Bargain Finds
APT2B.com
Love modern home furnishings and décor? Then you’re gonna love Apt2B.com.
This recently launched, locally based website has savings of 10%-40% on modern home furnishings and décor pieces similar to pieces that you’d see at Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie, Crate & Barrel and other chic home furnishings store.
Arizona Leather Furniture Outlet
If you love quality leather furniture, look no further than Arizona Leather Company Outlet. Famous for their high quality, American made, leather furniture, the distribution outlet in Chino, has savings 30%-60% on floor models, customer returns, discontinued samples and overstock.
Armani Wells
This Valley staple has been selling higher end men’s designer apparel for 60%-85% below retail for over 15 years. Catering to entertainment industry insiders, owner Claudia Wells selects only the best in higher end apparel. Using her discriminating taste and cutting edge fashion sense, she quickly pulls unique items for her clients and helps them develop their perfect look
Asian Ceramics
Want to spruce up your patio or yard with unique and colorful pots and planters? Look no further than Asian Ceramics in Duarte.
Usually selling only wholesale to landscapers, developers and designers, Asian Ceramics can save you 25%-80% on ceramic planters, pots and more in overstock, seconds and damaged product
Athena Designs
A true Designer and Manufacturer fashion jewelry showroom, Athena Designs is only open a few days every 4-6 weeks to the public. A planned visit is a must to get incredible buys on jewelry pieces at 50%-85% below retail.
Attire Los Angeles
Where do savvy fashion forward, artistic women haunt for great deals on cutting edge apparel and accessories… at fresh, new, west side concept outlet, Attire Los Angeles.
Part indie designer fashion outlet and part art gallery, at Attire Los Angeles you’ll find the best in local artists designs wares, art, fashion and jewelry alongside women’s fashion staples
CA Liquidators
Love Bargain Basement pricing? Then you’re gonna totally flip at the CA Liquidators monthly warehouse sales. You’ll find savings of 50%-80% on men’s, women’s and childrens clothing, house wares, home décor, home furnishings, toys, linens, electronics, and more for the entire family.
California Closeouts and Liquidations
California Closeouts and Liquidations is one of those great places that true bargain hunters flock to with closeouts and liquidated merchandise from manufacturers, distributors, stores closings and freight lines. California Closeouts sells to the public at 40%-80% below original retail on housewares, apparel, office and school supplies, toys, home décor, hardware, pet supplies, grocery, sundries, auto and electronics can be found here.
Custom Comfort Mattress
The deal here is value. Instead of paying for over-hyped marketing, advertising and the huge markup the big commercial mattress companies charge, at Custom Comfort you’ll get your mattress manufacturer direct. All the mattresses here are made by them at their factory in Orange. No middleman, no excessive markup, no hyped “Sale” and no bull. You’ll save 20%-40% below the biggies on better quality mattresses.
Dale Tiffany Outlet Center
Do you have champagne tastes? Well then, the Dale Tiffany Outlet is a store for you. Here you have the rare opportunity to buy beautiful gift and lighting reproduction pieces by Dale Tiffany, Handel, Galle Collection, Badash Crystal and Antique Road Show at incredible savings. This factory direct showroom carries last seasons overproduction, end of production, unique-one of a kind and closeouts at 20%-70% below average retail.
Designers’ Bloopers
Love high-end furniture but not the prices. Then head to Designers Bloopers where you find higher-end home furnishings at 30%-65% below original retail. Since 1990, Designer Bloopers has been a regular stop for savvy, shoppers in search of something unique, top quality and of course… way below retail. From sofa’s and oriental hutches to traditional dinning sets, chairs or sectionals, you’ll find it here in the nicely arranged showrooms.
Dish Factory Outlet
Like to cook? Then shop where the pros shop … at the Dish Factory. Here you can treat yourself to the professional wares top chefs use….at 20%-80% below retail everyday.
Need a new set of dishes, a mixer, refrigerator, pots, pans, cutlery, glassware or flatware? They have it here for less.
DLM Off Price
Wholesale liquidator, DLM Off Price is shopping heaven for bargain fashionistas. Here you can buy brand name and designer label clothing for the whole family at 70%-90% off original retail. REALLY!
DLM buys up end of season remaining product from the Macy’s Group aka Macy’s and Bloomingdales as well as Van Maur, Kohls and other big department stores and sells to resellers most of the time. But on the last Saturday of every month, they sell to the public at jaw dropping savings!
Erica Koesler Wedding Accessories
Erica Koesler is a manufacturer of bridal veils and head jewelry that sells last seasons samples directly to the public at 30% off retail to 50% off of wholesale. That’s right… at below wholesale and this stuff is high quality, no bargain basement cheapies here. We’re talking fresh water pearls, Swarovski Crystal, mother of pearl, imported silk laces and more.
Felikians Carpet One
One look around Felikian’s Carpet One and you’ll never get your carpeting or hardwood flooring anywhere else. Under the leadership of Greg Felikian, a knowledgeable staff help make saving money on quality flooring easy. Savings start at 10% and often go up to 40% and more off regular retail prices. Stanton, Armstrong, Lee, and Bigelow are also here offered at solid savings.
