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Rodeo Drive (/roʊˈdeɪoʊ/) is a two-mile-long (3.2 km) street in Beverly Hills, California, with its southern segment in the City of Los Angeles, known as one of the most expensive streets in the world.[1] Its southern terminus is at Beverwil Drive, and its northern terminus is at its intersection with Sunset Boulevard in Beverly Hills. The name is most commonly used metonymically to refer to the three-block stretch of the street between Wilshire Boulevard and Little Santa Monica Boulevard.

Key Information

Pronunciation

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The word rodeo as a term referring to the cowboy sports can be pronounced with the stress on either the first (/ˈroʊ.di.oʊ/) or second (/roʊˈdeɪ.oʊ/) syllable; the latter is its Spanish pronunciation.[2] For the street in Beverly Hills, however, only the latter pronunciation is used; the former pronunciation is used to refer to Rodeo Road in Los Angeles, which has since been renamed Obama Boulevard.[3]

History

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Early history

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In 1906, Burton E. Green (1868–1965) and other investors purchased the property that would become Beverly Hills, formerly named Rancho Rodeo de las Aguas, with plans for a mixed-use subdivision with a branch of the Los Angeles and Pacific Railway running North on Rodeo Drive before turning west at Sunset Boulevard.[4] They platted the street that very year, in 1906.[5] By 1907, 75 ft × 160 ft (23 m × 49 m) parcels on Rodeo were selling for $1,100 each.[6] It became a bridle path in 1912, when the Beverly Hills Hotel was built on a former lima bean field.[5] By November 1925, similar lots were selling for between $15,000 and $30,000, almost double what they'd been selling for in September.[7] Pacific Electric Red Cars operated over the street to the Beverly Hills Hotel as the Coldwater Canyon Line between 1907 and 1923.[8]

Rodeo Drive street sign

The central part of Rodeo eventually became a business street with hardware stores, gas stations,[9] beauty shops, and bookstores. The men's store Carroll & Company opened shop on Rodeo Drive in 1950.[10] The Anderton Court Shops building at 332 N. Rodeo was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1952.[11] In 1958, real estate developer Marvin Kratter bought 48,000 square feet (4,500 m2) of land at the corner of Rodeo and Wilshire Boulevard from the city of Beverly Hills.[12] The acreage is across the street from the Beverly Wilshire Hotel and Kratter paid something over $2 million for it.[12]

Origin of a new image

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A Vector W8 parked in front of the Gucci store

In 1961 Fred Hayman, "the father of Rodeo Drive," opened Giorgio Beverly Hills, the street's first high-end boutique.[9] In 1968 Aldo Gucci opened a store on Rodeo, which catalyzed the process by which the street took on its present form.[13] Van Cleef & Arpels opened in 1969, followed by a Vidal Sassoon salon in 1970. The Polo Store, the brand's first freestanding store, opened in 1971.[14]

According to a former co-chair of the "Rodeo Drive Committee," Richard Carroll, the transformation of Rodeo Drive into an international center of fashionable shopping was sparked in 1971 with the opening of a new wing of the Beverly Wilshire.[15] In 1980 Carroll noted that before then "There was nothing at all of an international nature on the street. Rodeo was purely local in flavor."[15] In 1977 the Rodeo Drive Committee "launched a publicity campaign designed to make everyone around the world think of Rodeo Drive as the shopping street of the rich and famous."[16] The RDC wanted to make Rodeo Drive an economic engine for Beverly Hills and spread the image of a "culturally elite lifestyle."[17]

In 1976, Bijan Pakzad opened a showroom on Rodeo, which helped to solidify "Rodeo Drive's reputation as a luxury shopping destination."[18][19] Pakzad touted his Rodeo Drive store as "the most expensive in the world," but, as Women's Wear Daily notes in relation to the claim, "he was known for hyperbole."[18] By 1978 the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce was boasting that Rodeo Drive was "the essence of the best of all the shopping centers of the world"[20] and by 1980 the city of Beverly Hills estimated that the Rodeo Drive shopping district accounted for as much as 25% of its sales tax revenues.[15]

International fashion centre

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European-style buildings on Two Rodeo Drive

By 1981, the high-fashion strip took up only two and a half blocks, with around 65 stores.[21]

The "Rodeo Collection," a 45-store, 70,000-square-foot (6,500 m2) shopping mall[22] opened in 1983[23] at 421 N. Rodeo Drive. The building is only four stories high with the first floor below street level in order to satisfy local building codes. The retail space initially leased for as much as $120 per square foot, which, according to an executive with commercial real estate firm Julien J. Studley, was "the highest price for any kind of space in the Los Angeles Area."[22]

In the early 1990s, Rodeo Drive was ranked 4th most-visited destination in the Los Angeles area (after Disneyland, Knott's Berry Farm and Universal Studios).[24]

Two Rodeo Drive, another outdoor shopping center, was built in 1990. It initially housed, amongst other stores, Christian Dior and Valentino.[25][26] The original developer, Douglas Stitzel, sold the property for about $200 million immediately after its completion.[25] Two Japanese groups, Kowa Real Estate California Inc. and USA Sogo Inc, bought 40% of Two Rodeo Drive.[24]

