Flaws Are Few at Discount Gift House
You can find top value among the liquidated and imperfect merchandise at Mainly Seconds.
Mainly Seconds has been around so long that we sometimes forget what terrific deals they have. Oth er discounters may come and go, but Mainly Seconds has endured for 19 years. Whether it’s planters and pots, dried flowers, ribbons, gift ware, ceramics, picture frames or craft materials, the prices are almost always among the best in the area. Some, as the store’s name states, have slight, barely noticeable flaws, but most are first-quality, often liquidated inventory from manufacturers or other retailers.
It really is necessary to stop by on a regular basis, because the inventory changes constantly. You never know what’s going to be the hot deal of the day. Right now, the big deal is on Easter lilies. For $3.99, you can buy a plant that is 12 to 14 inches tall with a minimum of five blooms. Churches order them by the hundreds. They are California-grown, holiday-wrapped and ready for giving. Florist-quality, six-inch potted houseplants are always $4.99.
Perhaps you’re looking for other types of gifts. The leather organizers by Write Track sell for $12 to $14 instead of the $50 to $60 average retail price--a savings of more than 70%.
We love the cotton throws--great casual blankets and gifts--that Mainly Seconds sells for $39.99. You’ll see them in other stores for $49 to $55.
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Another great source for reasonable gifts is The Clothing Factory, where a holiday sale starts today and goes through April 22.
The manufacturer’s outlet store regularly sells its cotton-knit, California-casual separates for women at almost wholesale prices.
But during this sale, it’s even better. Everything is between $5 to $20, which is often below wholesale. For instance, knit slacks that sell at many stores for $12.95 are $5, and matching jackets that many stores price at $25 to $28 are $10.
This manufacturer sells to many retail stores that place their own private labels in the garments. Everything is washable, needs little or no ironing and is made to be comfortable.
Geri Cook’s Bargains column runs every Friday in Valley Life! Questions about shopping may be sent to her, in care of Valley Life!, Los Angeles Times, 20000 Prairie St., Chatsworth, CA 91311. Letters will not be answered individually, but topics of general interest will be discussed in future columns. Geri Cook can be heard from 9 to 10 a.m. on Saturdays on KIEV 870-AM.
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Where to Shop
What: Mainly Seconds.
Location: 12144 Magnolia Blvd., North Hollywood.
Hours: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Friday, until 8 p.m. Saturday, until 6 p.m. Sunday.
Cards: MasterCard and Visa.
Call: (818) 985-4499.
What: The Clothing Factory.
Location: 6831 Tampa Ave., Reseda.
Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.
Cards: American Express, MasterCard and Visa.
Call: (818) 609-7219.