Frame Club
In business since 1982, Frame Clubs’ owner Alona Crawford has employed three basic principles to keep prices at 30%-60% lower than other framing sources. Do all the work in-house, deal with local suppliers and services to hold down costs and locate in a low rent district.
Game Dude
Game Dude has simply the biggest selection of games and accessories in town. Whether you’re buying for your 6 year old soon to be princess, teenage techno son or yourself, you’ll find the selection and prices here are just about unbeatable. Prices here tend to reflect consumer demand so you may find the most current popular games probably at or near retail. But when demand changes prices can drop dramatically… sometimes as quickly as a week to a couple of months after original release to as much as 50% off originally pricing.
Great Labels
Wanted: Fabulous designer fashions for less! That’s what you’ll find at Great Labels Designer Resale Boutique in Santa Monica. Here you’ll save 50%-90% on women’s designer clothing in everything from Haute Couture to Urban Outfitters.
Every garment at here is handpicked by savvy owner Andrea Waters. For the past 15 years she’s been haunting the closets of the rich and famous, picking the best of the best to resell at her boutique.
Half Off Clothing Store
Half Off is one of those cool, hipster boutiques that offers sweet deals of 40%-80% everyday on quality urban, bohemian designer clothes for gals and guys.
Owner, Victor buys up past seasons over production, samples and discontinued items by Sanctuary, Johnny Was, My Tribe, Color Me Cotton by Click, Biya, Trunk Ltd, Love and Liberty, Affliction, Jaymes Los Angeles, Kennington Ltd., SQ wear, Lucky Brand and others.
Happy Eyes
Happy Eyes is a gem of a store that has had the same prices on standard ophthalmic frames since they opened in 1992. Single vision lens with frames start at $39.95 complete. Bifocals start at $59.95 complete and at Happy Eyes you can get transitions lens starting at $85.00 and up.
Hollywood Piano Company
The Hollywood Piano Company will help you to find that special piano for the best price in Southern California. From uprights to concert grands, player pianos to digital, they have them all… at 20%-60% below retail everyday, all the time.
Hotel Surplus Outlet
Hotel Surplus offers fine furnishings and fixtures from top ranked, 4 star hotels undergoing renovation or redecoration. These home furnishings run from mint to needs some attention and are offered at a fraction of the original price with savings at 35%-80% off of original retail.
Just Like The Model
Just Like The Model is a huge warehouse of home furnishing at 30% -70% below retail. Super deals on sofas, dining sets, chairs, lamps, armoires, accent tables, dressers, bedding, art and decorative items original displayed in model homes in New Housing Communities in Southern California and Nevada.
Karma Clothing
You’ll feel instantly welcomed at Karma Clothing in Hermosa Beach. This hip women’s resale boutique has a “feel good” vibe like no other. With steep savings of 60%-85% on higher–end designer clothing, you’re gonna totally dig shopping here!
You’ll find fun, fashion clothing here by Armani, Guess, Ralph Lauren BCBG, Laundry, Bebe, Calvin Klein, Tessori, Hollister, Splendid, Zara, Odille, Barney New York, Tory Burch, Banana Republic, Kensie, French Connection, Ellie Tahari, Old Navy, Free People and more.
National Flooring Liquidators
National Flooring Liquidators is a 30,000 square foot warehouse full of first quality flooring in overruns, end of run, end of bolt, closeouts, overbuys and discontinued styles in ceramic and porcelain tile, laminate flooring, carpeting and hardwood flooring selling them to the public at 30%-60% below original retail. You’ll see well known names in the industry here: Shaw, Delin, Mohawk, Pergo, WilsonArt, Datile, Interceramic, Armstrong, Alloc, Edge, Mannington and more.
Pillers
The Piller’s outlet in Monrovia has hip, elegant and well-known designer labels at 50%-90% off everyday. You see first quality overruns in both in season, last season and last years designer apparel for women crammed onto every rack. Something for every age range, size and budget.
Red Barn Feed and Pet
This Valley landmark has been selling feed and pet supplies for over 55 years. First time shoppers are often overwhelmed at the huge selection at Red Barn. Everything from tack to shavings, exotic pet foods to doghouses and known pet food brands can be found here at savings of 20%-60% below retail.
Roger Stuart Clothes
This long time downtown bargain source serves up elegant, top quality Italian suits at 40%-75% off retail. Here you buy direct from the manufacturer and pay wholesale or below on top quality men’s suits.
Shanes Jewelry
Open since 1970, Shanes specializes in wholesale diamonds, along with platinum, 18k and 14k engagement rings, eternity bands and is famous for the “made on the premises” custom design engagement rings that are 25%- 50% below retail.
Talk about no middleman. Here your dealing direct with the manufacturer.
Shopaholic Sample Sales
Yippee! The Shopaholic Sample Sale is now a terrific outlet boutique!
At one time you had to wait weeks to shop their touring sample sales, but now you can find their incredible deals on women’s designer clothes everyday.
Silverlining
Love a great fashion find at a bargain? Then you’ll adore The Help Groups’ Silverlining.
This cool resale shop carries better designer clothing, both new and gently used for men, women and children at 60%-95% off original retail. Really! Designed to be student training center for the Help Group. Everything is donated and then resold to fund various programs the Help Group runs for children with special needs related to Autism, ADHD etc.