The Two Rodeo Drive shopping center was hard-hit by the early 1990s recession, with occupancy rates dropping to as low as 60%.[25] Middle-market brand boutiques such as Guess Jeans and Banana Republic opened on Rodeo Drive.[10] Many franchised stores were bought back by the brands they represented (Polo Ralph Lauren, Gianni Versace, Hugo Boss).[14]

The Two Rodeo Drive buyers sold it at an almost $70 million loss in 2000. By 2007 the property was financially stable again and was sold to a group of Irish investors for $275 million.[25] It resembles a "faux-European shopping alley" and features a cobblestone street.[27] Some architects have claimed that Two Rodeo Drive is similar to a "theme park in the manner of Disneyland."[28]

Walk of Style

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Main article: Rodeo Drive Walk of Style
Model crosses Brighton Way at Rodeo Drive during a photo shoot, 2013.
A "Torso" sculpture featured on Rodeo Drive

In 2003, Rodeo Drive was given an $18 million makeover which included widening the streets and the addition of crosswalks. The ficus trees lining the street were taken out and replaced with palm trees. In September of the same year, the Rodeo Drive Committee developed the Rodeo Drive Walk of Style.[29] The Walk of Style features plaques set in the sidewalks along Rodeo Drive. Fashion icons are honored with the award for their work in style and fashion.[30] At the intersection of Rodeo Drive and Dayton Way is the nude sculpture entitled "Torso." This statue was created by sculptor Robert Graham and is the symbol for the Rodeo Drive Walk of Style. Recipients of the Rodeo Drive Walk of Style Award receive a "Torso" maquette also designed by artist Robert Graham.[31]

The French fashion firm Lanvin opened a store on Rodeo Drive in 2011.[32]

2020 lootings

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In May 2020, several of Rodeo Drive's businesses were damaged and looted following the murder of George Floyd. It was reported that several windows were broken and many of the looted buildings were vandalized by spray paint.[33]

Events

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  • Rodeo Drive Concours d'Elegance: occurs annually every Father's Day on Rodeo Drive to exhibit some of the world's most expensive automobiles.[34]
  • Fashion’s Night Out: Created in 2009 in New York City in hopes of boosting the economy during the recession. Its goals were to "celebrate fashion, restore consumer confidence and boost the industry’s economy." In 2012, 500 cities across the United States (including Los Angeles), as well as 30 cities around the world adopted the event. It is held annually in September on the same night worldwide.[35] The carnival features a 60-foot Ferris wheel and other attractions on the three blocks of the Rodeo Drive business district.[36]
  • Rodeo Drive Festival of Watches and Jewelry.[37][38][39]

Notable people

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[edit]
  • In the 1990 movie Pretty Woman, the young sex worker Vivian Ward (Julia Roberts) steps in a Rodeo Drive boutique where she gets snubbed by the sales clerks.[10]
  • The song "Down Rodeo" by Rage Against the Machine is titled after the street and refers to "Rolling down Rodeo with a shotgun"
  • In the 2011 movie Just Go with It, plastic surgeon Dr. Danny Maccabee (Adam Sandler) takes his assistant Katherine (Jennifer Aniston) on a shopping spree down Rodeo Drive, after agreeing to pretend to be his wife, who will soon be divorced.
  • In the 1994 movie D2: The Mighty Ducks, four of the members of the team visit Rodeo Drive. After playing pranks along the street they gain access to one of the boutiques before getting kicked out.[44]
  • Billy Ray Cyrus references driving down Rodeo Drive in the 2019 remix of Little Nas X’s single "Old Town Road", which topped the Billboard Hot 100 for a record 19 consecutive weeks.
  • In the 2004 video game, Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, a parodied version of the street is present in the fictional city of Los Santos.
  • In the 2013 video game, Grand Theft Auto V, a redesigned parody of Rodeo Drive is present, called Portola Drive, in the fictional neighborhood of Rockford Hills, in Los Santos.[45]
  • In the 2019 mobile game Mario Kart Tour, Rodeo Drive is briefly driven through in the "Los Angeles Laps" race course.
  • In the track "Hot Girl (Bodies Bodies Bodies)" from the soundtrack for the 2022 film Bodies Bodies Bodies, Charli XCX names Rodeo Drive as a preferred shopping location.[46]
  • In "The New Workout Plan" on Kanye West’s debut album The College Dropout, one of the woman snippets includes a mention of Rodeo Drive, saying she’s now able to shop there.
  • In "Unholy" by Sam Smith and Kim Petras the line "You gonna need to bag it up because I'm spending on Rodeo"
  • In the chorus of "Whatever She Wants" by Bryson Tiller, he says "I'ma take her bougie ass to Rodeo and then let her pick up whatever she wants" in reference to Rodeo Drive.

