In search of one cheap item
CampusTimes
November 22, 1996
by Christie Reed
Editor in Chief
When I heard the "largest discount shopping center in Southern California,"
my heart skipped a beat. The new Ontario Mills mall promised all of the
great outlet stores of Cabazon and Lake Elsinore, but only 20-30 minutes
from La Verne.
I could not wait to break through the front door and stare in amazement
at all the shops-Gap, Nine West, Virgin Records-it was sure to be a shopper's
paradise, and just in time for the holidays. It was a God-send.
This was before waiting nearly an hour to find parking and having to push
through the mob of shoppers, only to find shops chockfull of last season's
merchandise at only slight discounts.
This dissatisfaction did not come because I am a picky shopper. On the contrary,
I pride myself on the ability to find a bargain anywhere-garage and yard
sales, department stores and thrift stores.
I will resort to out-of-season, slightly irregular or ill-fitting merchandise
if I can purchase at 60 to 75 percent off the regular price. When I am in
a shopping mode, I stare hungrily at a rack of clothing and dig through
each and every item in search of that one, cheap item that nobody wanted.
I swallow all pride when it comes to shopping. Just ask my friends.
That is why I had my hopes shattered as I crammed through the crazy crowds
at Ontario Mills last weekend. They boast of more than 200 stores, 90 percent
of which are outlet stores. Heading the list are J.C. Penney's, Burlington
Coat Factory, Virgin Megastore, Guess U.S.A. and Marshall's.
By some strange fate, my friends and I parked near the entrance to Marshall's,
and in a hustle, my mind switched into shopping mode. There was no hope
for me. I had no money to spend, yet I prepared for the search of a lifetime
in one of the best discount stores, Marshall's.
I headed for the clearance shoes section. Not that I need shoes-I have nearly
every style and color that exists-but I thought just maybe I would find
that extra special pair.
I looked in my size but did not see any of the glaring red "sale"
tags. I dodged in and out of the aisles.
I quickly ran to the back of the store where I expected to find clearance
clothing for juniors. Maybe a shirt, a pair of odd-colored jeans-anything-but
I found nothing. My favorite store had let me down.
Next on the agenda was the J.C. Penney's Outlet. I have one phrase that
could adequately describe their selection-fit for my grandmother.
I still kept high hopes that the Gap Outlet would make up for all this
disappointment, but to no avail.
I could not find an item of clothing that was still in style, and the discounts
were mediocre. The five items that they had to choose from were not even
up to my standards, as low as they may be.
I spotted an Old Navy down the way. It looked large and promising and...
full price. No outlet store here, simply an Old Navy.
I stood in a daze, in utter disbelief. Had all my Christmas shopping plans
been dashed? I gazed through the window of the Nine West outlet store and
spotted some great leather boots with a big red tag reading, "$70."
This may be a discount, but I have a very similar pair of Nine West boots
I bought in Robinson's May for only $30. No deal here.
In a last desperate attempt to find a bargain, I headed to the Guess, U.S.A.
Outlet. Although I figured I would not find anything affordable, it actually
had some decent bargains. Denim dresses were only $25, and skirts were priced
at $20. But, after such a let down, I could not bring myself to whip out
my credit card. And this was amazing enough in itself. Typically, putting
purchases on the plastic is a cure to my ailments.
After only an hour parading through the mall, we went on the long
trek back to the car. We were all silent. There was nothing to be said.
At least I was upset. My friends may have been observing a moment of silence,
since I actually exited a store without a purchase in hand.
Well, I guess this leaves me to my thrift store finds and my 60 percent
off department store bargains. This alleged bargain shopper's paradise was
all just a mirage.
Christie Reed, a junior journalism major, is editor in chief of the Campus
Times. She can be reached by e-mail at reedc@ulvacs.ulaverne.edu.