The Name Says It All : Deals carries a wide range of items and beats prices in almost every category--from crystal to cotton throws.
A wonderful new store that opened in September on Ventura Boulevard is aptly named Deals, and there’s no question that the name fits. There’s something for everyone here--it’s sort of a combination of Mainly Seconds, Pier One and Tuesday Morning.
Pinpointing categories of merchandise is not easy, because new ones sprout up whenever a good buy is made. Since my first visit about a month ago, furniture has been added. A white wicker patio set, consisting of a love seat, two chairs and a table is $199; the chairs and table alone might easily sell for that somewhere else. Completing the furniture inventory is a set of two sturdy, tall chairs and a tall table for $129.88.
There isn’t a luggage department, but one piece flies out the door. It is a 21-inch roll-away (and carry-on) suitcase with a retractable handle and lots of pockets on both sides. Similar models sell all over the place for $49.95 and up, but here it’s $28.88. That was the only style of luggage in stock, but there were a lot of them.
When it comes to picture frames, it’s a different story. There are hundreds of frames to choose from, which is not surprising since owners Marty Goodside and Ben Frankel met when they were with a major Los Angeles frame store. Contemporary, Victorian, tiny, huge, wood, metal--all kinds of frames are displayed. One particular wood frame in three different sizes (8 by 10, 11 by 14 and 16 by 20) that sells elsewhere for $29.95 is a price buster at $5 for all sizes.
There’s not much of a baby department, but what’s there is choice. A box of 26 12-inch foam rubber alphabet squares that can be put together in the nursery for a safe and soft floor is very attractive. At Deals, the squares are $48.88, instead of the $70 retail price.
Deals beats all the prices we’ve seen for its cotton throws (46 by 67 inches). Spotted elsewhere for $39.99 to $55, the throws are $19.99 here.
The tabletop linens and crystal pieces are impressive. Brocade place mats that sell in department stores for $6 to $8 are $2, and matching napkins are 99 cents. Lovely crystal ice buckets that would sell at many stores for around $50 are $19.99. Metal, traditionally styled lamps are $16.99.
This is a bright, happy, friendly place to shop filled with similar personnel. On the weekends, coffee, bagels or doughnuts are served in the television viewing area. How gracious--and what a nice way to treat a customer who’s already getting a deal.
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. Saturdays on KIEV 870-AM.
(BEGIN TEXT OF INFOBOX / INFOGRAPHIC)
Where to Shop
What: Deals.
Location: 11530 Ventura Blvd., Studio City.
Hours: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.
Cards: Visa, MasterCard.
Call: (818) 985-6555.