See also

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References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Rodeo Drive

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia

Rodeo Drive is a two-mile-long street primarily in , with its southern portion extending into the City of Los Angeles, renowned as a premier destination for luxury retail featuring over 100 international high-end brands in architect-designed boutiques. The iconic shopping district comprises three palm-lined blocks centered between and , forming part of the Beverly Hills Golden Triangle and attracting global visitors for its concentration of flagship stores from designers such as , , and . Originally known as "El Rodeo de las Aguas" by the indigenous people due to its springs and resources, the area served as a and land in the before urban development in the early . Its transformation into a luxury enclave began in the 1960s, catalyzed by the 1961 opening of , the first high-end boutique on the street, followed by landmark stores like in 1968 and in 1969, which established its international prestige. By the , initiatives such as the Rodeo Drive Committee's publicity efforts and the addition of luxury showrooms like Bijan in 1976 solidified its status, with the street generating 25% of Beverly Hills' sales tax revenue by 1980. Today, Rodeo Drive exemplifies upscale integrated with from Michelin-starred chefs and luxury hotels like the Beverly Wilshire, blending retail with cultural events, art installations, and window displays that highlight craftsmanship and designer collaborations. This evolution from rural origins to a global symbol of affluence underscores its economic significance, drawing affluent clientele and contributing substantially to local revenue through exclusive offerings unavailable elsewhere.

Geography and Layout

Location and Physical Description

Rodeo Drive is a north-south oriented street located in , within the city's Golden Triangle commercial district. The street's primary luxury retail segment spans approximately three blocks, extending from at the southern end to at the northern end. It is flanked to the west by Canon Drive and to the east by Beverly Drive, forming a bounded enclave that emphasizes pedestrian accessibility and high-end shopping. Geographically, the central portion lies at coordinates approximately 34°04′06″N 118°24′06″W. Physically, Rodeo Drive features wide sidewalks designed for heavy foot traffic, lined with mature street trees including palm varieties that contribute to its upscale, landscaped appearance. The street incorporates modern infrastructure such as updated medians, enhanced street lighting, and coordinated paving to support both vehicular and pedestrian use. A key architectural highlight is Two Rodeo Drive, a 1990s development comprising 23 two- and three-story buildings with varied facades evoking European village aesthetics, including cobblestone walkways closed to vehicle traffic for an exclusive shopping promenade. This segment connects to the main thoroughfare via a curved, faux-historical archway, blending contemporary retail functionality with ornamental design elements like stucco finishes and wrought-iron details. Overall, the drive's layout prioritizes visual appeal and exclusivity, with low-rise structures averaging two to three stories to maintain an intimate scale amid surrounding mid-century modern and contemporary buildings in Beverly Hills.

Street Design and Key Landmarks

Rodeo Drive extends for three blocks through the Golden Triangle district of Beverly Hills, running north-south from to . The street features a central planted with palm trees, wide sidewalks redesigned in recent updates to enhance flow, and coordinated street lighting that complements the luxury retail environment. These elements, including new planters, benches, and along the , prioritize while maintaining vehicular access on the main thoroughfare. The overall design emphasizes an open, tree-lined promenade that integrates retail facades with public space, drawing from efforts to balance commerce and aesthetics. Prominent landmarks include Two Rodeo Drive, a pedestrian-only extension off the 300 block that replicates European shopping arcades with cobblestone paths, upscale storefronts, and no vehicular traffic, constructed in 1990 as a retail complex blending historicist facades with modern support structures. The Beverly Wilshire, a Four Seasons Hotel, anchors the southern terminus at Wilshire Boulevard, its iconic presence dating to 1928 expansions that established it as a gateway to the drive's commercial core. To the north, the street transitions near Santa Monica Boulevard toward the Beverly Hilton, though the core luxury zone centers on the mid-blocks lined by architect-designed boutiques such as those for Hermès, featuring bespoke interiors and facades. Additional features like sidewalk plaques commemorating fashion icons further define the street's identity as a curated retail landmark.

Historical Development

Indigenous and Early Settlement Period

The area encompassing present-day Rodeo Drive was part of the traditional territory of the (also known as Gabrielino) people, indigenous to the , where they maintained settlements and utilized natural resources for sustenance since at least 6000 BCE. The Tongva regarded the region as a significant oasis amid the semi-arid landscape, valued for its freshwater springs—locally termed the "gathering of the waters"—which supported abundant vegetation, wildlife, and seasonal gatherings for food procurement and cultural practices. This site held spiritual importance due to its reliable water sources and fertility, enabling activities such as hunting, fishing, and plant gathering, though no permanent villages are documented directly on the future route of Rodeo Drive. European contact began with the in 1769, which traversed but did not establish permanent settlement in the Beverly Hills vicinity until the Mexican era following independence from in 1821. In 1838, Mexican Governor Juan Alvarado granted the 4,539-acre Rancho Rodeo de las Aguas—spanning what became Beverly Hills, including the land under Rodeo Drive—to María Rita Valdez de Villa, a of Spanish Vicente Ferrer Villa, for use as a ranch, vineyard, and farm; she constructed an adobe residence near modern and Alpine Drive. The rancho's name derived from traditional roundups ("rodeos") held on the plains and the proximity to natural springs ("de las aguas"), reflecting its pastoral economy centered on livestock herding and . Valdez managed the property amid challenges, including a 1852 armed conflict where Native American raiders attacked the rancho, leading to a siege and shootout that she survived, possibly prompting her decision to sell. In 1854, she transferred the land to American investors Henry Hancock and Benjamin D. Wilson for $4,000, marking the transition to U.S. ownership after the 1848 ceded from . Subsequent owners subdivided portions for farming and oil prospecting in the late , but the area remained largely rural until early 20th-century urban development, with Rodeo Drive's alignment tracing back to the rancho's original boundaries and nomenclature.

