Not all stores are what they seem at first glance and if I had not received an email telling me about Value Maxx, I may not have ventured in. But this 12,000 square foot bargain bonanza is well worth a visit, especially if you’re into women’s designer shoes.

Value Maxx is a classic example of shopping at stores that buy overstock and last seasons good 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. So let’s start there.

All the shoes are first quality come in a good selection of sizes and run the gamut from stilettos to walking comfort shoes. These names you will know:

Ralph Lauren, Donald Pliner, Michael Kors, Via Spiga, Carlos Santana, Bandolino, Guess, Franco Sarto, Jlo, Mia, Joan and David, Marc Fisher, Charles David, BCBG, Kenzie, Betsy Johnson, Clarks, Merrell, Miss Sixty, Steve Madden Kenneth Cole, Sofft, Dr Scholls, Baby Phat and Lamberston Truex.

If you are a shoe addict this will be a joy. Savings average 65%-70% off here. Stellar buys include a killer pair of Lamberston Truex snake skin strappy pumps for $194 instead of the original $695…. But that was the high end. Most shoes are in the normal “designer” range here. A pair of Donald Pliner silver leather platforms was priced at $83 instead of $195. A terrific pair of Via Spiga spectator shoes are $76 instead of $198. A cute pair of peep toe platform shoes by Michael Kors was $56 instead of the original $140 and a totally off the cute meter, pair of Joan and David polka dot ballet flats were $34 instead of $85. There are rows upon rows of shoes here. Mirrors are few, so plan on a little extra time to share.

This time I walked away without any shoes and went scavenging through the racks of clothes. A Charter Club wool cardigan was $10.99 instead of $45. Basic summer tees were only $3.99…beating out the cheap tees at Forever 21 by $2. A dark blue silk JLo pull over windbreaker was a great buy at $14. Other women’s buys included a DKNY ruffled silk layered top at $94 instead of $335, a Max Studio Shirt was $26 instead of $89 and a Sunny Leigh cotton jersey top was only $16.99. A rack of trousers by Nine West, Ralph Lauren, and others were 30% off their discounted price ranging from $10-$30. Original retail was $80-$150 a pair.

A rack in the back had 50% off their discounted price with cool buys like a Guess top for $7.50 that originally went for $59. A Ben Sherman peasant top was a mere $7. An Inc cashmere wrap was originally $89 but here it’s $13.99. I didn’t see any suits and only a small rack of dresses.

Guys have some stuff to pull from here including a large grouping of athletic jersey tops for $5-$10. Off to the side were LS shirts with one flannel one by Ralph Lauren Polo at $13.99 instead of $36. A dress Alfani shirt was $5.99 and a Kenneth Cole top was just $7.99. Lots of long shorts here in cami and khaki at $13.99. Didn’t see any suits, the men’s stuff was more casual with a lot of sweats, sweaters and casual wear.

If you have wee ones, there are some good buys in kids with good labels by Green Dog, Roxy, Fang, Exceed, Ecko Unltd, Ralph Lauren, Quicksilver, Pineapple Connection and more. Sizes start at infant, but only run up to 8-10. Tweens are not served here and junior apparel is minimal at best and mixed in with the general men’s and women’s.

I spent 2 hours here and wished I had bought more. I will be heading back soon. The women’s shoes are why you should come, but while you’re here don’t miss out on looking through the rest of the store. It’s one cool deal after another.

Value Maxx
15519 S. Normandie Ave., @ Redondo Bch Blvd.
Gardena, CA 90247
310.327.0550

They have another store in Anaheim, but that store has a small selection of shoes.
2316 S. Harbor Blvd.
Anaheim, CA 92802
714.971.9567

Suzanne O'Connor