Sofas, Tables & More
Love the hip, contemporary furniture designs from Restoration Hardware, Z Gallerie, Crate and Barrel and Pottery Barn?
Well you’ll jump for joy when you save of 30%-65% on similar designs on even higher quality home furnishings at Sofas, Tables and More in Torrance.
The Outlet By ELS
This fun place is a great source for incredible savings on almost anything imaginable. You’ll find apparel, home furnishings, electronics, small and large appliances, home and garden, hardware, home theater, bedding and linens, housewares, sporting, toys and more! All at savings of 40%-80% below retail!
The Saturday Sale
The Saturday Sale at the California Market Center is the way many savvy shoppers buy designer apparel, sportswear and accessories at wholesale and below prices. Women, men and children’s apparel and gifts by known labels are here at 50%-90% off original retail.
The Weiler Group
The Weiler Group carries high-end, large appliances at 20% -40% off the retail price. These new appliances are customer returns, discontinued, last seasons model, showroom floor samples or a cosmetic scratch and dent by Viking, Thermadore, Miele, Fisher & Paykel, KitchenAid, Dynasty, Bosch, Whirlpool, Delonghi, Leibhern, and Gaggenau.
Urbanism
A true bargain find, Urbanism offers good quality, stylish home furnishings at 20%-50% off of boutique furniture stores like Crate & Barrel and Restoration hardware. Savvy owner Stephanie Lamons can sell these hi quality pieces by working directly with manufacturers, keeping a low working overhead, buying in volume and only being open limited hours.
A Star Furniture
Affording really good or even best quality furniture, even at a bargain price isn’t always achievable. Some of us may be single, in our first apartments, raising a family or another situation that prohibits buying the high quality furniture.
There is a place for low to mid level quality furniture and one of the places to get a good deal on that level of quality is A Star Furniture in Glendale.
A-Z Mart
As you may have noticed from Zannees Blog, we love older home furnishings. Before bargain hunting became an obsession, antique and vintage home furnishing hunting was a passion.
So I was surprised when I found A-Z Mart in Whittier
Alfi Trade
When we suddenly had to upgraded our kitchen last year, I had to rush out a buy a sink and faucet fast. That last minute decision meant I couldn’t look around for a bargain spot to hunt for a great sink and faucet. You guys will be luckier since I found Alfi Trade.
All Patio
Spring is here and Summer is just around the corner. Instead of purchasing new patio furniture, consider refurbishing the set you have. You can save 50%-80% on the cost of new.
America’s Tire Company
I’ve gotta say that with the economic downturn, it seems that customer service has gone down the tubes. This surprises me, since stores need to do whatever they can to pull in customers and bad service results in lost customers/sales. Good service has always been part of our mantra and when I get truly great service I need to let you know. Which brings up my encounter today with America’s Tire Company (a nationwide chain) in Glendale.
American Apparel Community Store
The king of casual California apparel is American Apparel. Perhaps it’s because we live more casual lifestyles here in California. Or perhaps we’re beach or fitness focused. Or maybe we are just lazy in our dressing style… But cotton tees, tops and pants are still king here and probably always will be.
American Lock & Key
Moving into a new home has it’s share of unforeseen expenses. One that we didn’t think we needed initially was a locksmith. But after the dust settled and we found that some keys didn’t match all the doors, couldn’t get a safety bolt to work on one door and we wanted a couple of new keys, we had to contact a locksmith.
ASAP Liquidators
I recently stumbled across a cool new liquidation company that has just opened it’s door to the public. ASAP Liquidators liquidates departments store (Macy’s Target, Walmart, Sears) overstock, returns and freight damaged product and resells it to the public at 50%-85% off original retail.
The inventory is so varied from super kitchy table top items to electronics and toys to higher end designer apparel, it’s hard to nail down this spot to one category. Here, it’s all about the deal.
Back to School Necessities
It’s time to get down to the necessities of back to school shopping. Every kid is going to need some kind of back to school supplies, shoes and few pieces of clothing.
If you haven’t already, do go through your kids closets, drawers etc and see what they have that still fits and will work for school for the next few months. Make sure they have enough supplies , that all pens work, calculators have fresh batteries etc.
Then make a list of what they need.
Bargain Molding
On any renovation or home upgrade sometimes it’s the little extras that really make a difference both in the look of your home and the balance in your checkbook. But because of price, it’s often these little details that we do without.
Unless you know where to shop….
Big Y Yardage
Savings of 15%-50% on name and designer upholstery fabric. Large selection of Tapestries, chenille’s, chintz, cottons, damasks, wools. Designer consultation available. Full service.
Bring Down the House
Trying to put together new furnishings for your home? Even with all the liquidation sales happening these days, decorating your home is a big expense.
Time to look again at a tried and true bargain shoppers friend…. consignment home furnishings where you can save 40%-80% everyday.
Burke’s Outlet
Save 20%-70% on brand name men’s, women’s and children’s clothing and accessories along with deals on housewares, home decor, linens and more.