Transition to Commercial Use

The initial development of Rodeo Drive following the subdivision of Beverly Hills in 1906-1907 featured primarily residential estates and agricultural land, with street infrastructure laid out by but limited to basic urban functions upon the city's incorporation in 1914. Early commercial activity was modest, consisting of local services like groceries, gas stations, and small shops serving residents rather than drawing external trade. A decisive shift toward commercial prominence occurred in the early 1960s, as affluent demographics and proximity to Hollywood spurred retailers to target high-end consumers. In 1961, Fred Hayman opened at 273 Rodeo Drive, stocking imported perfumes, furs, and designer clothing that appealed to celebrities and marked the introduction of luxury retail to the street. This , often credited with initiating Rodeo Drive's upscale transformation, replaced mundane local businesses and established a model for curated, exclusive shopping experiences. The momentum accelerated in the late 1960s and early 1970s, with European fashion houses like and Ferragamo opening stores to serve growing celebrity clientele amid Beverly Hills' rising prestige. A key catalyst was the 1971 expansion of the Beverly Wilshire Hotel's north wing, which enhanced accessibility for international tourists and prompted further commercial investments along the corridor. By this period, zoning and economic incentives in Beverly Hills' "Golden Triangle" district—centered on Rodeo Drive—facilitated the replacement of residential and low-end uses with specialty retail, solidifying the street's commercial orientation.

Emergence as Luxury Retail Hub

The opening of in 1961 at 273 Rodeo Drive marked the inception of the street's transformation into a luxury retail destination, as Swiss-born entrepreneur Fred Hayman and partner George Grant established the area's first high-end boutique specializing in imported designer fashions. Prior to this, Rodeo Drive primarily housed utilitarian businesses such as hardware stores, supermarkets, and gas stations, serving local residents in the burgeoning Beverly Hills community rather than attracting affluent shoppers seeking exclusive merchandise. Hayman, who assumed full control of the boutique around 1967, aggressively promoted it through innovations like the iconic yellow-and-white striped awnings, personalized service, and wrapping purchases in matching striped bags, which became synonymous with Rodeo Drive's emerging prestige. This pioneering store catalyzed a wave of international luxury tenants in the late and , drawing brands that elevated the street's profile. In 1968, opened the designer's first West Coast flagship store on Rodeo Drive, followed by Vidal Sassoon's salon in 1970, which catered to celebrity clientele and further signaled the shift toward high-fashion services. By the early , European luxury houses such as and additional outposts from established names began anchoring the block between and , replacing everyday commerce with curated retail experiences. Hayman's efforts, including collaborations with the Beverly Hills to rebrand the area, positioned Rodeo Drive as a competitive alternative to New York's , with annual sales from early luxury tenants exceeding expectations and attracting Hollywood elites. The consolidation of over a dozen boutiques by the mid-1970s solidified Rodeo Drive's reputation as a luxury hub, driven by Beverly Hills' strict zoning favoring upscale development and proximity to affluent neighborhoods and studios. Retail rents rose sharply, from modest levels in the to premium rates by , reflecting demand from brands seeking visibility among high-net-worth visitors. This era's growth was organic yet deliberate, fueled by Hayman's vision of exclusivity without overt advertising, contrasting with more commercial districts and establishing causal links between curation, celebrity endorsement, and sustained foot traffic.

Post-1980s Expansions and Revitalizations

In 1990, Two Rodeo Drive opened as a major expansion, comprising a 1.25-acre mixed-use complex with 158,000 square feet of retail space across 23 two- and three-story buildings featuring unique facades and a European-inspired pedestrian promenade known as Via Rodeo. Developed by San Francisco-based real estate investor Douglas Stitzel, the project included anchor tenants such as , Cartier, and , along with below-grade parking for 500 vehicles, aiming to enhance the area's luxury appeal through architecture evoking Beverly Hills' historic glamour. Via Rodeo, connecting the complex to the main street, quickly became a tourist draw and frequent film location. The early 2000s saw street-level revitalizations to improve pedestrian flow and aesthetics, including widening sidewalks from 12 feet to 18.5 feet, installing crosswalks, adding small parking zones in medians, and replacing trees with date palms along the three-block stretch. These changes, completed around 2003, supported increased foot traffic amid growing luxury retail presence. Store-specific expansions continued into the 2010s and beyond, with renovating its flagship at 400 North Rodeo Drive in 2012 and reopening an expanded boutique in 2019. In 2019, Bijan planned a multi-level expansion, while Cartier proposed developments including a three-story retail building. By 2025, Cartier's project advanced with a 45-foot-tall structure dedicated to luxury jewelry retail. The Wilshire-Rodeo underwent into the One Rodeo complex, integrating office and retail spaces with tenants like Merrill Lynch and Endeavor. These efforts sustained Rodeo Drive's status as a premier luxury destination despite economic fluctuations.

