When buying quality shoes and boots for...

When buying quality shoes and boots for the family that loves outdoor activities, a trip to Ventura can save some solid bucks. Devotees of Ugg or Teva footwear and Simple or Teva apparel can stock up on some great buys.

The Deckers Outdoor Factory Outlet Store has an inventory of discontinued styles, samples and the prior season’s merchandise at 40% to 60% below retail. Most items are first quality, although a few “cosmetic B-grade” pieces pop up. Thongs that retail for $19.95 to $44.95 are $10, and tall Ugg boots that retail for $129.95 are $60. Comfortable clogs are $19.95 from a retail price of $65 to $70. Children’s sandals, boots and shoes are $10 or $15 from a regular retail of $24.95 to $49.95.

This cheerful and well-organized store has mostly unisex apparel, and the deals are excellent. Quilted cotton vests that sell in the stores for $70 to $80 were $25 the day of my visit, and the Gruzy jackets were selling for $25 from a retail price of $56. The sales staff couldn’t be more helpful, contributing greatly to this excellent shopping experience. The store is a little hard to find so I suggest calling for directions.

DECKERS OUTDOOR FACTORY OUTLET, 4880 Colt St., Ventura. (805) 676-3571.

Weekend Supersales: Looking toward the Passover and Easter holidays, A-Plus Kids Store has some specials starting this weekend. Boys suits that retail for $100 and usually sell here for $49.99 are down to $39.99, and Sylvia White dresses for girls that you find in stores for $200 and regularly sell here for $49.99 are tagged at $34.99.

A-PLUS KIDS STORE, 425 S. Fairfax Ave., Los Angeles. (323) 937-8323.

Textile junkies head to Torrance each year for the Texuba bonanza on obi and kimonos at great prices. This once-a-year sale attracts collectors and designers from all over California. Obi, a wide sash fastened behind with a bow and worn by women in Japan as part of traditional dress, are on sale Sunday only. Warning . . . if you’re the least bit creative, it’s easy to get hooked.

Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Torrance Cultural Arts Center, 3330 Civic Center Drive. (310) 827-8535.