Shopping Update
In recent weeks, we have been updating the bargain sources that have appeared in this column during the last 15 months. We are now ready for fall, the heavy buying season. Read on, and you will be too.
* It’s nice to report that Dishes a la Carte, a source for pottery seconds with stores in Glendale and Hancock Park, has opened a new location in Encino. Now you can find the deals they offer at 17043 Ventura Blvd.; (818) 990-1779).
* The women’s resale store Cloud Nine is still offering fine women’s apparel at a fraction of the original cost, but the name and owner have changed. It is now called Encore and is still at 837 Foothill Blvd., La Canada; (818) 790-7851. The consignment split remains at 60%-40%. This is an expansion of the Encore store in Montrose at 2405 Honolulu Ave. (818) 248-5742.
* The original concept of the Marketplace was that of an upgraded swap meet. It now calls itself the San Fernando Valley Convention Center, and it has 300 booths for displaying merchandise. 20914 Nordhoff Ave., Chatsworth; (818) 709-5454.
* The outlet for French Rags, the high-end line of women’s rayon knit apparel, was formerly called the Cottage. Manufacturers’ overruns, offered at 50% off retail, were located at the extreme rear of the facility at 11500 Tennessee Ave. in West Los Angeles. Evidently, the goods were so far in the back that no one could find them. So the apparel has been moved to the front of the property in what is now called the French Rags Outlet; (310) 479-5648.
* A bargain shoppers’ favorite is Deals in Studio City. Now those in the West Valley don’t have as far to drive, because they have opened another branch in Thousand Oaks. This is a kind of upscale Pic ‘N’ Save, specializing in picture frames and framing services. It is at 1754 Moorpark Road; (805) 230-2233.
* Shoe Explosion, a terrific source for women’s designer shoes at rock-bottom prices, has closed its location in Woodland Hills, but its store in West Los Angeles at 2249 Sepulveda Blvd. is going strong. And a new store has opened at the Lancaster Factory Outlet complex at Avenue 1 and Valley Center; (805) 949-3227.
* Remove these stores from your notebook (You do keep one, don’t you?): Fawnn’s Wearhouse in Van Nuys, Absolutely Fabulous Finds in West Los Angeles and the Book Market, which will probably emerge again and we’ll report when it happens.
*
Weekend Super Sale:
The Cotton USA Outlet will have a parking-lot sale Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Separates and dresses with slight flaws will be $5 and $10. If you can’t find top and bottom in the same color, you’ll probably find a match in the store--and at wholesale prices. At the last parking-lot sale, this bargain shopper put together four complete summer outfits for a total of $90. Now that’s a bargain! Cotton USA Outlet, 22559 Ventura Blvd., Woodland Hills; (818) 225-8725.
