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
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.
Best Slipcover
Hidden in an industrial area of Van Nuys is one of our very best finds…Best Slip Cover. Immediately, you’ll see the style, quality and workmanship at this factory direct source where you can slipcover your cherished heirloom or have it tailored or loosely slip covered at 30%-50% less than department stores and better chic designer showrooms.
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.
Chaise & Lounge
Hidden away in an industrial complex is one of the OC’s best bargains, Chaise & Lounge. This small boutique furniture warehouse delivers sizable savings of 25%-40% on better quality sofas, chaises, over sized chairs, upholstered ottomans and beds that are similar in style to Crate and Barrel, Z Gallerie and Pottery Barn. From the very modern to the traditional.
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 Anaheim. 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.
Dave Berger and Sons
Attention ladies! If you are a true shoe freak, plan on loosing it at Dave Berger and Sons, where you’ll flip on high end designer shoes at 65% everyday!
This long time wholesaler/ discounter’s shoe warehouse in downtown Los Angeles contains some of the most amazing deals on higher end designer shoes I have ever seen. A bit rough around the edges, hardy bargainistas should be able to handle this slightly un-kempt store packed with bargain finds.
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.
Discovery Shops
These resale shops have a better selection of quality donated new and used merchandise in clothing, jewelry, home decor, handbags, housewares and furnishings at savings of 40%-80% below original retail.
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!
Dressed Up!
Need a special occasion outfit? Heading to a Holiday Party? Then look no further than Dressed Up! in Tarzana.
At this full service boutique, you’ll find top designer names in cocktail, prom, Mother of the Bride and special occasion attire at 25%-70% off on current season designs everyday! Yippee!
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.
Furniture-Closeout
Furniture Closeouts.com warehouse turned out to be a jewel with real savings of 40%-75% on better quality upholstered home furnishings.
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.
Goldstar
GoldStar sells prime entertainment venue tickets for nearly half off. The average savings on tickets runs around 50% and there is a service fee which ranges from $3.50-$7.00 per ticket, but still you’ll save at least 40% on theater tickets.
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
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.
Imperial Design Group
Updating kitchen and bathrooms can be costly! But not at our secret source in the South Bay, Imperial Design Group.
Here you’ll find the best for less in exotic natural stone products imported directly from over 15 countries in Marble, Granite, Limestone, Travertine, Slate, and more in all kinds of finishes at 30%-70% off regular retail.
In Your Place Furniture
Need some hard wood furniture or household furnishings deals?
Then take a look at In Your Place Furniture in Van Nuys. These manufacturers and direct importers offer eclectic, contemporary and rustic home furnishings at savings of 25%-50% off.
Junior Drake Factory Outlet
Hold on to your handbags, ‘cause the Junior Drake Outlet is here! A visit to this manufactures outlet is where you really can go bonkers snatching up high quality leather bags at 50%-90% below 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.
Lucky You Resale Boutique
All of us have a special source we haunt for deals. Lucky for us, there is Lucky You Resale Boutique.
This hip, real world resale boutique offers savings of 60%-90% on contemporary trendy apparel for fashion hipsters who wants rock bottom pricing on resale designer apparel.
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 Torrance 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.
R-Chameleon
Love great designer fashion? Want to save 50% everyday?
Then R-Chameleon is your “go to” website for incredible buys on fashion forward designs by the most coveted trendy labels at 50%-70% savings everyday!
You can also visit their El Segundo store.
Red Barn Feed and Pet
This Valley landmark has been selling feed and pet supplies for over 50 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.
Shane’s Jewelry
Open since 1970, Shane’s 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.
Ski and Snowboard Liquidation Center
Ski and Snowboard Liquidation Center is a one-stop bargain bonanza for your ski or snowboarding or outdoor adventure. In their large showroom you’ll find a tremendous selection of outdoor snow apparel for men, women and children along with great buys on new and used ski’s, snowboards and accessories. Savings range from 30%-80% on new apparel and gear.
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 45%-70% 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.
Toyota of Huntington Beach
Need a new car? Like Toyotas?
Then it’s time for you to contact Mike Iannucci at Toyota of Huntington Beach. After 27 years with Toyota, this straight shooter, will save you time, aggravation and stress. He will simply get you the best deal, Toyota of Huntington Beach can offer…. Period.
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.
