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HIt started as an office gag, and working in a coroner’s office, office gags will have a decided flavor of gallows humor; Secretary Marilyn Lewis presented a tee-shirt of a police chalk body outline, which read “L.A. Coroner’s Office” to one of the doctors. The shirt was such a hit with the staff, that it was suggested they print up some shirts, do up a few coffee mugs for good measure, and send the proceeds along to city “scared straight” type programs to help Los Angeles’s youth stay out of trouble. That was 1992, and today (undoubtedly with the help of the Internet and high profile celebrity homcide trials) the L.A. Coroner’s Gift Shop brings in close to $300,000 annually. So forget expensive jewelry, turn your nose up at the run of the mill chachkis and nick knacks at big name amusement parks. Give the gift that goes on forever. Merchandised death. Whether you’re in the market for beach towels, videos of gruesome local murders, body bag luggage, or the new 100% cotton Ladies V-neck (complete with embroidered L.A. Coroner’s seal) this is your one stop shopping place for all your loved ones. The L.A. Coroner’s Gift Shop, a.k.a. Skeletons In The Closet, is located inside the Coroner’s building, 1104 North Mission Road. Hours are 8:30-4:30 weekdays, or you can purchase goods online at www.lacoroner.com/signpost.htm. Shop ‘til you drop (dead). |