DOWNTOWN BUSINESS CLUSTERS

1. GARMENT DISTRICT: The second-largest garment area in the nation, behind Manhattan’s, it includes the massive California Apparel Mart, where scores of manufacturers maintain showrooms. Many wholesalers sell directly to the public on weekdays, making the district a favorite with bargain hunters, but the Apparel Mart itself is open to the public only one day per month--a Saturday. A recording at 213-623-4417 tells which Saturday.

2. FLOWER MART: Over 95% of Los Angeles’ cut flowers are marketed by more than 400 growers inside a three-story market, which is open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday. It supplies flower shops, but the market is open to the public.

3. JEWELRY DISTRICT: A six-block-long area of jewelry firms, wholesale and retail, many open to the public at varying hours.

4. TOY DISTRICT: A little-known cluster of toy importers, wholesalers and manufacturers, adjoining Little Tokyo, many open to the public. Hours vary.

5. PRODUCE MARTS: Three sprawling produce markets comprise the largest district of its kind in the West. With restaurateurs arriving to buy their day’s supply, business is at a fever pitch during the predawn hours. The markets do a 99% wholesale business, but two welcome shoppers Monday through Saturday if they buy in large amounts and arrive early. The market at San Pedro and 11th streets is open from 5 to 7 a.m.; the one at Central Avenue and 7th Street from 1:30 to 5 a.m. The L.A. Wholesale Produce Market, at Alameda and 8th streets, is closed to the public.