Look Beyond the Mall for Post-Holiday Savings

For years the pundits have been saying that the day after Thanksgiving is the biggest shopping day of the year. I have long suspected that those pundits are the mall operators trying to beef up the traffic. Now it is being said (probably by the same people) that the Saturday before Christmas Day gets the prize.

But I have a different opinion: For the serious bargain hunter, Friday, the day after Christmas, is the biggest shopping day of the year, and there’s hardly a store in town that won’t have good deals to offer. The only problem is that in many cases we don’t know who’s selling what or at what price until we get there. Obviously, merchandise that didn’t sell as well as anticipated in the pre-holiday promotions is what to expect.

This is one of the few days in the year that this shopper will be seen on Rodeo Drive. It’s great fun and even those who aren’t hot on the trail of a deal will enjoy the mob scene, with lines often forming at certain stores.

The very best shops to head to Friday are those selling Christmas ornaments, gift wrapping, etc. You’ll undoubtedly be pleased next year at this time that you got all this stuff at half price.

In the Valley, there is an excellent sale you shouldn’t miss: Valley Lighting & Lamps, which is liquidating all stock after 50 years on Ventura Boulevard. Lighting fixtures, lamps and accessories, from crystal chandeliers to Tiffany lamps to exterior fixtures from Stiffel, Quoizel, Frederick Raymond and the like are all reduced 40% to 80% off already discounted prices. The store, which closes in January, is at 12205 Ventura Blvd., Studio City. (818) 508-8703.

Another excellent deal is in Culver City where Caggiano, the Rolls-Royce of Italian leather goods, is clearing out its inventory of fine leather products, all made in Florence, Italy, in a warehouse sale that goes through Wednesday. Handbags that retail for $250 are $75, belts that sell for $295 are $65 and alligator attache cases are reduced to wholesale and below.

To give you an idea of the quality here, know that the fittings are all 22-carat gold-plated, the leathers are the finest calf (and some alligator). There are also some leather key holders and various small items for $5. Caggiano, 9014 Lindblade St., Culver City. (310) 838-9429. No credit cards.