Pottery Survivor’s New Focus Crafts Success

Many years ago when the California pottery business was booming, I discovered the Pottery Ranch and the seconds it carried at deeply discounted prices.

Since then the pottery industry in California has taken a nose dive, but the Pottery Ranch survived by changing its focus. It still carries dishes, both ceramic and china, and other tabletop items, but now all of its merchandise is first quality and the prices are still terrific.

On a recent visit we found glassware, crystal and ceramics all at discounted prices, but the best deals were in china with savings averaging 20% to 40% on some of the biggest names in the business--Lenox, Wedgwood, Villeroy & Boch, Fitz & Floyd and Sango, among them.

A five-piece place setting of Christian Dior’s Casablanca pattern, which generally retails for $165, was $89.99. A five-piece place setting of watercolors from Wedgwood, generally $75, was marked $59.95, and Calico by Staffordshire was $11 below retail for each five-piece place setting.

The store sells open stock on most of its merchandise. Also look for Wilton Armital at about 30% off and Portmeiron at 20% below retail.

Owner Dottie Kahan, who has been at the helm since 1952, will do searches for customers and take special orders.

Pottery Ranch, 248 W. Huntington Drive, Monrovia. Hours: Monday to Saturday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (626) 358-1215.

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Weekend Super Sale: Damage caused by a leaky roof at Denny’s Clocks means big savings for bargain hunters. Only the boxes are waterlogged. The clocks are in perfect condition, but the prices have gone way down. Items that usually retail for $80 to $100 are marked $20 while they last.

Denny’s Clocks, 20423 Devonshire St., Chatsworth. (818) 993-7618.