CRENSHAW : Fans Flock to New Spike Lee Outlet

Under an arc of red, black and green balloons, filmmaker Spike Lee opened a small version of his retail store, Spike’s Joint West, in the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza last week.

The second-floor kiosk sells videos, clothing, hats, jewelry and promotional materials with themes from Lee’s six films, including the soon-to-be-released “Malcolm X.” Lee was on hand Oct. 25 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. to sign autographs for a steady stream of fans and photo seekers. A larger version of Spike’s Joint West was also launched last weekend on Melrose Avenue.

Taylor Michaels, regional manager of both stores, described them as “African-American projects from start to finish,” pointing out that everything from construction to graphic design was handled by black business people.

“That is very important to us,” Taylor said.