VikenY.com
When you want the best in web design and development, consultation, and website management , Vik is the way to go. He is thorough, incorporates advanced concepts, is familiar with all programming and works with you to design the best site for your specific business. Very reasonable for the level of expertise he provides.
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.
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.
Ampersand Resale Boutique
New resale boutique, Ampersand is a terrific little addition to the shopping scene in the Larchmont area. This neat little “indie” boutique has hipster style upscale designer dressing 40%-65% off the original retail.
Their well edited designer women’s shoes, handbags and clothing selection is in mint to near mint condition and will have you cheering at the divine pieces found here.
Andrew Christian Remix Outlet
Guys always seem to be left outta the Sample Sale / Outlet store scene, For every 10 women’s clothing outlets, there might be one for guys. Well the numbers just got a bit better for guys with the Andrew Christian Outlet in West Hollywood.
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….
BCBG Outlet
Holy Hollywood!!! A BCBG / Max Azria outlet here in L.A.? Yep it’s true. No more standing in line at their warehouse sale to score a steal of a deal. Now you can shop in an upscale boutique setting and save 50%-90% on last season and several seasons past women’s apparel in overstock, overproduction and samples.
Bella Home
On a recent trip down into the OC, I got a bit lost. So I pulled into a small corner shopping mall so I could double check the directions off my phone. When I looked up, I noticed a sweet little shop called Bella Home Thrift Shop. It was so cute, I just had to pop in to see what it was about.
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.
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.
Consignment Warehouse
Trying to spruce up your house with new furniture? There are liquidations sales galore and bargains to be had around every corner. But if you have champagne taste on a beer budget, there are bargain to be found in some unusual places.
Furniture consignment shops can yield unusual furnishings, higher end designer and artwork pieces at surprising prices.
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.
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.
Eco Trader Discount Carpet
One of the best ways to save on carpet, especially if you only have to do one or two rooms to do, is to buy carpet remnants.
Remnants are “end of roll” or discontinued carpet. Dealers who sell remnants are a dime a dozen. But to find one that really carries high grade carpet and has been in the carpet biz for over 20 year is a find.
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.
Fashion Therapy
You can’t imagine my delight when I found Ethel again in her new resale store Fashion Therapy in Santa Monica. I was just out doing my researching thing and decided to stop into this cute boutique with the catchy name. As I entered through the back door, that warm friendly face greeted me with a hug. What a surprise.
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.
For Kids Only
Beautiful European and American designer childrens apparel and accessories at 25%-65% below retail. Good selection of girls special occasion and boys suits. Top quality shoes, coats and accessories for children 0 to 18.
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.
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.
Half Off
Can you say, “I spy with my little eye - designer goods on sale, all the time ….oh my!
Half Off is one of those cool, hipster boutiques that get better with time. After closing both their West Hollywood and Larchmont branches, all that remains is the Los Feliz store on Vermont. The deals here are so, so sweet! Save 40%-80% off everyday on quality urban, bohemian designer clothes for gals and guys.
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.
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 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.
Hot Spots for Valentine Gift Giving
If you are one of the lucky ones who can afford to buy a present for that special person for Valentines Day, but still want more bang for your buck.
These are my top bargain shopping choices for savings of 20%-80%:
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!
Imperial Design Group
At Imperial Design Group you’ll find exotic natural stone products imported directly from over 15 countries. Marble, Granite, Limestone, Travertine, Slate, and more in all kinds of finishes as well as, Fireplaces, Statues, Fountains, Wall Art, Mirrors, Decorative Tile, glass basins and so much more are here at 40%-70% off regular retail.
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.
Kids Gallery
One of the ways Moms everywhere have learned how to get the biggest bang for their buck at children’s resale stores. Normally filled with gently used clothing, books, with some furniture and some toys, it’s rare to find a kids resale boutique that is stuffed with more toys, strollers and gear than clothes. But that’s exactly what so cool about Kids Gallery in Anaheim.
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.
Line Up Warehouse
Outdoor and Golfing hipsters can snag some real deals at the Line Up Warehouse in Newport Beach.
This outlet store carries causal sportswear lines Line Up, Weekend Traffic, Sans Soleil, Traffic Jammies, you’ll also find a lot of good bargain buys on stuff for guys including Moose Creek, True Grit, Burnside and many more at 15%-70% off.
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%.
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!
