Savings That Shine

J.R. Collections recently moved from Santa Monica to West Los Angeles because they needed a bigger space to house their glass factory and retail store under one roof.

This manufacturer of handblown glassware has a factory outlet in the front of the 8,000-square-foot building, where colorful glassware is on display at wholesale prices. In the rear, there are two glass furnaces where this fine product will be made--as soon as the furnaces are up and running. You’ve seen their glassware at fine specialty stores (and in catalogs) for just about double the cost shown on the price stickers here.

The colors are marvelous. Owners Richard Schoen and Jorge Aguilera describe these as “European colors,” meaning the ingredients that give the colors their depth and intensity come from various European countries. The incredible orange, for instance, owes its brilliance to the raw material from Germany.

Not only does the beauty of these pieces catch one’s eye but the prices are easy to take. A tricolored vase that retails at one store for $89 is $39. Instead of $45 for a pink compote or candy dish, the price is $23.

The “Iris” crystal glasses are unusual with a bright yellow on the inside and gold on the outside. The price is $15 for an old-fashioned glass, half of retail.

The bargains also apply to goods from several other manufacturers. A Talavera pottery bowl from Mexico that sells elsewhere for $240 is just $69 at J.R. Collections. A pewter bowl, also from Mexico, sells for $21 rather than the retail of $51.

When you realize that all the merchandise is first quality, you may ask, “How can they sell it so cheaply?” Everything here is simply the remaining stock after they have sold their merchandise to stores. In essence, you are paying what the retailer pays.

There is also a wonderful collection of furniture, made locally, with prices approaching wholesale. A large pine armoire that one store sells for $2,750 goes for $999. The small English hope chests that have been seen selling for $350 at other stores are $149 at J.R. Collections.

The glass furnaces will be operating in early July. If you’ve never been to a glass factory, this should prove to be a most informative and interesting shopping trip, so bring the kids.

The J.R. Collection, 1726 Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles; (310) 473-7728. Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sun., noon-5 p.m.

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Weekend Super Sales:

While you’re on the Westside, ladies, stop at the Cottage, an outlet store for French Rags, the rayon knit modular clothing line made for travel. They just replenished their stock from the factory and the selection is terrific. 11500 Tennessee Ave., Los Angeles; (310) 479-5648.

If there’s a good buy on high-end items, you’re probably willing to travel. So how about Long Beach for great deals on furniture? A Parking Garage Sale will continue all month at Homestead House Clearance Center for “scratch and dent” merchandise at rock-bottom prices. Expect lots of Drexel. Homestead House Clearance Center, 4141 Atlantic Ave., Long Beach; (310) 424-1641.