Economic Role and Retail Landscape

Major Luxury Brands and Tenants

Rodeo Drive accommodates over 100 luxury retail boutiques, primarily flagship stores of international fashion houses, jewelers, and watchmakers, concentrated along its three-block stretch in Beverly Hills. Prominent fashion tenants include , , , , , , , Valentino, , , and , each operating architecturally distinctive storefronts designed to showcase high-end apparel, accessories, and leather goods. These brands contribute to the street's reputation as a premier destination for ultra-luxury consumption, with annual rents averaging around $1,000 per square foot as of 2025, reflecting near-full occupancy at 99%. Jewelry and watch retailers form another core segment, featuring establishments like Cartier, Bulgari, Harry Winston, Tiffany & Co., Jaeger-Lecoultre, Breguet, and Panerai, which offer bespoke diamonds, fine timepieces, and precious metals to affluent clientele. Recent expansions underscore ongoing investment: LVMH opened a Dior flagship in September 2025, emphasizing the conglomerate's dominance with multiple properties including Louis Vuitton and Bulgari; meanwhile, a new Tiffany flagship and an expanded Louis Vuitton campus (designed by Frank Gehry) were announced for 2025, signaling sustained growth amid high demand. Specialty tenants such as Bijan (custom menswear) and Two Rodeo Drive (encompassing , , and ) complement the lineup, while luxury services like and high-end offices occupy peripheral spaces. This tenant mix, verified through municipal and brand announcements rather than self-reported directories prone to outdated listings, prioritizes exclusivity, with many stores requiring appointments for VIP viewings to maintain controlled access and elevated sales volumes exceeding industry averages.

Tourism, Sales, and Economic Contributions

Rodeo Drive attracts substantial tourist foot traffic as a premier luxury shopping destination within Beverly Hills, contributing to the city's overall visitor volume of over 7.5 million in 2018, an increase from 7.4 million in 2016. Many of these visitors focus on Rodeo Drive for its high-end retail offerings, with promotional events such as family-friendly activations generating over 280 million social impressions and boosting merchant sales. Post-pandemic recovery has seen visitor numbers rebound to 4.73 million in 2023, though still below pre-2018 peaks, with tourism supporting retail despite temporary foot traffic dips during economic disruptions. Annual sales on Rodeo Drive reflect its status as a luxury retail epicenter, with individual flagship stores reporting high s; for example, at its Beverly Hills location generates an estimated $150 million yearly, while achieves approximately $120 million. Visitor spending in Beverly Hills, much of it concentrated in the Rodeo Drive area, totaled over $2.8 billion in 2016, underscoring the street's role in driving retail transactions amid a local economy nearing $20 billion annually. Even amid global luxury sector challenges, such as a 0.4% year-over-year decline for public luxury firms in early 2024, Rodeo Drive has sustained demand through international tourist influxes, evidenced by rising commercial rents. Economically, Rodeo Drive bolsters Beverly Hills through generated tax revenues from and , with net taxable visitor spending yielding $58.4 million in city taxes in 2023, including contributions from retail alongside $48.3 million from . This fiscal impact supports , though retail taxes have faced declines in recent years amid broader economic pressures. The street's draw continues to benefit from California's record $150.4 billion in travel spending in 2023, with Rodeo Drive's tourist traffic insulating it from some luxury market volatility.

Real Estate Dynamics and Challenges

Retail rents on Rodeo Drive reached an average of $1,100 per square foot annually in 2024, reflecting a 19% year-over-year increase that exceeded the 11% average growth across other top U.S. luxury districts. This escalation underscores sustained demand for prime ground-floor spaces amid a among luxury brands for flagship stores that reinforce brand prestige through physical presence. Ownership dynamics have shifted toward concentrated investment by high-profile players, with advancing major developments including expanded and flagships as of August 2025, enhancing control over key parcels. In July 2024, investors Justin and Tyler Mateen acquired the Wilshire Rodeo Plaza for $208 million, signaling confidence in long-term retail viability despite adjacent office vacancies exceeding 23% in Beverly Hills during the second quarter. Luxury conglomerates increasingly opt for property ownership over leasing to mitigate escalating rents—now over $1,100 per square foot—and secure strategic locations, a trend exemplified by 's strategy to lock in costs amid inflation risks. Challenges persist from global luxury sales contractions in 2024, which pressured tenant profitability even as local rents climbed, prompting some brands to consolidate or pivot toward ownership to avoid lease vulnerabilities. Post-COVID recovery highlighted resilience on Rodeo Drive compared to broader retail corridors, with fewer closures than in districts like London's , though the street's mixed-use properties face drag from high office vacancies—reaching 31.6% citywide in Beverly Hills by October 2025—complicating overall asset performance. E-commerce competition and evolving consumer behaviors further challenge traditional retail models, yet low retail vacancy rates on the Drive, driven by experiential luxury demand, sustain investor interest despite these headwinds.

