Heavy-Duty Odds and Ends : M & M Sales offers discounted auto parts, tools and hardware.
M & M Sales could be called a do-it-yourselfer’s toy store. It offers tools for just about everything--for automobiles, building, hobbies and crafts. And there are some oddball things thrown into the mix.
I liked the car dash mats for 99 cents, the (temporary) tattoo decals for 99 cents (retail $3.99-$7.99) and the $109 Cabella down jackets for $39.95.
But the steady stream of customers that I saw weren’t there for those items. They came for drill attachments and strut compressors and power-steering pumps.
Many auto mechanics shop here, and the automotive classes from Valley Occupational Center and Pierce College stop by regularly. Owner Marty Black claims he can get any part you need within 24 hours.
Prices generally are about 10% to 15% lower than the large home stores and much lower on some items. A Genie garage door opener that sells at a major chain for $179 is $125, and a three-fourths-horsepower bench grinder that retails at a large discounter for $39 is $24.95.
Black buys from hardware stores that are going out of business--and with the huge building emporiums taking over, there are many of those. He also takes in tools on trade. The price for used tools is usually half the new price.
There are a lot of incentives here. Buy 10 of any one item and get one free; spend $25 and get a free tape measure; pay cash on a purchase of $75 or more and get an 8% discount.
Whether you’re looking for an engine hoist, a 6-ton jack stand or a garden hose, chances are you’ll find it at M & M, and at a better price. And you will probably have a good time doing it. M & M Sales is at 7544 Balboa Blvd., Van Nuys (818) 989-7514.
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Weekend Super Sale
It’s a combination Valentine’s and President’s Day Sale at Simply Discount Furniture, where the prices are always heavily discounted. Expect further reductions of 10% to 30% on contemporary pine furniture, mattresses, dinette sets and sofas. Sale starts today and goes through Wednesday. 5015 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood. (818) 509-2610. Hours: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Friday; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
