Culver City Store’s Deals May Be Worth Commute
Many San Fernando Valley super shoppers were more than a little upset when Harpers closed its stores in Encino and Woodland Hills over the last year. But some make the trek across the hill to the only remaining Harpers--the deals are still that good.
Unfortunately, I cannot mention the labels at the Harpers in Culver City, but I can say this: These are names we are familiar with, names that we have come to rely on for quality and style, names that you find in the top specialty stores around the country. Only here the prices are just about half--sometimes better.
A fairly recent entry on the medium-priced racks is a tailored silk summer suit that was selling in several stores around town for $190. But Harpers’ price is $46. So when you see it “on sale” elsewhere for $130, you’ll know better.
One of the joys of shopping at discount stores is that almost all the inventory is in season. You won’t find fall merchandise until fall, long after the big operators have made their buys and Harpers, along with other good discounters, sweeps up the remainders.
One manufacturer, known for its denim apparel trimmed with studs and sequins, makes a jacket that usually runs around $180. Here the price tag reads $34. The pants, which are $95 on other racks, are $21.99 here.
You’ll also find some high-end couturier lines. There were several pieces from a prominent and very pricey Italian designer who usually gets around $1,400 for a dress. At Harpers it was selling at $299. An American designer is known for her proper, tailored look and pants that sell for $245. At Harpers try $82. For the larger lady, we spotted some pleated silk pantsuits for a wonderful $25. The sizes here run up to 24, so the Venus types have plenty to choose from. Some big names that usually sell for big prices are about 60% to 70% off--all the time. No wonder those smart Valley shoppers come to Culver City so often.
Harpers, 8588 Washington Blvd., Culver City. (310) 839-8507. Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday.
Weekend Super Sale: For shoppers who don’t want to make the trek out of the Valley and are looking for a more casual look, there’s a Stars & Stripes Sale happening at the Clothing Factory, the outlet store for a local manufacturer of women’s cotton knits. Modular clothing at almost wholesale prices is the norm here, but for the sale deduct another 20%. This apparel is perfect for traveling. The sale starts Friday and ends Sunday.
The Clothing Factory, 6831 Tampa Ave., Reseda. (818) 609-7219. Hours: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday.
