Tarzana Outlet Offers California Casual Fashions at Laid-Back Prices
There’s a treasure hidden in the San Fernando Valley that, once found, is quite addictive. It’s tucked away in an alley off Oxnard Street in Tarzana. Almost every Saturday it seems my car is taking me to HRD Distributors to see what came in during the week. Sometimes there’s Perry Ellis, Pierre Cardin, Wine and Roses, Campus Casuals, Italian Club, Gilda Marx, Pierre Lamonte, Cafe or Beverly Hills Zoo. Once I found Marithe Gerbaud.
The point is that the prices here are generally 50% to 75% below the manufacturers’ cost--and that’s easy to get addicted to.
There’s merchandise for both men and women. It’s all laid-back California casual. Lots of T-shirts, sweats, pants, shorts and all the other stuff we wear daily. And at these prices, one can afford to maintain a fresh supply.
There are certain labels that I always find here. LA Gear and Jimmy Z are almost always on the racks. Recently, I spotted some long-sleeved cotton shirts by LA Gear that retail for $19.95 but were tagged at $3.95. Since HRD is a designated outlet for the Long John label, there are plenty of separates (sometimes dresses and jumpers) from this well-known manufacturer. Some 100% cotton knit cardigans that retail for about $45 are $10 here.
Loubella slacks for women that I’ve seen at other discounters for $30 and more are on the racks here for two pairs for $15. For $20, I once bought an Italian silk vest here that I had seen in a department store for $125.
The inventory changes constantly and, at these prices, it shouldn’t surprise anyone that the merchandise moves fast. Chances are that what you see there today won’t be there tomorrow. HRD is used as an outlet by several large wholesalers and manufacturers, and also wholesales to other vendors.
This is a great spot for the teen-agers in the family. California Surf, Axis, Lord Jeff, Jimmy Z, LA Gear, Long John and Bugle Boy fill the racks. Bugle Boy pants that would retail for $38 are tagged $16 here. Usually there’s a selection for the small fry at the same ridiculously low prices.
On all my shopping forays into the racks here, I’ve never spotted any damaged goods or seconds.
This is a small store jammed with merchandise spilling out into the alley. There are communal dressing rooms.
It’s a good idea to get on the mailing list so you will be notified of special sales.
HRD Distributors, 18318 Oxnard St., Unit 4, Tarzana, (818) 708-1941. Open 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Visa, MasterCard and checks accepted.
Geri Cook’s Bargains column runs every Thursday in Valley View. Questions about shopping may be sent to her, in care of Valley View, Los Angeles Times, 20000 Prairie St., Chatsworth 91311. Letters will not be answered individually, but topics of general interest will be discussed in future columns.
