The owner, Fraser Ross, estimates that at least 60% of the customers are tourists. But he welcomes reality show filming and celebrity visits, saying the publicity leads to lots of sales. Although most tourists spend only about $30 to $40 on necklaces, bracelets and T-shirts, Ross is not complaining.
"The tourist's dollar is the best," he said.
On a recent weekday, Oliver Klos and his girlfriend, Danny Reimann, tourists from Dusseldorf, Germany, were in Kitson shopping for handbags.
How did they learn about Kitson? "From MTV," said Riemann in a heavy German accent. "Paris Hilton."
While in town, the couple planned to visit Santa Monica, Venice Beach and other conventional tourist attractions. But first, Reimann wanted a pink sequined tote bag emblazoned with the name Kitson on the side. Price: $68.
"Today is my shopping day," she said.
At High Voltage Tattoo, headed by Kat Von D, a crowd of visitors streamed out the front door on a recent weekday. Von D was a regular on the Learning Channel show "Miami Ink" until she launched the spin-off, "LA Ink."
Lisa Dofflemyer from Sutter, Calif., was waiting in line, hoping to get Von D to work on a flawed tattoo on her back.
"I watched her when she was on 'Miami Ink,' " Dofflemyer said. "It's kind of surreal to be here."
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hugo.martin@latimes.com
