Discount Heaven
The Ultimate Outlet is a dangerous place for even the most disciplined looky-loo. The deals are so good, it’s hard to get out with just one purchase.
The prices in this new source for women’s apparel and accessories are often hard to believe. But owner Steve Damashek supplied the answer to the question any good bargain shopper should ask: How can you sell the merchandise so cheaply?
Many good bargain sources buy direct from the manufacturer, but Damashek also buys from the contractor, who has less money in the garment than does the manufacturer, who purchases the materials.
In most instances, items the contractor has left over are what you see on the racks, and the prices are even lower than at the lowest discounters. Other inventory is purchased from manufacturers.
You’ll find high-end designer dresses, selling in department stores for $130 to $160, marked $29 to $36. The label of one well-known name appears in some linen pants, tops, jackets and dresses priced from $9.99 to $24.99 instead of the retail $60 to $86. Some hand-knit beaded sweaters seen in stores tagged $120 to $140 are moving quickly at $49 to $59.
The accessories are great fun and also well-priced at $4.99 to $10.99. Specialty stores around town sell these at prices starting at $10. To express your own color favorites, Jim Walker, a retired jeweler, is on hand stringing ancient beads to order.
Two pleasant surprises: The two racks filled with large sizes and the extensive selection of handmade items for the home, such as soaps, incense, candles and usually pricey aromatherapy items found in high-end stores are about 20% to 40% less here.
This bargain source will likely make it to your “stop-in regularly” list.
* Ultimate Outlet, 1509 W. Mission St., South Pasadena; (626) 403-1848. Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 6 p.m. Major credit cards.
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Weekend Super Sale: All suits, for men and women, will be reduced to half off their already low prices at Reel Clothes, which stocks wardrobe from the motion picture and television studios. Some of the items have been worn once, some not at all.
As examples, a Donna Karan suit for women, regularly priced here at $200 will be $100 and, for the men, a suit by Richard Tyler that usually runs $500 will be $250. Sale lasts until the merchandise is gone, which won’t take long at these prices. Reel Clothes Studio Wardrobe, 12132 Ventura Blvd., Studio City; (818) 508-7762.