Events and Public Incidents

Recurring Cultural and Promotional Events

Rodeo Drive hosts several annual promotional events organized by the Rodeo Drive Committee and the City of Beverly Hills, designed to highlight luxury retail, automotive heritage, and seasonal festivities while drawing international visitors and boosting local commerce. These gatherings emphasize the district's status as a global shopping destination, featuring exclusive brand activations, live performances, and public spectacles. The Rodeo Drive Holiday Lighting Celebration, held annually in mid-November, marks the start of the winter holiday season with illumination of the street's palm trees and storefronts in festive lights that remain displayed through early January. The event includes live entertainment, the arrival of , family-oriented activities, and a concluding display, attracting thousands of attendees; for instance, the 2025 edition is scheduled for November 13 from 5 to 8 p.m. Complementary features extend into December, such as the Beverly Hills Jolly Trolley service along Rodeo Drive and nearby light installations like Lights on the Lily Pond, operating nightly from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. through January 4 (excluding major holidays). The Rodeo Drive , an annual exhibition, showcases dozens of vintage, racing, and custom vehicles parked along the street, typically drawing automotive enthusiasts and collectors in the summer or early fall. The 2025 event features a curated selection of high-value automobiles, reinforcing Rodeo Drive's ties to luxury lifestyles beyond . Rodeo Drive Celebrates , an annual week-long series in August, promotes through boutique-hosted pop-ups, trunk shows, and experiential installations from brands like , emphasizing craftsmanship in apparel and accessories; the third iteration ran from August 4 to 10, 2025, with events such as Italian tastings and exclusive previews. A related annual event, Rodeo Drive Celebrates Timepieces & Fine Jewelry, focuses on horology and , featuring maison-led demonstrations and cocktails to spotlight in luxury goods. These and jewelry weeks generate heightened foot traffic and sales, aligning with the district's retail ecosystem.

Security Incidents and Civil Unrest

In May 2020, amid nationwide protests following the death of George Floyd, demonstrators marched through Beverly Hills, including along Rodeo Drive, leading to of storefronts and fears of widespread that prompted luxury retailers to board up windows on May 30. The reported clashes with protesters, resulting in the deployment of the to protect the area, though no widespread or mass occurred directly on Rodeo Drive itself. Local officials attributed the unrest to spillover from proper, with business owners citing inadequate initial police response as a factor in heightened tensions. On July 11, 2021, a of approximately 20 individuals smashed windows and ransacked the store at 347 N. Rodeo Drive, stealing merchandise valued at over $30,000 before fleeing in waiting vehicles; the classified it as an organized retail theft, with no arrests made at the scene. Similar smash-and-grab incidents targeted other Rodeo Drive retailers, including a November 2021 robbery at the jewelry store where armed suspects used hammers to shatter display cases and escape with high-value items. These events contributed to a surge in retail crime in the area, with the Beverly Hills reporting increased costs and calls for enhanced measures among tenants. Throughout 2022 and 2023, Rodeo Drive experienced multiple organized thefts, including a February 2023 incident at a luxury watch store where suspects used a to ram the entrance, prompting the Beverly Hills City Council to approve $1.5 million in additional funding for police overtime and surveillance cameras along the corridor. Data from the indicated a 25% rise in commercial burglaries in the vicinity from 2021 to 2022, largely attributed to out-of-area groups exploiting the high-value targets, though overall remained low compared to neighboring . Retailers responded by hiring private security firms and implementing metal detectors, reflecting broader concerns over California's Proposition 47, which critics argue reduced penalties for theft under $950, potentially incentivizing such crimes. No large-scale civil unrest has recurred since 2020, with the area's affluence and mitigating escalation risks.

