Outlets Find Safety in Numbers at the Citadel
As the outlet malls proliferate in the Southland, they get closer to the heart of town. The newest is nearer to the metropolitan area than any other outlet mall thus far, and should be a favorite shopping target for the bargain hunter.
It’s called the Citadel and is in the City of Commerce, just off the Santa Ana Freeway at the site of the old Uniroyal tire factory. Although the grand opening is not scheduled until Nov. 23, many stores are already open.
Some Southern California manufacturers who have not appeared at other outlet malls are at the Citadel. Although for the last two years Leon Max has operated an outlet at its factory location at 3535 S. Broadway in Los Angeles, the factory outlet at the Citadel is its first venture into the outlet mall concept. Inventory is made up of 70% in-season merchandise and 30% from the previous season. The basic rule is that merchandise must be in the retail stores at least two months before it can be made available to the outlet customer. Pricing is fabulous--sometimes way below the wholesale price.
The Carole Little line of women’s apparel is teamed with lingerie from Lily of France and Christian Dior, all tagged about 50% below retail, according to owner Eve Nobler. This outlet for these popular lines ought to lure the black-belt shoppers in droves.
Good news for the young and trendy dresser--an outlet store for the Gap is in operation, where sale merchandise from its various stores is consolidated under one roof and offered at prices from 30% to 70% off the original retail. This is the first and only outlet store for this manufacturer/retailer and was one of the first to open, on Nov. 1. In addition to markdowns, the inventory includes irregulars and damaged items; the flaws are clearly indicated.
The Eddie Bauer outlet at the Citadel offers a nice surprise. Not only is the traditional apparel on the racks but also the down products they are known for (Eddie Bauer patented the first down jacket). The down items are also offered at healthy discounts, as is their popular bedding line. Catalogue overstocks, first-quality catalogue returns, irregulars and prior-season merchandise make up the bulk of the inventory here.
Other outlet stores open now at the Citadel are Corning/Revere, Benetton, Capezio, Adolfo II, Crisa (crystal), Harve Benard, Gitano, Politix and Firenze. Bijoux Medici (Italian handbags), Nancy Johnson, Perry Ellis, Whims (Sarah Coventry costume jewelry) and Linda Lewis (women’s apparel) are scheduled to be doing business by the grand opening.
The Citadel is at 5675 E. Telegraph Road in the City of Commerce. Mall hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Major credit cards accepted.