Chalmers
Chalmers is the perfect place to find deals on gifts for weddings, house warming, anniversary, birthdays, Bar Mitzvahs etc. I was delighted by the quality of crystal, art, fine china, tabletop giftware I found there by such notable names as Lalique, Daum, Versace, Kosta Boda, Lenox, Waterford, Reed & Barton, Jay Strongwater, Michael Aram, Nambe and more. This is a true hidden gem selling these items at 15%-45% below retail everyday
Children’s Orchard
New and used apparel for children. Savings of 20%-40% on new apparel, usually overruns or liquidations. Nice presentation of Infant through Pre-Teen apparel in good condition with some furniture, toys, book, videos.
Childrens Resale Stores
Shopping at kids resale stores when my daughter was little was a real budget saver. She had a great wardrobe and we didn’t have to spend much. Even now at 13, we go in to our local store and I let her pick a couple of items. I used these stores to pick up books, videos/DVDs, shoes, furniture… anything I may have needed at real budget prices.
Chiropractic Care
This last winter, I needed some chiropractic adjustments. I didn’t have a lot of money to spend on it and needed regular visits.
Considering our difficult move in February, the stressful renovations and a long history of old dance related back injuries, I needed to get back in alignment. I also was hoping to start a more serious work out regime this Spring and knew I wouldn’t be able to handle the exercise if I was out of alignment.
Dahdoul Textiles
I headed over to the Dahdoul Textiles outlet in Commerce this week. I had visited Dahdoul Textiles about 6 years ago and though everything was well below retail, I wasn’t impressed enough with the quality to write about it. But I thought I should take another look.
Well, I wasn’t really wow’d this time either, but I did find a few good buys. Dahdoul sells lower end merchandise priced really cheap… about 10%-30% below what it should go for with a few items priced at a solid 50%-60% savings
Deals in the Downtown Textile District
With our new home comes new décor, new window treatments and new upholstery.
After getting most my curtains through Villa Firenze Warehouse, I went to the wholesale textile district in downtown Los Angeles to search for more fabric for other drapery, pillows and some furniture I was having reupholstered. The deals were plentiful….
Decker’s Factory Outlet
I hadn’t been into the Decker’s Shoe outlet in quite a few years and really wanted to pop in and see what was up.
This Distribution Factory Outlet mostly carries shoes by UGG, Simple, Teva, Tsubo and Mozo at 50%-75% off.
Deja Vu Fashions
Back when I was teaching at Scripps College in Claremont, I used to stop into Déjà Vu Resale. I hadn’t been in a long time, so it was time to go back.
Wow… this women’s resale shop has gotten even better. They are bigger, have a better selection of designer goods for women as well as vintage clothing for gals and guys….and they even have a small room with vintage home décor finds…. All at 30%-90% below retail everyday!
Department Store Outlet
Are you a bargain basement shopper? Willing to go the extra mile to score rock bottom pricing. If that’s you, a visit to Department Store Outlet is in order.
This is a funky, self serve, no frills shopping adventure in an old store front. There are just incredible deals of 65%-95% off retail on past seasons, department store overstock, customer returns, and distressed merchandise in better men, women and children’s clothing and house wares.
Designer Fashion Exchange
I was delightfully surprised when I walked into Designer Fashion Exchange and found it to be a superior outlet for women’s better apparel at 50%-95% below original retail.
Duty Free
Just when we start receiving our bills for the extra Holiday spending we did, it’s time to start thinking about Valentines Day. So I dug through some really old files and came across my moms old favorite for deals on perfume… Duty Free in Sherman Oaks.
Ed Hardy Outlet
This company outlet store has savings of 50%-70% on last seasons signature duds by Ed Hardy, Christian Audigier, and Smet in tops, tees, hoodies, jeans, shoes, jackets, tunics, fashion accessories and more for women, guys and kids.
Encore Nouveau Boutique
Valley bargainistas have a “new on the scene” women’s resale boutique, Encore Nouveau. Not quite your typical resale boutique, this cute, cutting edge, fun boutique is filled with a well edited of women’s designer resale, vintage and new designer samples at 40%-80% off the original retail.
Across the street from It’s a Wrap, you won’t find the upper crust of designers. Just stylin quality fashion designer duds at super affordable pricing.
Entre Nous
This small resale boutique packs a serious punch with real deals on real couture women’s apparel. Gucci, Versace, Marni, Fendi, Dolce & Gabbana, Diane Von Furstenburg, Richard Tyler, Missoni, Badgley Mischka, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Stella McCartney, Marc Jacobs and more grace the racks and shelving here at 40%-75% below market prices.
Foam Mart
An old time favorite for upholstery stuffing, crafts and construction projects is Foam Mart in Burbank. Around since 1963, daughter Andrea has taken over this family run business and is making this place a one stop destination for extremely hard to find products in a large selection of foams as well as fabrics, feather inserts to latex mattresses, insulation, craft and memory foam.
Free Job Training
The recession is tough on teen and young adults. College tuition has sky rocketed and many kids are unable to afford to go to college or just going part time. Many of them are starting to look for work without any preparation or training.
Enter the Pacific Gateway Workforce Investment Network Youth Opportunity Center.
Free L.A.
The holidays are always a great time to spend time with family and friends. But finding fun Holiday stuff or any fun things in LA that are cheap or free is even harder.
Well, only if you don’t have the new version of FREE LA by Troy Corley. This hip pocket travel guide highlights over 400 family friendly free fun things to do in the L.A. Metro area.
