Guides Help in Locating the Bargains

Local authors have responded to the surge in interest in discount shopping by putting together guides to bargain shopping.

Escondido resident Michael W. King is co-author with Ann D. Ukrainetz of the recently published “There’s No Sale Like Wholesale.”

The authors spent two years gathering material for the book, which catalogues discount marketing in Southern California on such items as clothing, jewelry, housewares, groceries and electronics. The two visited--and shopped--in every store listed in their book. The book contains detailed maps of shopping areas, such as the Los Angeles garment district and the factory outlet center in San Ysidro.

What they learned, said King, is that “you can have super taste on a shoestring budget.”

There are no second-hand or used-goods stores listed in the 285-page bargain hunting guide because, Ukrainetz says, “for a few dollars more, you can have brand new items.”

In her book, “San Diego’s Best Buys, Bargains & Other Good Deals,” Sally Gary takes a broader view of bargains. She includes catalogue sales, swap meets and auctions, as well as discount store listings throughout San Diego County. The book was published in June, 1990, and updated in October, 1991.

“San Diego is an expensive city to live in,” Gary said, “but absolutely everything your little heart desires can be had for less--if you know where to look.”

Stores do disappear in this roller-coaster economy. Both books contain references to discount stores that are no longer in business. However, “for every (discount) store that fails, one or two spring up to take its place,” author King said.

“There’s No Sale Like Wholesale” is available at area bookstores ($16.95) or by calling 1--800--748-6463 ($21, including shipping and handling).

“San Diego’s Best Buys, Bargains & Other Good Deals” is available at area bookstores ($9.95). Author Sally Gary also teaches bargain-hunting seminars at MiraCosta College (Sept. 20, 9 a.m.-noon) and at Palomar College (Sept. 26, 9 a.m.-noon). Cost is $15 for each one-session class.