California Apparel News

Bargain hunters are a breed of their own. But during these tough economic times, the breed is multiplying. Just ask Gary Pazornik, who with his sister, Maxine, runs one of the oldest independently owned off-price clothing stores in the Los Angeles Fashion District. Not only are more customers flocking to the store, known for its red awning and barn-like interior, but there are more bargains to be found. “The selection has gotten better, and we have lowered our prices,” said Gary Pazornik, who said his parents, Morris and Rose Pazornik, opened the store at 934 Maple Ave. in 1962. All this summer many of the already discounted garments are selling for up to 50 percent off. Fall selections coming in are automatically 20 percent off. You can even find $5 Tee Party tops that normally retail for $68 to $84. Morrie’s has been the kind of place that if you have the time and patience, you can always come up with a gem. One of my favorite knit tops, a charcoal-grey Velvet top that sold for $25 six years ago, is still in my closet and looks amazingly new. Perusing the racks recently, I found Eileen Fisher tops, St. John suits, Juicy Couture outfits, Polo Ralph Lauren blouses as well as a number of well-known blue jean labels designed by our very own Los Angeles crowd. Of course, some times the store acts like a garment graveyard. In one corner was a whole rack of silk jackets made by Credibility, a 6-year-old label that recently went out of business after its owner, Sheri Drobnick, called it quits. Even though these stellar jackets were selling for $350 to $480 at stylish stores around the country, Morrie’s is selling them for $49. Not much has changed since Morrie started the company 47 years ago. People are looking for a deal, and manufacturers are trying to get rid of their overstock. One thing has changed, though. Years ago, Gary used to send out 8,000 postcards to advertise his big sales. Now it’s all done by e-mail. That’s a big savings for a place where people are looking to save big.