Suzanne O’Connor’s Bargains LA

Back to School 2009

Holy cow… It’s back to school time already. I don’t know if I should scream in terror or jump up and down with joy.

My plan is usually just to get basic necessities for back to school. School supplies like notebooks, paper, pens, folders and more plus a back pack and shoes. Everything else can usually wait till mid October when our weather starts to cool. 
For some solid savings on quality goods try these sources:

Back to School Supplies:

Market West (Savings of 30%-70% on office supplies /desks originally sold at Staples)
9839 Independence Ave, Chatsworth - (818) 700-1650

Desks 4 Less Etc (Savings of 25%-60% on office supplies/ desks originally sold at Staples)
12024 Sherman Way, North Hollywood, CA 91605 -(818) 982-3375

Big Lots- All locations

Office Depot- They do have some great loss leaders, banking on the fact that you will buy everything else there too.

Shoes
For shoes (that are not specialty, dance, runner or sport shoes), I like the Skechers Outlets. Savings run up to 60% off with the average savings being around 30%.

Skechers USA Outlets

5191 Whittier Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90022
323-264-4700

6202 Pacific Blvd.  Huntington Park, CA 90255
323-582-3293    
         
19000 S Vermont Avenue Gardena, CA 90248  
310-327-4600

6426 Van Nuys Blvd Van Nuys, CA 91401
818-989-2189
                 
12017 E Garvey Ave El Monte, CA 91733
626-454-3600
                   
11033 E Rosecrans Blvd Norwalk, CA 90650
562-868-7747
                 
18143 Ventura Blvd Tarzana, CA 91356
818-345-1024
                       
2550 Long Beach Blvd Long Beach, CA 90806
562-490-2504
               
422 S Azusa Avenue Azusa, CA 91702
626-812-0693
                       
1195 N State College Blvd Anaheim, CA 92806
714-956-2477
             
Ontario Mills Outlet Mall 1 Mills Circle Ontario, CA 91764
909-484-8733
 
740 E. Ventura Blvd   Camarillo , CA 93010
805-389-7424
                   
Camarillo Outlets 850 E. Ventura Bl.  Camarillo, CA 93010
805-388-1029
       
You can also do well at Nordstrom’s Rack, Ross, Marshalls etc.
I have on occasion hit Payless and Target for shoes. But I keep in mind that I am getting what I pay for.

Backpacks:
Don’t buy a cheap backpack. Jansport is a good quality backpack with a life long guarantee. It will hold up to the wear and tear it will receive. These show up everywhere at a promo price around $29-$34. Buy it when you find one you like.

Clothing:

I wait to purchase clothing till mid October. First because our weather stays hot till mid October. And our kid will still be wearing their summer stuff.
Second, most stores have their Fall/ Back to School Sales at this time.. That’s also when their new lines of winter clothes in. Waiting gives you more choice with better prices just about everywhere.
Third, you should want to see what the fashion hit at your school is. No good wasting money on back to school jeans and tops your kid won’t wear.

When it’s time to get clothes, I always check out the neighborhood resale stores first.  I will have a good list for you in the next week or so.

Uniforms:

Okay these you have to buy now. But first see if your school has organized a clothing swap or a used uniform sale. Most uniforms are constructed so well they look great even after a year of wear. These are the best way to save money on the higher end uniforms by the likes of Sue Mills.

If you like to shop online try:

www.thechildrenswearoutlet.com

www.allseasonsuniforms.com
For basic uniforms by Dickies, French Toast, etc the basic sources of Target, Sears all work fine. In the Inland Empire, Burkes Outlets usually has a good deal on them and also Susies Deals gets them in.

Computers:

Discount Computer Warehouse
8845 Shirley Ave.,
Northridge, CA 91324
818.576.9111

www.discountcw.com

See their current review in Latest Bargain Finds