From Herbs to Pianos, the Best of 1998

I love all the lists we get this time of year--the best, the worst, the almost-made-its., etc. Everybody, it seems, has a list. So here are my five choices for the best shopping discoveries of 1998.

* The deals at Super Rite Drugs continue on prescriptions and health products such as Echinacea & Golden Seal, selling at $8.79 for 60 capsules; many stores ask between $15 and $20. Short hours (closed Sundays) contribute to the low prices.

14425 Burbank Blvd., Van Nuys. (818) 787-2552.

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To be sure there’s not a defect under a veneer, a visit to Pop’s Unfinished Furniture is assuring and money-saving. Its experts will do the finishing if you want, and you can pick from several shades.

8911 Reseda Blvd., Northridge. (818) 717-0707.

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San-Val, a manufacturer of airplane parts and California’s most reasonable source of model trains, was not a new discovery but one of their products was. The G-gauge model trains made in the United States are better and cheaper than those previously sold here at discounted prices.

7444 Valjean Ave., Van Nuys. (818) 786-8274.

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The selection at the Piano Factory covers every budget--from a $3,000 spinet to a $150,000 concert grand--and there are even some to rent. The fact that this is a wholesaler for many piano manufacturers explains the good prices and large inventory.

1033 Hollywood Way, Burbank. (818) 954-8500.

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The Ultimate Outlet really lives up to its name and has the year’s best buys in women’s apparel (like many items from the Nordstrom catalog), plus extras, including a jewelry craftsman on the premises and scads of easy parking.

1509 Mission St., South Pasadena. (626) 403-1848.

All of these sources fulfill my requirements of quality goods, excellent service and bargain prices--and they offer an extra something that makes shopping a most pleasant experience.

Weekend Super Sale: A parking-lot sale at It’s a Wrap Production Wardrobe Sales will occur “rain or shine” from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. A large inventory of vintage clothing (some from recent TV shows and films) is being cleared out of the warehouse.

In the alley behind 888 North Hollywood Way, Burbank. (818) 567-7366.