A Good Mix at Ontario’s Outlet Mall
Another factory outlet mall has opened--this one in Ontario. Between Lake Elsinore’s new mall and now Ontario’s, those in the Inland Empire will have some good choices and, of course, bargain shoppers from all over Southern California will make the trek in search of deals offered by several name manufacturers.
Most of the tenants at these factory outlet malls are manufacturers who use the outlet, usually a good distance from a metropolitan area, to sell overruns, discontinued designs and samples directly to the public. There’s a good mix at the Ontario mall. Sixteen stores are open with room for several more. Construction within the year is planned for a second phase with space for 20 more stores.
The Plaza Continental Factory Stores is an air-conditioned and enclosed mall, for bargain-hunting in any weather.
Some of the tenants now in place:
Aileen offers first-quality ladies sportswear in missy, petite and plus sizes. All are factory direct at 30% to 70% off.
Prestige Fragrance & Cosmetics has an inventory of brand-name cosmetics and men’s and women’s fragrances at 20% to 60% off retail.
Hathaway caters to the gentleman on a budget, with designer fashions from Chaps/Ralph Lauren, Thane, Puritan, Christian Dior, Speedo, Jack Nicklaus and, of course, Hathaway.
Olga/Warner has an excellent selection of lingerie and intimate apparel from Olga, Warner, Valentino, Ungaro, Blanche, Bob Mackie, Speedo and Scaasi.
The Converse Outlet Store offers an average of 50% off retail on Converse athletic shoes and active wear.
The popular B. U. M. Equipment label can be found at In 2 Shape/Designer’s Own at 30% to 60% off.
Casual and active sportswear for the whole family at 20% to 50% off retail is at Gitano. The Gloria Vanderbilt label is here, along with Emporia and Linea Gitano.
For tabletop accessories--crystal, glassware, dinnerware, flatware--and gifts at about 30% to 50% below retail, try Crisa.
All mall habitues know about the merchandise at The Leather Loft. It’s all things leather--attache cases, handbags, wallets, etc.--all at much better than retail.
Sbicca is a well-known name for middle-of-the-road shoes. If you need comfortable walking shoes, the deals here are pretty good.
I love The Book Warehouse and can easily spend too much time just browsing the more than 4,000 titles at 50% to 90% off publishers’ retail prices.
Everybody gets enthusiastic about the Corning/Revere outlet, where big bucks can be saved on Corning Ware, Revere Ware, Pyrex, Visions and Corelle products.
Adolfo II is always worth checking out for women’s apparel deals on the Dressy Tessy, Adolfo II, Adolfo Collectibles and Rafael labels.
Whims/Sara Coventry is known for its accessories and designer name costume jewelry and is a familiar name to mall-goers. For linens and home accessories, Welcome Home offers an unusual collection of quality gifts, crystal, silver and framed art.
For men’s and women’s footwear, Capezio is a good stop, with products from Pappagallo, Bandolino, Liz Claiborne, Evan-Picone, Selby, Freeman, French Shriner and Reebok at a substantial discount.
There is plenty of good eating at the Plaza Continental Factory Stores, too--El Torito for southwestern style Mexican, Black Angus for prime rib, steak and seafood, and Spoons Bar & Grill for a Tex-Mex cuisine in a casual atmosphere.
Directions: Take the San Bernardino Freeway east, exit at Haven, go north to the first street, which is Inland Empire Boulevard. Turn right, and go about two blocks.
Plaza Continental Factory Stores, 3700 E. Inland Empire Blvd., Ontario. Open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays. All stores accept major credit cards. (714) 398-3381.