Furnishings Direct
Tired of cheap furniture? Want the best quality for less? Then your destination should be Furnishings Direct.
Here you’ll find quality crafted, beautifully designed modern and Arts & Crafts styled home furnishings at 20%-50% less.
Furniture Consignment and More
I love furniture consignment stores. As a creative DIY-er and an antique hound, consignment stores are one of the best places to haunt for stellar deals in home furnishings and décor. So when I spotted a sign that actually said furniture consignment while driving around Long Beach, I executed a fast U turn.
Garden View Nursery
If you have big plans for new plants and landscaping, like us, you’re gonna want to try a bigger nursery that that has a wide selection of plants. Since we are planning on redoing our front garden ourselves, we headed out to Irwindale to prowl around Garden View Nursery. The pricing here runs from retail to 40% off on landscaping bushes, trees, shrubs etc.
Gibson Factory Outlet
The Gibson outlet is at the corporate and distribution headquarters. In a large modern building, the outlet is a good size with well organized racks packed with ceramic ware, kitchen ware, dishes and objects d’art at 50%-90% off original retail.
Glamour Closet
Billed as a Sample Sale, this outlet carries brand new in season and past season samples, discontinued and designer overstock gowns by such notables as Vera Wang, Reem Acra Monique Lhuillier, Carolina Herrera, Kenneth Pool, Amsale, Elizabeth Fillmore, Jenny Packham, Ulla Maija and more.
Glendale Youth Alliance
Started in 1994, the Glendale Youth Alliance (GYA) provides job seeking skills and employment preparedness training for Glendale’s youth ages 14-24. They have several programs that provide mentored employment to youth and they’ll quote prices before starting work. Brush clearance, light office duties, hauling, landscaping, and more at pricing that is 25%-50% below.
Habitat Restores
Habitat ReStores have both new and used surplus building materials donated by building supply stores, contractors, demolition crews and individuals. The products here range from door knobs to doors, sinks to lighting, windows to hardware, flooring and almost anything in between, all at prices that are 40%-70% below what you would expect to pay.
Handy Market
So I’m having dinner at a friend’s house in the heart of Hollywood and he drops some steaks on the grill. Not just any steak but two inch beauties that must weigh over a pound each. I bite into it and frankly it is one of the best steaks I have ever had. “Where did you get this meat?” I ask. “Handy Market in Burbank” is the reply. When I ask about the seasoning he says “just ask the butchers to season it for you… house specialty”.
Really.
HD Supply, Repair & Remodel
Spring and Summer usually bring with it home repair and remodeling jobs. Some of these big repairs can be costly, even if you do the work yourself. With every penny counting to stay on budget, you’ll be happy to shop at HD Supply Repair & Remodel.
HD Supply does a high volume, low markup business in huge warehouses, saving you 10%-50% on doors, windows, cabinets, flooring, lumber, moulding, tools, electrical, masonry, plumbing, heating & cooling and more.
Hi Fashion $5.99
Normally when I see a store sign like Hi Fashion $5.99, I immediately believe it’s a store full of crap-ola junk that’s not really worth $5.99. But “contempt before investigation” is a flaw I am trying to overcome, so I went in.
Glad I did…
Home Consignment Centers
One shopping trend that is coming back after the recession, is resale furniture outlets.
Consignment furniture stores offer shoppers a great way to get a bigger bang for your buck as well as turn over your quality furniture for some cash.
Home Consignment Centers has been around for 17 years, but only in Los Angeles area for the last couple of years.
Home Fabrics Inc
After our big move, we discovered we needed different furniture for our living room.
With budgets getting seriously tight, I dug up an old saved love seat and old chair that had originally belonged to my mom and sent them in for re-upholstery at Valley Upholstering. Not having fabric yet, I headed one more time to downtown LA textile district.
Home Improvement
Spring and Summer are the time most of us think of doing some home improvement projects. If you’re tight on time and a budget too, don’t settle for Home Depot or Lowes just because it’s easy without checking out these great discount sources for Home Improvement projects:
Hughes Estate Sales
If you like to treasure hunt for furniture, great buys on upscale stylish home furnishings will surprise you at the Hughes Estate Sale in Altadena. Savings here are 50% -75% off market or retail prices. If you get on their mailing list they’ll notify of estates sales they do from San Diego to Ventura. But, it’s at their monthly warehouse sales that they sell furniture that’s been pulled from storage units or estates that didn’t have time to arrange a formal sale. And the prices are so low ….their stupid!
Interior Incentives
Life is stressful… Saving money on home furnishings shouldn’t be. That’s why we really like Interior Incentives. Not only will you save 30%-60% on home furnishings, but owner, Denise make the process so easy, you’ll wonder why you ever shopped without her.
With this one women dynamo, you can shop catalogs for everything from hard case goods to upholstered pieces all in the comfort of your own home.
Jack Winter Auto Inspection
Shopping for a good used car takes some research and a good mechanic. After doing the initial homework on the car ourselves, including web search, consumer reports buying guide and a test drive, we call in our favorite roving mechanic, Jack Winters, to inspect the car.
