Bargains

When Arte de Mexico came into existence almost 30 years ago, business was transacted on the back of a pickup truck at Hollywood and Vine with owner Jerry Stoffers selling pieces he brought up from Mexico.

Today it’s a multimillion-dollar operation and worldwide buying service for major hotels, restaurant chains and studios with an inventory not just from Mexico but also from India, Morocco and Indonesia where Stoffers has set up workshops.

Anyone interested in handcrafted furniture and accessories will find an amazing selection at the 245,000-square-foot showroom. And some pieces, but by no means all, are quite reasonable, often less than at other sources and of a better quality than much of what I have seen.

A stunning hand-painted, five-drawer chest from Morocco is $585; a computer station enhanced by an antique transom from Indonesia is $1,400. A large and handsome credenza-buffet made of mesquite, a very hard and impervious wood from Mexico, is $2,695.

The entertainment centers have unusual architectural touches and are priced from $800 to $8,000.

Accessories are the essence of eclectic. Frames for pictures or mirrors in silver or hand-carved woods run from $40 to $1,200. The lighting fixtures are stunning, but this is the only category in which I did not find any deals, although the place is so huge I’m sure I missed some.

This warehouse at the end of a cul-de-sac is wondrous. It can take hours, so put on your walking shoes and save two or three hours for your expedition.

You’ll want to browse through the antique doors (don’t miss Door Alley) converted into dining tables and armoires. Whether you want an important vase or a roomful of exotic leather furniture, you can find it here.

Arte de Mexico, 5356 Riverton Ave., North Hollywood, (818) 769-5090). Monday-Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Major credit cards.

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Weekend Supersale: Anyone into clocks will have a field day at Denny’s, a full-service clock shop, where just about everything in the place is a deal. Right now there’s a large group of table clocks from major manufacturers like Seiko, Bulova and Linden that are reduced by 50% from their already good prices. This reporter walked out with a charming Linden chimer that plays 16 tunes for only $15. Wedding presents, anyone?

Denny’s Clocks, 20423 Devonshire St., Chatsworth. (818) 993-7618.