Yes, it's a liquidator. No, it's not hip, small, precious, organic or exclusive. Liquidators buy up dead stock (unsold, returned, unshipped, canceled orders) from stores, factories and jobbers, and sell it off for 40 percent to 80 percent below original retail at California Closeouts. You never know what will be in stock or if it will ever be in stock again. The only sane strategy is to go with a friend or two and buy in bulk. Dove body wash for $1 a bottle? Buy a box. Mott's apple juice at 99 cents a can? Buy a case. If you're setting up a production company, a day-care center, or a commune, there's no cheaper place to get storage shelves, office supplies, trash cans and antacids. Four times a year they have special clear-out events, and clear out everything, which can include hardware, electronics, kids' stuff, portable air conditioners, deep fryers, sleeping bags, bath towels and more. Teach at LAUSD? Outfit your classroom for less. Located in an industrial stretch of Commerce, it's not hard to find or particularly sketchy when you get there. 6821 Watcher St., City of Commerce. (562) 928-6268, califcloseouts.com

—Kate Coe

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