Cultural and Social Significance

Representations in Media and Pop Culture

Rodeo Drive serves as a recurring symbol of wealth, glamour, and social aspiration in American film and television, often portraying the tensions between accessibility and exclusivity. In the 1990 Pretty Woman, directed by , the street features prominently in a scene where protagonist Vivian Ward () is rebuffed by sales staff at a luxury boutique due to her modest attire, illustrating class divides in high-end retail. This moment, occurring early in the film on March 23, 1990 release, has become iconic for critiquing snobbery while romanticizing transformation through consumption. The 1995 teen comedy , directed by , captures Rodeo Drive's role in youth culture through scenes of protagonist Cher Horowitz () navigating the area's boutiques, reinforcing its status as a hub for fashionable self-expression among Beverly Hills elites. Filmed in 1994, the movie uses the street to evoke carefree affluence, with Cher's persona strolling its sidewalks amid designer storefronts. Action films like (1984) and its 1987 sequel, both starring as detective , integrate Rodeo Drive into chase sequences and undercover operations, contrasting gritty origins with the polished luxury of Beverly Hills. Released on December 5, 1984, the original film's use of the street, including pursuits past high-end shops, grossed over $234 million worldwide and popularized the location as a cinematic emblem of West Coast excess. In television, the HBO series Entourage (2004–2011) frequently references and depicts Rodeo Drive in episodes showcasing Hollywood insiders' lavish spending, such as shopping sprees by characters like Ari Gold, embedding the street in narratives of entitlement. A short-lived 2001–2002 game show titled Rodeo Drive, hosted on Fox Family, centered gameplay around tied to the street's affluent image, airing weekly segments on luxury lifestyles. The street's pop culture footprint extends to music and theater; the 2018 Broadway adaptation Pretty Woman: The Musical includes a song titled "Rodeo Drive," performed by the ensemble, which celebrates the transformative allure of high fashion shopping as in the original film. These representations, spanning decades, have amplified Rodeo Drive's global recognition, with annual tourist recreations of Pretty Woman scenes reported as a draw for visitors seeking cinematic .

Associations with Celebrities and High Society

Rodeo Drive's prestige as a luxury shopping destination has drawn Hollywood celebrities and affluent elites since the mid-20th century. Retailer Fred Hayman transformed the street in the and by opening in 1967, introducing high-end European fashion that appealed to film stars and socialites seeking exclusivity amid Beverly Hills' growing glamour. The avenue remains a hotspot for patronage, with frequent sightings of actors, musicians, and models at boutiques like , , and . Exclusive events hosted by brands reinforce these ties; for example, a 2016 Fendi cocktail party organized with Vogue attracted supermodel , actress , and the band , highlighting Rodeo Drive's role in blending retail with star-studded social gatherings. High society associations are evident in recurring elite-oriented activities, such as the annual Rodeo Drive , which displays rare automobiles and draws collectors, philanthropists, and celebrities like and . These events, alongside private launches and parties, sustain the street's status among Beverly Hills' wealthy residents and global jet-setters, fostering a scene of conspicuous luxury consumption.

