Big Names, Low Prices
If you have shopping to do for a baby, expectant mother, or child up to age 10, here’s a good reason to come over the hill: Oohs and Oz.
For a couple of months I’d been driving past this store on Ocean Park Boulevard that, all lit up at night, looked like the biggest and best kids’ resale store in town. A visit during daylight hours confirmed that first impression.
Oohs and Oz seems to have adopted what’s good and fixed what’s wrong with other resale stores. For example, there’s a sizable play area with toys and a TV set so the kids can stay occupied while Mom shops.
There’s a vast inventory of boys’ apparel, too. Most resale stores have gobs of stuff for the little lasses but not much for their brothers. So check the six racks of mostly designer clothing for boys from ages 1 to 8. One pair of Gap overalls that originally sold for $24 were $7.95.
Buying the good stuff at resale stores is a much better plan than buying the cheap stuff at discounters because it’s better made and lasts longer. Gymboree is a sought-after brand and some two-piece outfits that sell for $25-$35 were moving fast at $8-$9.
For girls, there’s even more to choose from and the savings are about the same--sometimes better. Most of the major designers are represented: Oshkosh, All Mine and the very expensive Jacadi line that usually sells for $50-$60 was marked $9-$12.
One size 8 Jessica McClintock party dress with a full skirt of a metallic fabric with a black velvet top originally sold for $250 but was tagged at $21. There are also some new items, such as three dresses with the Mommy and Me label that retail for $85 going for $19.
All the cribs on the floor (and there were about six of them) had sold stickers, and here’s why. A beautiful Childcraft crib with drawers originally sold for $900, so at $350 it was snapped up. After all, how much wear and tear can a crib get from a small baby? A Bernini glider/rocker for the nursing mother, not sold as of my visit, was tagged at $299 (retail $600-$700) and that includes the ottoman.
You’ll find lots of books and toys, all in great shape and marked at 50%-80% off the original retail prices. The assortment of baby books serves as a library for many a bewildered expectant mother, and the collection of figurines and dolls is attracting collectors. Several Barbie dolls from past years were all marked $5.99.
Oohs and Oz does not take clothes on consignment but rather pays cash or gives credit on whatever you bring in. But be sure it’s freshly laundered or they may reject it.
There’s a layaway plan: three payments in three weeks. And if there’s an item you covet that isn’t in the store, you can put it on the Wish List.
Buying times are Sundays and Mondays from noon to 3 p.m. and Thursdays from noon to 2 p.m., except for the second Sunday and Monday of each month. The mother and daughter team who own this store have a winner on their hands.
* Oohs and Oz, 1700 Ocean Park Blvd., Santa Monica. Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. (310) 392-7160.
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Weekend Super Sale
Today through Saturday, Roseman & Associates, one of the best sources in town for deals in fine men’s apparel, is having their summer sale. Dress shirts that sell elsewhere for $30-$40 are $15; wool slacks are less than half price at $40; sportcoats marked at $80 usually sell for $200. Some double-breasted suits that carry a $395 retail tag are $170. And for $10, you can pick up a matching $35 Italian silk tie. Roseman & Associates, 2211 E. Olympic Blvd., Los Angeles. (213) 622-6266.
