It’s a Small World Inside Sherman Oaks Doll Shop

There’s a world of dolls, their houses, clothes and accessories in an unlikely location--a former bank. It’s the Doll Shoppe in Sherman Oaks, where the priciest dolls are kept in the bank vault, along with those in for repairs.

Since the store moved from its smaller location on Ventura Boulevard, the selection has tripled and a whole new emphasis has been placed on miniature houses, some of which are created in the building’s basement by artisans who also make doll furnishings.

A good selection of Madame Alexander figures and plenty of the Gene dolls are competitively priced. The Seymour Mann line is offered at a considerable discount, and all Effanbee dolls are reduced by 30%.

Look for yellow tags for dolls priced below retail. One doll has a list price of $169, but the tag reads $74.95. A Patsy reproduction at $49.95 was down from $70.

Along with about 1,000 Beanie Babies for $5.95 and up is a wide selection of their clothes, ranging from $2.95 to $6.

Variations from the doll theme are scattered around this wondrous shop at bargain prices. A 32-piece silver-plated chess set by Gorham, made up of dragons, wizards and witches, is $495, compared with the retail price of $636.

The Doll Shoppe, 13300 Riverside Drive, Sherman Oaks. (818) 784-3655. Holiday hours: Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sunday, 11:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Major credit cards.

Weekend Supersale: Going on the premise that there’s hardly a man alive who doesn’t love tools, a gift from M & M Sales may be the answer. Currently, Black & Decker variable speed 3/8-inch drills and jigsaws are $19.95, instead of the usual $35, and Black & Decker sanders that usually sell for $39.95 are $24.95.

M & M Sales, 7544 Balboa Blvd., Van Nuys. (818) 989-7514.