Moody Mama’s Maternity Outlet
Buying overruns and remaining product direct from the designer manufacturer is a sure way of getting quality at wholesale or below pricing.
Hip & chic Maternity manufacturer, Moody Mamas has opened up their showroom to the public with savings of 30%-75% on styling maternity clothes in tees, tops, casual and cocktail dresses, nightgowns, nursing tops, pants, leggings and more.
Nativa Outlet
A lot of you are asking where to find innovative, unique high quality furniture. The truth is there are fewer and fewer sources that are not full retail. But there are a few new ones popping up that offer unique high quality designs at substantial savings
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
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.
Outdoor Outlet
Most of us don’t buy our camping/ outdoor or hiking gear until spring. But that may change with the new Outdoor Outlet in Alhambra.
This new on the scene outlet has savings of 30%-60% off on over 60% of the store on sleeping bags, tents, outer wear, backpacks, duffles, camp stoves, clothing, gear and more.
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.
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.
Rewind Recycled Fashion
A well organized vintage resale boutique with savings of 50%-70%. There are no over stuff racks with old clothes. Just a well edited selection of clothing pieces from the 1940’s to today at some really great pricing. Everything was mint or near mint at pricing that was at least 50% off original retail.
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.
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.
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 Linen Outlet
Hanging out in West Hollywood area last week had me re-visiting the Linen Outlet.
Owned by Anna’s Linens, this location carries better quality linens and bedding liquidated by name brand luxury lines as well as some Anna’s Linens labels. The discounts are good with savings of 20%-75% everyday.
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 Sample Room at Kicky Pants
One of the good things that comes out of a weak economy is more designers and manufacturers are willing to start selling direct to the public. Such is the case with The Sample Room where every Friday and on the first Saturday of every month you can buy infant and children’s clothing at wholesale.
The Store
Good things do come out of a recession. One of these good things is that now you don’t have to wait to the last Friday of every month to shop at designer showrooms. The Store has now opened.
The Cooper Building, the iconic showroom building on 9th and Los Angeles has opened a store for their tenants The goal of the store is to give tenants a place to sell overstock and samples direct to the public at 60%-90% off.
Top 10 Bargain Sources for 2011
Here they are…our top 10 new Bargain Sources for 2011!
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.
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.
Trunk Show LA
Westside bargainistas don’t have to drive into downtown to hit a Sample Sale if they want chic urban fashion at a bargain price. Trunk Show LA has set up shop in Santa Monica with savings of 30%-85% on fashion forward urban designs by Current/Elliott, Kova, Alexis Montagna, J Brand, Monrow, Work Custom Denim, Gypsy 05, Erik Hart and more.
Tufenkian Archive Outlet
Tufenkian Artisan Carpets had quietly opened an outlet or “archive” for their discontinued styles and odd color lots, custom orders, samples and one of a kinds. Since Tufenkian is the manufacturer/ importer and their pricing is consistent at all their retail outlets, the savings here are a real 50%-75% off the original retail.
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.
Value Maxx
Value Maxx is a classic example of a store that buy overstock and last seasons goods from the Federated Group (Macy’s Bloomies etc). Savings run 50%-90% below original retail on clothing and accessories for guys, kids and women. Most the stuff is your basic department store goods with good quality labels. But there are gems of good designer pieces here and there is a multitude of better designer shoes in the 5000 square foot women’s shoe section
We Love Spotify
In case you haven’t heard, Spotify is the latest online music streaming software to go against Apple and iTunes. It has been offered in Europe for a few years, where it competed with iTunes and created quite a buzz. It just recently crossed the pond.
What is causing the buzz? Spotify is offering access to 15 million songs for free and is legal (this is not a music pirate gateway).
Wholesale Garden Ceramic Planters
Since we live in Southern California we spend much of our social life outdoors. So we’ve been slowly planting and sprucing up our yard and patio areas. As we continue to work on our garden and patio we have been shopping for good prices on ceramic planters.
Z Gallerie Outlet
The Z Gallerie outlet sells scratch and dent, customer returns, damaged floor models, discontinued, overstock and some canceled orders, all at 50%-70% off.
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The Weiler Group
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Men's Resale Boutique -
Just Like The Model
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Frame Club
Framing -
Junior Drake Factory Outlet
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Dressed Up!
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The Outlet By ELS
Liquidator/ General Merchandise