Jorge Garcia Furniture Restoration
When we wanted to restore our antique furniture, only one re finisher totally understood our concept of restoration. Jorge Garcia works out of a small warehouse in Pasadena and specializes in antique polishing, restoration, refinishing as well as caning, rushing and carving. Jorge Garcia is especially good at matching wood tones and repairs. He does terrific work, gives accurate and fair estimates and is easy to deal with.
Kasper Outlet
Average prices run 20%-60% below retail on last season and this seasons women’s suits, career separates and wardrobe essentials. They also had 2 suits for $149.99 and last spring’s suits at $49 or less. Complete inventory turnover here is every six months. Sizes run 2-16.
King Richards Antique Mall
One of our favorite Holiday traditional pastimes is visiting local antique stores & malls. Most antique malls, stores and dealers have been hard hit by the recession and have lowered prices or a more willing to bargain.
The market has dropped and if you love antiques and can afford to buy, this is a good time.
La Belle Armoire
Mom taught me to buy the best quality I could afford… the problem was I rarely could afford the best quality in anything. So I started haunted resale clothing, furniture and appliances stores, occasionally buying the best quality and style for far less.
So when I walked into La Belle Armoire in Costa Mesa, I knew immediately I had fallen into a gem.
Liquidation Center
Savings of 30%-90% on closeouts and liquidated goods in clothing, houswares, tools, home decor, bric a brac. A store full of surprises.
Lisa M Clothing Boutique Outlet
Many outlet boutiques tend to stay off the radar of the general public, opting for word of mouth to spread the news. Most of these have inside access to better designer labels, snapping them up at bargain basement pricing and then selling them to the public at substantial savings.
Such is the case with Lisa M Clothing.
Los Angeles Wine Company
Whenever I am in the area I pop into The Los Angeles Wine Company. Around since the early 1980’s The Los Angeles Wine Company has a vast selection of wines. Over 300 from all parts of the world including Israel, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Italy, California, Australia and more. Savings here average 10%-60%.
Luxury Fabrics
If you want to spruce up your home with new curtains, pillows, upholstery or accent pieces, the problem is finding the perfect fabric at the perfect price. That problem doesn’t exist when you know about places like Luxury Fabrics in downtown Los Angeles.
Magic Kids Outlet
Having kids is expensive. The USDA estimates the cost of raising a child through age 18 averages around $300,000. So parents have to be inventive and resourceful to keep cost down.
A new outlet that will help keep the clothing costs way down is the Magic Kids Outlet in Canoga Park
Magnolia Commons
This recession has changed some shopping destinations for the better. Cool, funky vintage stores along with antiques stores and consignment stores are popping up all over Burbank lately. New on the scene is The Magnolia Commons.
Technically it’s a women’s and gents resale store. But unlike other stiffer consignment stores it has a cool vintage / classy vibe to it that compels you to shop for one of a kind treasures.
Manufacturer Furniture Clearance Warehouse
Manufacturers Furniture Clearance Warehouse has savings of 30%-60% on quality home furnishings and décor items. They carry dozens of lines of better manufacturers including Aico, American Drew, Millennium by Ashley, Boyd, Fairmont, Lane, Pulaski, Magnussen, Schnadig, Samuel Lawrence, Ital Art, Brownwood and more
Mary & Rafa’s Discount Outlet
As liquidation stores go, Mary’s and Rafa’s Discount Outlet is a classic off price liquidator. Here they liquidate department store overstock, customer returns, excess product and freight damaged items selling them to the public at 35%-80% savings.
Mattel’s Toy Outlet
Don’t know where to buy safe, good toys for the kids? Hold on to your seats cause getting kids toys and gifts just got a whole lot cheaper. The Mattel Toy Store, the official outlet for Mattel and Fisher-Price has direct to the public outlets with savings of 35%-80%!
Being a good Santa just became affordable!
Moskatel’s
Attention Crafts peeps and DIYers. If you haven’t been to Moskatel’s, you’re missing on on a huge selection and some surprising discounts.
Across the street from the flower marts and a couple blocks from the textile area of downtown LA. This is not the wholesale Moskatel’s of my youth. But it still offers a mammoth selection
Nine West Outlets
Nine West, like most manufactures, has factory overruns, samples, and back stock that didn’t sell out. These end of season and past seasons products end up at their several Southern California outlets at savings of 25%-75% off.
Off Broadway Shoe Warehouse
Men’s and women’s current designer shoes at 20%-70% below retail. Big designer names, huge selection, no kids.
Accessories too.
Off Fifth
The Saks Fifth Ave outlet has discounts on high-end, designer items 25%-70% off original retail. Designer clothing for men and women, accessories in designer handbags, shoes, scarves, jewelry and leather goods. Cosmetics by Estee Lauder, Clinque and Bobbie Brown.
Once Upon a Child
A larger resale store with a terrific selection of cribs, furnishings, toys, strollers, hi-chairs, books, bedding and apparel from infant to size 12. Good selection of labels from boutique brands to department store. Savings are 50%-85% off original retail
OTW Tile Outlet
Got a home improvement project? Wanna re-tile your entry way, bathroom, kitchen, patio or walkway? OMG…. Have I got a place for you!!! OTW Tile Outlet.
OTW Ceramic Tile outlet carries indoor or outdoor tile in ceramic, porcelain, mosaic, travertine. marble, and granite. It literally has got to be the best bargain place to get tile in Southern California. Really!
