into the macro trends driving tech investments. Founders will learn how to navigate these trends, while VCs can better understand the shifting forces in the venture world.

Listen on: Spotify | Apple Podcasts



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Crucible Moments Podcast

  • What it discusses: The podcast dives into the pivotal, career-defining moments of top leaders and entrepreneurs. Guests share personal stories of resilience, growth, and how they overcame adversity.
  • Why you should listen: It’s packed with inspirational stories of grit and perseverance, offering lessons that apply to both life and business.
  • Why it’s great for entrepreneurs, founders, and VCs: The podcast’s focus on personal and professional resilience makes it especially valuable for entrepreneurs who need inspiration during tough times, and VCs who want to understand how founders overcome adversity.

Listen on: Spotify | Apple Podcasts



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Grit Podcast

  • What it discusses: In-depth interviews with founders, executives, and leaders who share stories of navigating challenges, building resilience, and finding success in tough times.
  • Why you should listen: If you want raw, real stories of leadership and determination, this podcast offers invaluable insights into what it takes to lead in business.
  • Why it’s great for entrepreneurs, founders, and VCs: The podcast’s focus on perseverance and leadership makes it a must-listen for founders facing challenges in their business. VCs will gain insights into the traits that make strong, resilient founders.

Listen on: Spotify | Apple Podcasts



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The Twenty Minute VC

  • What it discusses: Featuring short, insightful interviews with top VCs and founders, this podcast covers topics ranging from securing funding to scaling startups.
  • Why you should listen: Perfect for busy professionals who want quick, actionable advice on navigating the venture capital world.
  • Why it’s great for entrepreneurs, founders, and VCs: For busy entrepreneurs, this podcast delivers quick, actionable advice on funding and scaling. VCs can stay connected to the latest trends through bite-sized interviews with industry leaders.

Listen on: Spotify |Apple Podcasts


These podcasts are packed with insights, inspiration, and actionable advice for anyone looking to grow, innovate, or level up. Whether you're building something new, looking for investment know-how, or just eager to learn from those who've been there, each show has something valuable to keep you moving forward on your journey.

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📱From Digital IDs to AI Feeds: Tech Giants Shake Up the Digital World

🔦 Spotlight

Happy Friday Los Angeles!

This week, two tech titans, Apple and Snapchat, announced groundbreaking updates that are poised to reshape the way we interact with our digital devices. From secure digital IDs to personalized AI feeds, these innovations are set to have a significant impact on our daily lives.

Apple's Digital Driver's License: A Game-Changer for LA Residents

Apple has taken a major step forward in digital identity with the integration of California driver's licenses and state IDs into Apple Wallet. This initiative, part of the state's mobile driver's license (mDL) program, offers a more convenient and secure way for LA residents to carry their identification. With encrypted data and NFC-enabled verification, users can now use their digital IDs at TSA checkpoints, select retailers, and even for age verification at bars and restaurants.

The mDL program not only simplifies travel and everyday transactions but also presents exciting opportunities for LA-based startups specializing in fintech, cybersecurity, and identity verification. As digital IDs become more widely adopted, these startups can innovate to create new applications and services that leverage this technology.


Image Source: Snap

Snapchat's AI-Powered Feed and Enhanced AR: A Personalized Experience

Snapchat is undergoing a major transformation with its most significant redesign in years, focusing on simplicity and personalization. The app now offers a more personalized experience, with an AI-driven "For You" feed that curates content tailored to individual preferences. Additionally, Snapchat has enhanced its augmented reality (AR) tools, opening up new possibilities for interactive experiences and creative expression.

LA's thriving tech ecosystem, particularly its startups focused on AI and AR, stands to benefit greatly from Snapchat's innovations. These updates provide opportunities for local developers to create complementary technologies and explore new partnerships within Snapchat's evolving platform.

Impact on LA's Tech Ecosystem

Both Apple's and Snapchat's updates underscore a growing trend toward personalization, security, and streamlined user experiences. LA's tech scene, with its vibrant startup community and strong focus on innovation, is well-positioned to capitalize on these shifts.

As digital experiences become more integrated into our daily lives, LA's startups can explore new frontiers in AI, AR, and secure mobile technologies. This wave of innovation is set to drive growth and collaboration within the local tech ecosystem, solidifying LA's reputation as a global hub for cutting-edge technology.


🤝 Venture Deals

LA Companies

  • PictorLabs, an AI-powered histopathology platform that enhances disease detection, has raised a $30M Series B led by Insight Partners. The company has now raised a total of $48.8 million. - learn more
  • Mellomanic, formerly We Are Giant, has raised a $6M Funding Round, bringing its total capital to $13.8M, to expand its platform and enhance its music experiences for artists and fans, backed by investors including Sterling Partners. - learn more

    LA Venture Funds

    • Mucker Capital participated in a $2.5M Seed Round for Tab Commerce, a fintech company providing financial management solutions to transform how restaurants handle their spending and optimize operational efficiency. - learn more
    • Finality Capital led a $3.2M Seed Round for RISE, a Gigagas Layer 2 blockchain platform designed to enhance scalability and reduce transaction costs. - learn more


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