I have good news and bad news. First your kids are headed back to school. Second your kids are headed back to school.

If you are doing back to school shopping, you’re bringing your kid in tow. I find it easier to go to smaller stores outside of the mall to avoid the hectic insanity. You also may have read in my blog, I usually don’t do any back to school shopping until after school has started. But, if you must go out and do some shopping, here are some great money saving sources.

Shoes is always on the top of the list. We start with athletic shoes followed by dressier shoes. Both can be found for 20%-50% less at the Skechers Outlets. These stores mix in regular retail merchandise in the outlet so stay focused.

SKECHERS USA Outlet, 6426 Van Nuys Blvd., Van Nuys, 91401 818-989-2189
SKECHERS USA Outlet, 6202 Pacific Blvd., Huntington Park, 90255 323-582-3293
SKECHERS USA Outlet, 18143 Ventura Blvd, Tarzana, 91356 818-345-1024
SKECHERS USA Outlet, 5191 Whittier Blvd., Los Angeles, 90022 323-264-4700
SKECHERS USA Outlet, 19000 S Vermont Ave., Gardena, 90248 310-327-4600
SKECHERS USA Outlet, 12017 E Garvey Ave., El Monte, 91733 626-454-3600
SKECHERS USA Outlet, 11033 E Rosecrans Blvd., Norwalk, 90650 562-868-7747
SKECHERS USA Outlet, 2550 Long Beach Blvd., Long Beach, 90806 562-490-2504
SKECHERS USA Outlet, 422 S Azusa Ave., Azusa, 91702 626-812-0693
SKECHERS USA Outlet, 1195 N State College Blvd., Anaheim, 92806 714-956-2477

SKECHERS USA Outlet in Malls
Camarillo Premium Outlets, 850 East Ventura Blvd., Camarillo, 93010 805-388-1029
Ontario Mills Outlet Mall, 1 Mills Circle, Ontario, 91764 909-484-8733

For clothing basics and younger kids clothing try Kids Outlet in San Fernando. This well organized, well lit, easy to shop store has a good selection of kids clothing from infant to 16. There are more than a few labels I had never heard of before but there was also a decent selection of Disney, Hanes, Old Navy, Warner Brother, Faded Glory, High Sierra and Barbie products to peruse. And the prices were cheap, really cheap… with discounts running between 40%-70% below retail.

Kids Outlet, 1101 San Fernando Rd., San Fernando, CA 818.365.5959.

For elementary school age kids try 4 Kids Clothes Under $10. They have several locations with lots of cute cheap clothing for boys and girls 0-14. But the cool part is that about 1/3 of the store is manufacturer closeouts from well-known designers and department store overstock at terrific discounts… 30%-60% less.

4 Kids Clothes Under $10 909.948.0040
10730 Foothill Blvd., #100
Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730

Other locations:
8822 Washington Blvd. 562.801.5631
Pico Rivera, CA

887 S. Azusa Ave. 626.812.4421
Azusa, CA

There are other similar stores run by the same family in Monterey Park, Chino, Moreno Valley, South Gate and Anaheim but they may not have the manufacturer closeouts.

Also don’t miss the factory sale coming up for Lipstik (See Hot Sales) This hot line is in the best boutiques around and all samples are being sold at $5 in sizes 5 and 10. Sizing runs small.

Suzanne O'Connor