La Jolla Bargain Shopping

[Elizabeth Hansen]

San Diego’s favorite coastal community has a reputation for being expensive, but shoppers can find some great deals if they know where to look.

 

For example, the “Bargain Bash” at Torrey Pines Christian Church on Friday (9am-2pm) and Saturday (9am – noon), March 11 and 12, is an annual extravaganza beloved by bargain hunters.   The church is located at 8320 La Jolla Scenic Drive North (tel. [phone]).

 

This has always been a good place to look for low prices on quality clothing, jewelry, furniture, appliances, sporting goods, games, and toys – and this year the Bargain Bash will be selling plants, garden tools, and floral containers donated by the Village Garden Club of La Jolla.  

 

Also on Saturday, March 12, the 51st Annual Rummage Sale at the La Jolla United Methodist Church, 6063 La Jolla Blvd (858-454-7108), will be another great place to look for deals. The sale of clothes, collectibles, books, furniture, jewelry, plants, and toys starts at 8:30am and after 1:30 everything is marked down to half-price.  

 

To prevent that shop-until-you-drop feeling, I suggest you stop for lunch at the Museum Café in the San Diego Museum of Contemporary Art La Jolla on Prospect Street – then wander across the street to the non-profit St. James Gift Shop at St. James by-the-Sea Episcopal Church, 743 Prospect Street (tel. [phone]). This place is a treasure-trove of colorful handcrafted folk art purchased directly from artists all over the world.

 

Smart shoppers will find more deals at 2^nd Act, West – a re-sale store specializing in clothing and costume jewelry in Sycamore Court, 7556 Fay Ave. (tel. [phone]). My friends who shop here look like they got dressed at Nordstrom.

 

On the other hand, if you’re looking for designer fashions that may have started life at Neiman Marcus, stop in at Encore of La Jolla, 7655 Girard Ave. (tel.[phone]). You’re likely to find a St. John knit here for a fraction of its original price – which may still seem mighty pricey.

 

For my part, I’m sticking to the Bargain Bash.