Our Home Renovation Sources
Our new home renovations are finally finished. We spent a lot, but saved a lot on quality workmanship and goods. Here’s who we used and where we bought stuff:
Al Menendez - Contractor.
We used him for everything from our new wood patio cover ($1200) to re-roofing ($6900- half was Spanish tile), garden cement pathways $3500, electrical, garage conversion w/ new foundation and new office finishing.
Overstock Village
There’s a new discounter in town. Overstock Village. Still rough around the edges in a warehouse type space, this off price outlet liquidates from a wholesale, “Big Box” discounter as well as a famous home improvement store, selling everything from sinks and electronics to clothing and house wares all at 25%-70% below those companies original prices with the average savings at 30%-50%.
Perfumes West
Perfume West has 1000’s of perfumes and fragrances by Cartier, Boucheron, Salvatore Feraagamo, Arpege, Bal a Versaille, Chanel, Escada, Narciso Rodriguez, Michael Jordan, Acqui Di Gio By Georgio Armani, Polo, Burberry, Jean Paul Gautier and more at 10%-40% off.
Pottery Manufacturing and Distribution
Shopping a long time, tried & true bargain source isn’t easy in Southern California where most independent discounters from years past have closed up. Not so with Pottery Manufacturing and Distribution in Gardena where you can save 30%-40% on ceramic pottery, pots and planters.
Premier Antiques Furniture
We are always on the prowl for quality used and antique furniture. Not only can you save money, but you’ll usually be able to buy higher quality than buying brand new. Hubby and I came across Premier Antique Furniture when we were buying flooring at National Flooring Outlet in Monrovia. Hidden across the parking lot in a 2-story building was a small sign for antiques.
Intrigued, we ventured in.
Produce Company Factory Outlet
Hidden away in a business park in Orange County is the factory outlet for the Produce Company. This resort / casual wear women’s clothing company been around since 1986. Geared for savvy baby boomers who loves comfy clothes with style, here you’ll save 40-75% on last season overproduction, samples from the Produce Company as well as other versatile, beachy clothing lines that they can bring in at outlet pricing
Real Cheap Sports
The outlet for Patagonia, you’ll find high quality sports apparel, hiking, climbing, and other sporting goods all at 10%-60% off everyday. Discontinued, overruns etc. Friendly, knowledgeable staff.
Red Balloon Warehouse Outlet
All good boutiques have end of season sales. But what do they do with what’s left over after the sale? Some sell their extra product to jobbers and outlets. Some store product for months and then have a huge sale. Then some. like the OC’s Red Balloon open a Warehouse Outlet and sell their remaining product at 65% off their original retail price.
Reel Appeal
A jaunt around the Valley last week yielded a surprise at Reel Appeal. On first entry I though it was just a warehouse with old movie and film props. But it’s more than that. Buying up overstock from local studios including Warner Brothers, Universal, 20th Century Fox and others, this independently run warehouse has everything from home décor, linens, bedding to home furnishings, jewelry, antiques, collectibles and more.
RER Demolition
Not only is RER Demolition a terrific demolition company (Ellen DeGeneres has used them). But they also salvage good reusable items out of upscale homes and industrial building and resell them to the public at prices that are cheaper than your average garage sale!
Roku
We’ve cut cable TV down to basic cable and only have basic cable in one room instead of several. The biggest change, however was the addition of Roku.
SAS Fabrics
In this recession, many of us are looking to save on everything…. Looking for rock bottom deals, choosing to become crafters by “doing it ourselves”. Instead of buying pre-made, we’re now sewing curtains, garments and home décor items. If you’re anywhere near the South Bay area, SAS Fabrics is just about the cheapest place on the planet to buy fabric and notions. Savings here are 60%-95% off original retail.
Shareen Vintage
Shareen Vintage in downtown Los Angeles is where you can find cool vintage apparel for less. Their funky warehouse packed with racks and racks of vintage women’s clothing from as early as the 1920’s to as late as the 1990’s was all super affordable. I had a hard time finding anything priced here higher than $100.
Simply Vintageous
I love vintage apparel. But because it’s now considered chic to wear all things vintage, the prices have sky rocketed.
You’ll find more down to earth prices on coveted vintage pieces at Simply Vintageous on Melrose Ave. This Pop Up has a well edited selection of vintage evening gowns, outer wear, separates and sportswear from coveted, well know labels to bargain basement womens’ resale items at 20%-65% below market.
So.Cal Liquidation Center
As most homeowners are aware, there is always some kind of repair or improvement chore to do around the house. Maintaining your home is an ongoing project. Thankfully, there’s a resource that’s sort of a Home Depot outlet in Orange County.
So. Cal. Liquidation Center is a small operation that liquidates, overstock, shelf pulls, discontinued and customer return items, mostly from Home Depot but also from Lowes and Sears
Sterns Drapery and Fabrics
During our home renovation this last Winter, I headed back and forth to fabrics stores in downtown L.A. about 10 times to shop for upholstery and window treatment fabrics. Though the selection and prices were great, driving into downtown and paying for parking each time, got a bit old.
