ABC Premiums Offers Consistent Price Breaks
Somehow I couldn’t come up with a bargain source for appliances and electronics that treats me like a valued customer instead of a dreaded shoplifter--a bargain source that would give full instructions on the operation of whatever it is I’m buying, or really discount the small appliances.
Yes, there’s been an electronics price war out there, and it will probably continue, so like many of you, I’ve been comparison shopping the major Southern California appliance discounters. Now I’ve stopped all that.
Whatever I need, I can find at one store where the prices are consistently about the best in town, where the service is professional, thorough and courteous, and where I feel comfortable. I like cartons stacked to the rafters--sometimes spilling onto the sidewalk--and aisles packed with merchandise--like it is at ABC Premiums.
When I researched this Los Angeles store, I realized that I had been there years ago and left after the salesman got surly. A new owner took over a couple of years ago and everything is changed. Courtesy, service, quality and low prices prevail.
The selection is great: watches, telephones, answering machines, microwaves, disposals, compactors, barbecues, toasters, vacuums, bread makers, cooktops, range hoods, hair dryers, fans, air conditioners, TVs, stereos, stoves, refrigerators, washers, dryers and most all of the big names. You’ve got the picture. I can’t divulge many of the prices because the manufacturer might yank them out of the store . . . but I can give you a few.
A nine-piece set of Chantal cookware, a top-quality product, sells at many stores around town for $450, but ABC’s price is $229. The 8 1/2-inch omelet pan, which was at a major store for $40, was a wonderful $21. The Omega Juicer, a fine piece of equipment for making vegetable or fruit juices that sells at other stores for about $250, is $169 at ABC.
The camera department is excellent (Canon, Kodak, Vivitar, Nikon, sometimes Pentax) and the film prices are so good that many paparazzi buy here. Before you buy that cellular phone, check the prices here.
ABC will not quote prices on the phone, which I find annoying, but owner Herb Bronsten says: “I want the customers to come into the store and see for themselves.”
If you know exactly what you want--down to the model number--before you shop ABC, your chances will be better to get a great deal. Negotiate if you feel it’s appropriate.
ABC Premiums is a family affair--the keeper of the books is Bronsten’s wife, Miriam, and his son-in-law, Bob Antonville, is the store manager.
ABC Premiums, 7266 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles. Open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays. MasterCard, Visa, American Express, Diner’s Club, Discover accepted. (213) 938-2724.
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.
