Limited Hours Wear Well at Men’s Clothing Shop
The open-only-three-days concept at K & G MenSmart, a bargain source for men’s apparel, is certainly not new--another men’s clothier introduced it to Southern California more than 10 years ago.
Low overhead is the goal, and when a retailer is open only on weekends, overhead is greatly diminished. With more than 46 stores nationwide, K & G also has the advantage of volume buying. Both of these practices help explain the bargain prices.
On shirts alone, considerable savings can be realized. Some Claiborne dress shirts that retail for $45 are $27.99 here, while Van Heusens at $14.99 and Cox & Hawkens at $17.50 are a reduction of about 35% off retail.
For summer, the short-sleeved Pierre Cardins at $14.99 apiece--that sell elsewhere for $35--make the trip worthwhile.
In the suit department we found a good supply of tuxedos--a timely deal with all the weddings coming up--ranging from $99 to $160 and a few at $250 that generally retail at more than $500. For business suits, you might consider passing on the $99 specials when for $80 more you can get a much better made Italian wool. The large man will have a field day here with sizes up to 60, and for the extra tall fellow sizes run from 42 to 50. The selection of small sizes is limited, however.
The prices on accessories, including ties and socks, and on shoes are excellent. Bostonian, Stacy Adams and Bass are offered at 30% to 40% below retail, and Florsheims that sell elsewhere for $100-plus are $65 here.
I visited the Los Angeles location, the smallest of the Southern California stores, where the service was fine and the organization of the merchandise made shopping fairly simple.
Don’t look for sale racks; there aren’t any. Everything in the store qualifies as a sale item.
Alterations are available on the premises at reasonable prices.
K & G MenSmart. Granada Hills Marketplace, 18040-A Chatsworth St. (818) 360-9726; Los Angeles, 11916 W. Pico Blvd. (310) 479-5848. Soon to open in Glendale. Open Friday, Saturday and Sunday only. Major credit cards.
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Weekend Supersale: If you’re an antique nut--and even if you’re not--the best flea market in Southern California is the Antique Outdoor Market in Long Beach the third Sunday of the month.
That’s this Sunday.
More than 800 dealers attract a big following of collectors who usually are there when the gates open at 6:30 a.m. It closes at 3 p.m., and if you don’t uncover a treasure at a good price, I’d be surprised.
Admission is $4.50 general, free to ages 12 and under. Rain or shine. Long Beach Veterans Stadium, Lakewood Boulevard and Conant Street.
