Suited for Savings : Local newscasters and celebrities find considerable discounts at a warehouse of top men’s apparel in Westlake Village.

Most retailers have known for years that many of the best bargain shoppers are in the upper income brackets, which is one reasons they’re in those brackets. I was reminded of that fact while visiting a warehouse/showroom for top men’s apparel where many of our local newscasters and celebrities shop.

Della Moda is an importer and distributor for Pal Zileri, a fine Italian line that is found in Bernini and other fine stores throughout the country.

Some of the finest ready-made apparel on the market is sold at considerable discount in the warehouse/showroom in a Westlake Village industrial complex.

The average reduction is about 40% off the suggested retail prices on suits, sport coats, slacks, shirts and some accessories. Many styles, fabrics, textures, patterns and colors are represented in a large selection of current, first-quality fashions. No seconds, no irregulars, none of last season’s offerings.

For example, Pal Zileri’s Super-100 navy pin-stripe double-breasted suit carries a $1,275 retail price tag, but the ticket at the importer’s showroom reads $750.

For the businessman who spends a lot of time traveling, fabrics that resist creasing are vital. A high-twist crepe is one answer, and one gray suit in an updated classic style made of this material is $715. Retail would be from $950 to $1,250.

Three-button jackets are very fashion-forward, and a wool crepe sport coat, three-button style, in a thin taupe and cream stripe is a knockout for $475, instead of $695 retail. A cotton and linen blend sport jacket, styled much like a shirt, is casual and sharp, and instead of $659, it’s $417.

Sizes run from 38 to 50 regular, and 40 to 60 long. There are no short sizes. Any clothes horse would love the shawl-collar tuxedo, double-breasted with a satin waistband. Its $1,450 price would be out of the question for many shoppers, but at $879 it’s a possibility.

Della Moda is a true family business. Linda Sturm manages the retail outlet, while her father, Harvey, and brother David conduct the wholesale part of the business, traveling often to Italy and New York.

Since Della Moda is basically a wholesale operation, the retail outlet is closed during the wholesale selling season of July and August and again in January and February. Prior to these closures, there is usually a sale.

Through June, many items will be marked down another 10%. To hear about these sales in the future, sign their mailing list.

* 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: Della Moda Inc.

Location: 31192 LaBaya Drive, Building F, Westlake Village.

Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and June 3 only.

Cards: MasterCard and Visa.

Call: (818) 706-8177.