Comments on: the frugal shopper’s downtown la

By: Scott Mercer

Scott Mercer — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 04:54:53 +0000

Yes, before you know it, it’s gone…just like Keyser Soze.

By: Tim

Tim — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 23:11:13 +0000

FYI some of the better deals on name brand stuff occur when the manufacturer makes a name change or when the size of the product changes. Electrosol dishwasher tablets are changing their name to Finish. Expect to see Electrosol show up at both of these stores at prices less than what the new product will sell for at Ralphs. And when its gone…its gone.

By: Tim

Tim — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 22:52:32 +0000

That is the best Big Lots in the chain. When they have door-buster items listed in their circular, and other Big Lots sell out the item within minutes of opening, the downtown Big Lots will still have the item in stock the next day.

Likewise, when Big Lots aquires a bunch of stuff from a drugstore and begins selling it off at 50% off the sticker price, then 60% off etc., other Big Lots are well picked over by the time it hits 90% off. Not downtown. I got HP brand photo paper, HP brand iron-on decals that you print on, and I don’t even remember what else, all for 90% off of the price sticker from Ekhart Drugs.

By: andrea

andrea — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 22:10:10 +0000

I went to the fresh and easy last week for the first time. There was a strange smell and it isn’t fancy, but I thought they had really good prices and everything I’ve used so far was pretty good. They even list Ralph’s or other stores’ prices next to theirs for comparison. Of course theirs are always lower.
They also had $5 coupons for purchases of $20 and up. I think they only have self-check out, but there were employees walking around to help people, so it wasn’t a problem. I don’t think I’ll drive there all the time, but it is definitely a good (and cheaper) option.

By: DTLA

DTLA — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 18:28:35 +0000

there’s a 99 cent store on sunset in silver lake/echo park………. has anyone tried the fresh and easy in highland park/eagle rock, I hear they pass on great savings.

By: Scott Mercer

Scott Mercer — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 17:28:55 +0000

99 Cent store is on Broadway. It’s not a “99 Cents Only Store,” it is an independent 99 Cent store. I almost bought some DVDs there but the guy was charging 2 bucks instead of 99 cents. Sounds like nitpicking I know, but believe me, they are only worth 99 cents.

The store in the basement of Grand Central Market has only been there for a couple of years. I have found some goofy stuff in there including some weird baseball caps and yes, those dollar DVDs again. Found some super obscure ones. I make sure to hit it up every so often but it isn’t a regular stop.

By: Brian

Brian — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 16:41:12 +0000

Great post - I appreciate you taking the time to share your experiences.

By: meekorouse

meekorouse — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 16:13:48 +0000

fantastic post! I love seeing stuff like this on Angelenic. It’s practical advice and I didn’t know about the dish place in Little Tokyo.. I go to the Mitsuwa grocery there sometimes but never stepped in many of the other shops there.

thank you! =)

By: sarah

sarah — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 15:06:41 +0000

great post, thanks!

By: SoleCal310

SoleCal310 — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 15:06:05 +0000

Near the Dish Factory off of 3rd St., there is a sunglass place (don’t remember the name) that’s about 1.5 blocks south on Los Angeles from the intersection of 3rd and LA. I was there about two weeks ago after randomly buying a Broadway rear view mirror for my car (for $15) and they wholesale all different types of high end eyewear. From Prada to Oakleys, Ray-Bans and Dior, these sunglasses are cheaper than any retail store out there. I bought a pair of polorized Spy sunglasses that retail for $149.99 (per the Spy website) for $99. Go check it out. They were pretty friendly and you should be able to find something you like with their large selection. Hope this helps. Love this website (since I found it a few weeks ago)