Elsinore Has New Entries in Outlet Field
La Liz is moving closer--that’s Claiborne, not Taylor. Until now, the closest Liz Claiborne outlet to Los Angeles was in Gilroy outside San Jose, but last month the Lake Elsinore Outlet Center opened, and the headliner is Liz.
In my 20 years on the bargain beat, the question most asked has been “Where is there a Liz Claiborne outlet?” Now it’s just 70 miles away.
The stores are owned and operated by the manufacturer, so it’s factory direct to the consumer. As in all outlet malls, some stores offer better deals than others. Overall, discounts range from 20% to 60% off suggested retail prices.
The Lake Elsinore Outlet Center is home to many big names. Shoppers tend to pick the mall by the manufacturer, and there are some heavyweights to choose from, starting with Claiborne.
Some names new to the West Coast should please the discriminating Southern California shopper. Cape Isle Knitters is a new entry for sweaters with the Eastern Seaboard look. The He-Ro Group Outlet, also new to California, may turn out to be the big draw once word gets around that names like Bob Mackie, Bill Blass, Fabrice and Oleg Cassini are on the racks at drastic discounts. A gorgeous Bob Mackie that was originally $1,300 was tagged $450. It doesn’t seem possible, but a Bill Blass dress on the sample rack was $39.
We had to drag my outdoorsman son-in-law out of the North Face outlet, where their Gore-Tex outdoor sportswear is reduced. The store is new to the Southern California outlet scene. Another new entry is 9 West’s outlet store, Westies.
Some manufacturers that are at other malls in Southern California are represented, making for a good mix. Gitano, Jones of New York, Oneida, I. B. Diffusion, Nike (which also has a separate outlet, I. E. Side One, for women), the Leather Loft, Sox Galore, Whims (for Sarah Coventry costume jewelry) and Welcome Home all offer good deals.
London Fog, as usual, offers some great ones. A store called Famous Brands Housewares is an outlet for Rubbermaid, Anchor-Hocking, Ecko and Libbey glassware that also has tempting prices. Marika dance wear, which sells the Baryshnikov designs at 25% off retail, and Adolfo also should not be missed.
Specifically for men are Van Heusen and Geoffrey Beene, already in place. For children’s apparel, the Nathan J. outlet is expected to open soon. Another hot stop will be the Cole-Hahn shoe outlet, which also has yet to open, along with Chicago Cutlery.
Shops that are open include Perfumania (operated by Revlon), Crisa, Maidenform, Sbicca, J. H. Collectibles (from Jr. House), which sells women’s tailored suits and separates, Leslie Fay, Bass shoes, American Tourister luggage, Wallet Works, Adolfo II and a store that features L’eggs, Hanes and Bali.
This is an outdoor mall with lots of seating. When finished, the parking facilities should be ample. There are no restaurants yet, but food is available from cart vendors.
Lake Elsinore Outlet Center, open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Liz Claiborne open till 7 p.m. Sunday. From Interstate 15 south, exit at Central, go west to Collier and turn right to the center. Most stores accept major credit cards. (714) 245-4989.