I felt kinda stupid when I completely forgot about long time, tried and true fabric outlet, Sterns Drapery and Fabric in Sherman Oaks. So I went to visit.
Steven Alan Outpost
Sometimes it is a curse to have good taste. Many of the things in life that are well designed and well crafted, tend to be more expensive.
Those of you with good taste are surely familiar with the clothing line of Steven Alan. Found at stores like Barney’s, Urban Outfitters and Steven Alan boutiques, I was surprised to find they had an outlet store…. The Steven Alan Outpost.
Super Home Mart
This family operated store in the heart of China Town, is a direct imported / wholesaler of goods from Asia. You’ll find a plethora of items including gift items, household product, dishware, home décor, small appliances, office supplies, Asian art and artifacts, perfume jewelry, cookware and some furniture at 20%-75% below retail everyday with the average savings in the 40%-50% off range.
Superior Nut Company
The Fall is the season for entertaining, baking and gift giving. If like me, you like to entertain, bake and give gift baskets, you need to know about Superior Nut Company.
This wholesaler of nuts, dried fruit and candy, operates a retail store out of their wholesale offices selling at 35%-65% below average retail.
Survival Kits Online
At Survival Kits Online located in a small warehouse/ store off the beaten path in West Hills, you can get emergency preparedness kits for less. On average 20%-50% less. You can buy piece by piece or buy a pre-made kits for less.
Territory Ahead Catalogue Outlet
Outlet for Territory Ahead, you’ll find savings of 20%-80% off end of season, discontinued casual outdoor apparel, accessories and gifts. Higher quality.
Thanksgiving & Holiday Entertaining
Thanksgiving and the Holidays are literally around the corner and if you’re entertaining guests, having a party or going to any parties, it’s time to get prepped!
Though we can’t give you any real cooking tips, we can help you get extra plates and place settings, linens as well as hostess gifts and gourmet foods for less. Here are some great bargain sources to help make your Holiday celebration shine.
That Jean Shop
We normally buy new jeans in the Winter. Our favorite source for designer jeans at a discount, The Warehouse Sale, was a no show this season.
So I went looking for deals on designer denim. I found That Jean Shop in Los Angeles
The Basement
Smack dab in the middle of downtown Santa Monica and downtown L,A. is clothing outlet, The Basement.
I stopped into the small, 2-story outlet in Santa Monica. Here they sell manufacturer overruns, closeouts, samples, discontinued and past seasons items at $5-$15, with a few items priced up at $30…. Savings run 40%-90% off depending upon brand.
The Clothing Market
One of my favorite areas in Southern California is the Montrose Shopping district. Nestled between Glendale and La Crescenta, this area has a small town feel with weekly Farmers Markets, Art Walks, Christmas Parades, Seasonal Festivals and a bunch of rather good restaurants. In the heart of this charming area is a women’s clothing manufactures outlet, The Clothing Market.
The Guess Clearance Store
Years ago, Guess used to do these Warehouse Sales at their corporate Headquarters. The sale was so popular they had a separate phone line you could call for updates. Well they changed things up over the last decade so they have Factory Clearance Outlets instead of Warehouse Sales.
The Mint Fashion Exchange
Some recommendations are better than others. So I jumped on the opportunity to check out a Simi Valley resale boutique. The Mint Fashion Exchange offers Simi Valley bargainistas a great source for bargain shopping for better quality brand name and designer clothing in mint to near mint at 50%-85% off original retail
The Xchange
Eagle Rock is nestled between Glendale and Pasadena, hosting an eclectic artistic vide with indie shops and restaurants. You can add to that list, new on the scene, eclectic women’s resale boutique The Xchange.
Opened just under a year, owner Marissa Larry opened up The Xchange with the idea of recycling women’s fashionable wardrobe pieces…. And she’s picky, which shows in the well edited, fashion selection here all priced at 50%-85% off original retail.
Top 10 Bargain Sources for 2012
Here they are…our top 10 new Bargain Sources for 2012!
Every year we research dozens of new stores, outlets and discounters. Out of these we pick the top ten new sources for each year. It isn’t easy, but here they are.
See if you agree.
Top Shoes
Top Shoes is a liquidation outlet specializing in manufacturer overruns, discontinued or end of season fashion shoes. Some well know brand names as well as knock offs are here at prices that will make you giggle…. 50%-90% off.
Toys, Toys and More
Let’s face it, one of the best parts of Christmas and holiday shopping is buying for children. The annual ritual of ripping gift wrap off packages and the memories of the oohs and aahs that result from this gleeful event last a lifetime.
So here are my picks of places to find that perfect toy for that perfect kid for a lot less!
Trina Turk Outlet
The Trina Turk Outlet is located at rear of their sample cutting factory in Alhambra. Savings look to run 50%-85% off original retail. More like a boutique than an outlet, everything in stock appears to be first quality overruns. The outlet only sells merchandise that is 6 months old or older.
Valley Upholstering
Finding an Upholsterer who is well priced, consistency does quality work with exceptional levels of workmanship and design, isn’t easy. But not anymore…
Since 1978 Valley Upholstering has been the source used by chic interior design firms, large retail stores to do “their” upholstery work and custom designed upholstered pieces. Why pay those inflated prices when you can go directly to the source and save 40%-70% on the exact same service.
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