Zambala Showroom

Today was my second visit to this store. The owners are very pleasant and don’t mind when I spend a lot of time walking around the store to look at everything. I especially like the charm necklaces in packages nicely displayed on revolving racks that make nice gifts as well as the credit card-​sized images of Buddhas you can put in your wallet or display. Even though they do have some interesting antiques, most of the inventory is reasonably-​priced items such as stickets, statues, Tibetan Buddhist flags and much more.
They don’t have baskets but you can gather your items and place them on a counter while you continue to shop, which is what I did.
The owners are lovely and never pushy, which makes me want to return. I have not yet found a store of this kind in my area with such a large inventory of Buddhist items, so I am very glad they are here. Sign up to be on their customer list. They don’t bother you with mail or email but they will give you a discount when you become a customer.

Zambala showcases plenty of Tibetan items and ritual supplies, including your regular Chinese Buddhist paraphernalia (statues, instruments, and charms). I would stop by normally once every month or two to refill on incense sticks and coils; they have a nice selection of herbal incense at reasonable prices. The owners are approachable and friendly if you have questions.

Pros:
Tibetan-​owned business.
Lots of merchandise.
Close to LA.
Easy to find.
Shop is skillfully targeting their audience: The local Chinese community.
The employees are friendly and kind.
Cons:
Though called «Tibet Collection,» it doesn’t particularly look nor feel Tibetan.
The store is very cluttered and disorganized.
A lot of items are Chinese versions of Tibetan Buddhist goods. If you are looking for quality, authentic items from the exile community and that support the exile community, look elsewhere.
Items are expensive. Postcards are $ 2 a piece!
Pictures of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and other Bodhisattvas left in low and dirty spaces near the register.
I don’t think we have need to visit Zambala again.