Mall Full of Factory Outlets

Malls composed of factory outlet stores hit the East Coast in the ‘70s, and grew rapidly until now there are 270 nationwide. But it has taken a while for this concept to make its way to Southern California.

Fear of being too near major retailers in metropolitan areas has kept these malls in outlying areas. San Ysidro, Monterey, Gilroy and Vacaville have outlet malls and one is opening this summer in Cabazon.

The closest factory outlet mall to Los Angeles opened in May, 1989, in Barstow, where the gleaming white buildings of the Factory Merchants Outlet Plaza loom out of the desert like Xanadu, luring bargain hunters with promises of deals on quality goods.

Buying directly from the manufacturer usually means the lowest prices possible, and the outlet malls indicate a major trend in the marketplace. By operating their own stores and selling directly to the public, manufacturers uncovered another source of income and--almost as important--a way to control their product overruns. The discounts range from 20% to 80% below retail on some pretty pricey labels, with the average coming in from 35% to 40% off current retail prices.

For the most part, the merchandise is first-quality, with the expected number of leftovers from last season. Ralph Lauren/Polo, Anne Klein, Evan Picone, London Fog, Izod/LaCoste, Royal Doulton, Fieldcrest, Canon, Oneida, Barbizon, Proctor, Silex/WearEver and Polly Flinders are some manufacturers who have been selling directly to the public in Barstow since the mall opened.

In the past two months, other giants have opened their doors. Lenox China, Oshkosh B’Gosh, Black & Decker, Corning/Revere, Levi and Adolfo are the newest tenants among 44 genuine factory stores in Barstow.

The mix is excellent, offering apparel for the whole family, china, linens, leather goods, kitchenware, small appliances, shoes and toys. There are no major appliances or furniture outlets, but delivery from Barstow could negate any bargain there anyway.

Some manufacturers have come out with lines sold only in their outlets (a turnoff to the label-follower), but there’s enough of the original lines on the racks from 25% to 50% off to satisfy the sharp shopper.

The London Fog outlet alone is worth the two-hour drive. One $300 coat bought for $75 is hanging in my closet ready for a cool fall and wet winter. At the Fieldcrest Cannon Outlet, it’s a white sale every day. There are also outlets to keep the male shopper busy--Van Heusen, Gitano, Sergio Tacchini and Ralph Lauren/Polo.

This outdoor mall deserves a full day’s time, but if you only have an hour to spare while en route to Vegas, easy access makes a quick stop feasible.

The Factory Merchants Outlet Plaza is at the Lenwood Exit off I-15, just south of Barstow. Open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Most major credit cards accepted. Telephone: (619) 253-7342.

Geri Cook’s Bargains column runs every Thursday in Valley View. Questions about shopping may be sent to her, in care of Valley View, Los Angeles Times, 20000 Prairie St., Chatsworth, CA 91311. Letters will not be answered individually, but topics of general interest will be discussed in future columns.