References

  1. https://rodeodrive-shop.com/map.html
  2. https://www.rodeodrive-bh.com/
  3. https://www.rodeocollection.com/article-history
  4. https://www.visitcalifornia.com/experience/rodeo-drive/
  5. https://www.cbsnews.com/losangeles/news/a-guide-to-rodeo-drive/
  6. https://latitude.to/articles-by-country/us/united-states/5361/rodeo-drive
  7. https://duttonarchitects.com/beverly-hills-downtown-plan/
  8. https://www.kmdarchitects.com/two-rodeo
  9. https://joycerey.com/blog/exploring-the-iconic-streets-of-beverly-hills/
  10. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1991-12-05-we-949-story.html
  11. https://lovebeverlyhills.com/articles/view/10-architectural-masterpieces-in-beverly-hills
  12. https://www.rodeodrive-bh.com/our-story
  13. https://loharchitects.com/now/loha-to-design-social-seating-for-city-of-beverly-hills
  14. https://la.urbanize.city/post/loha-design-streetscape-improvements-rodeo-drive
  15. https://coolhunting.com/design/hermes-beverly-hills-rena-dumas-architecture-interieure/
  16. https://nahc.ca.gov/cp/tribal-atlas-pages/gabrielino-tongva-nation/
  17. https://www.beverlyhillshistoricalsociety.org/history
  18. https://www.beverlyhills.org/165/History-of-Beverly-Hills
  19. https://rodeodelasaguas.com/pages/history
  20. https://lamag.com/arts-and-entertainment/black-history-month-maria-rita-valdez-villa/
  21. http://www.laalmanac.com/BeverlyHills/bh02.php
  22. https://waterandpower.org/museum/Early_Views_of_Beverly_Hills.html
  23. https://www.latimes.com/fashion/alltherage/la-ig-rodeo-20110612-story.html
  24. https://surfcitytours.com/2021/05/12/the-history-of-rodeo-drive/
  25. https://www.nytimes.com/2016/04/15/business/smallbusiness/fred-hayman-whose-giorgio-boutique-led-gilding-of-rodeo-drive-dies-at-90.html
  26. https://smithandberg.com/blog/inside-the-ever-evolving-transformation-of-rodeo-drive
  27. https://sdmproperties.com/locations-and-properties/2-rodeo-drive/
  28. https://www.invisiblethemepark.com/2018/07/premium-deception-two-rodeo-drive-beverly-hills/
  29. https://www.rodeodrive-bh.com/podcast-posts/episode-7-wear-what-makes-you-happy-vanity-fairs-nicole-chapoteau-on-gender-fluid-dressing-glz6s-423n5-y326s-4fhh7-zxdl3-6w5cg-fhyk3-jmlbb-yjh58
  30. https://www.ocala.com/story/news/2003/12/24/rodeo-drive-goes-upscale/31292759007/
  31. https://www.apparelnews.net/news/2003/nov/28/rodeo-drive-is-ready-for-its-close-up/
  32. https://ca.fashionnetwork.com/news/Rodeo-drive-undergoes-transformation-as-major-los-angeles-shopping-strip%2C1724205.html
  33. https://beverlyhillscourier.com/2019/11/08/beverly-hills-iconic-rodeo-drive-businesses-in-expansion-mode/
  34. https://us.fashionnetwork.com/news/Rodeo-drive-undergoes-transformation-as-major-los-angeles-shopping-strip%2C1724205.html
  35. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1030320337396188/posts/2133476343747243/
  36. https://lovebeverlyhills.com/shopping
  37. https://joycerey.com/blog/luxury-shopping-in-beverly-hills/
  38. https://www.credaily.com/briefs/beverly-hills-goes-big-with-10b-one-beverly-hills-project/
  39. https://wwd.com/fashion-news/designer-luxury/dior-new-boutique-rodeo-beverly-hills-los-angeles-1238161414/
  40. https://commercialobserver.com/2025/09/lvmh-tiffany-louis-vuitton-rodeo-drive/
  41. https://www.latimes.com/business/story/2025-05-23/louis-vuitton-bets-big-on-rodeo-drive-with-new-frank-gehry-designed-store
  42. https://www.2rodeo.com/directory
  43. https://hr.fashionnetwork.com/news/Rodeo-drive-undergoes-transformation-as-major-los-angeles-shopping-strip%2C1727826.html
  44. https://lovebeverlyhills.com/press-releases/view/city-of-beverly-hills-recognizes-national-travel-and-tourism-week-as-new-visitor-profile-and-economic-impact-results-are-revealed
  45. https://www.bizbash.com/hotels/case-study-how-beverly-hills-uses-live-events-to-boost-tourism-and-rack-up-280-million-social-impressions
  46. https://beverlyhills.granicus.com/MetaViewer.php?view_id=73&clip_id=9986&meta_id=619158
  47. https://luxuryretailmarket.substack.com/p/most-expensive-luxury-retail-store
  48. http://www.isaacsandcompany.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/461-N.-Rodeo-Drive-flyer.pdf
  49. https://www.costar.com/article/1913526124/rents-jump-on-las-famed-rodeo-drive-despite-global-luxury-sales-decline
  50. https://www.globest.com/2024/12/30/rodeo-drive-retail-rent-surges-19-in-2024-/
  51. https://www.cushmanwakefield.com/en/united-states/insights/the-impact-of-evolving-real-estate-strategies-for-luxury-retail
  52. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-08-30/bernard-arnault-bets-on-la-s-rodeo-drive-with-new-tiffany-louis-vuitton
  53. https://www.wsj.com/real-estate/commercial/beverly-hills-megadeal-lands-prime-shopping-spaceand-the-empty-cubicles-above-it-3bcdc5a5
  54. https://www.latimes.com/business/story/2024-07-25/new-owners-on-rodeo-drive-bet-big-on-luxury-retailers
  55. https://luxuryretailmarket.substack.com/p/does-lvmh-own-beverly-hills-a-1b
  56. https://qz.com/1983989/covids-effect-on-rodeo-dr-oxford-st-and-russell-st-retail-closures
  57. https://www.linkedin.com/posts/michaelarnoldlosangelesrealestate_beverlyhills-beverlyhillscommercialrealestate-activity-7383916529089880064-_OgL
  58. https://www.rodeodrive-bh.com/events
  59. https://lovebeverlyhills.com/events/view/third-annual-rodeo-drive-celebrates-fashion-august-4-10-2025
  60. https://www.rodeodrive-bh.com/events/rodeo-drive-holiday-lighting-celebration-2025
  61. https://beverlyhills.org/1682/Rodeo-Drive-Lighting-Celebration
  62. https://lovebeverlyhills.com/events/view/rodeo-drive-holiday-lighting-celebration-2025
  63. https://www.beverlyhills.org/Calendar.aspx?EID=1793
  64. https://www.rodeodrive-bh.com/upcoming-events
  65. https://lovebeverlyhills.com/events/view/third-annual-rodeo-drive-celebrates-timepieces-fine-jewelry
  66. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1109331/
  67. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E0pbk5FeAlw
  68. https://lovebeverlyhills.com/articles/view/beverly-hills-movie-filming-locations
  69. https://www.seattletimes.com/life/lifestyle/rodeo-drive-used-to-be-a-regular-street-then-fred-hayman-arrived/
  70. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lifestyle/style/man-who-made-rodeo-hot-195226/
  71. https://www.vogue.com/article/fendi-rodeo-drive-cocktail-party-alessandra-ambrosio-rashida-jones
  72. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1991-06-27-we-1974-story.html
  73. https://www.seeing-stars.com/Shop/RodeoDrive.shtml
  74. https://www.maybournebeverlyhills.com/neighborhood/shopping/
  75. https://beverlyhillscourier.com/2024/11/21/the-party-scene-in-beverly-hills/
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