Meryl B.

Abi's Judaica & Gifts

This is a nice sized, very neatly arranged Judaica gift shop. THey have knick knacks, mezzuza cases, tallitim, jewelry, books and other items of Jewish interest. The store is never crowded,yet I have never been bothered by the saleslady when I shop there.The prices are average for a store of this type. There is plenty of parking available.

Elite Market

This is a small kosher market in a strip mall. There is a small refrigerated/frozen section, a small deli and a grocery section. As small as it is, the prices are definitely competitive with other kosher markets. There are items there such as stuffing mix and speciality rice mixes that I have been unable to find at any other kosher markets in the area.

The Willows

This is the "reincarnation" of the old Quilted Bear in Northridge. They selll jewlery, furniture, candles, bric a brac,plush. The store is big and neatly arranged. I don't like the fact that few, if any of the items are handmade-which was a large part of the old Quilted Bear merchandise. There is always something to buy for under $5.00. They have a customer club and if you can get invitations to special holiday parties and free gifts around Christmas.There are also special mailings with discounts at other times of the year. It is a very nice place to shop for gifts. There is plenty of parking available.

Laureens Unique Antiques

This is a small antique shop set up with a number of smaller alcoves selling all sorts of antiques, including jewelry. The prices are not inexpensive but the items are nice and very neatly arranged. Even though it is small and I was the only customer the last time I was there, I was able to browse to my heart's content without being bothered by the saleslady. On 12/10/05 they will have an open house with "great bagrains, free food, gifts and goodies". There is plenty of parking.

Rescue Mission Alliance Super Thrift

This is a large and very well organized thrift store. There are racks of clothings, lots of toys, bric a brac, jewelry, books, odd and ends. The second floor is the bargain area-everything is 1/2 price. I can't believe how cheap some of the items are-it's one of my new favorite stores. On Tues from 8 am-noon, everything except new furniture is 25% off. There is plenty of parking in the back.

Galleria Market Northridge Lp

This is a big, bright and clean market plus. It carries an incredible selection of Asian Food. Besides the market, there is also a fast food area. They do carry some non-Asian food as well, and also have a nice produce section. It is a fun market as a fine jewelry store, bakery,children'saccessories/jewlery store, children's clothing nd other stores share the same inside space-making it a somewhat Asian Mini Mall.

PROS:
CONS: Sometimes the smell of the Asian Take out is overwhelming

South Beach Style

This is a cart located in the Northridge Mall. They sell body jewelry-ready made and custom. I can't remember the last time I didn't see a Buy 2 Get1 Free sign on the cart. The prices are reasonable for body jewelry.

PROS:
CONS: There is not always a salesperson at the cart

Pat Koller Auto

He has been at the Valley Indoor Swap Meet for 17 years. He specializes in seat covers, car and truck covers, floor mats and assorted auto accessories. His prices are excellent-we recently ordered a truck cover for $80 that my boyfriend said would be $200 elsewhere. We ordered it on Sat and it was in the following Fri. Excellent service by a very pleasant gentleman.

Pat Koller Auto

He has been at the Valley Indoor Swap Meet for 17 years. He specializes in seat covers, car and truck covers, floor mats and assorted auto accessories. His prices are excellent-we recently ordered a truck cover for $80 that my boyfriend said would be $200 elsewhere. We ordered it on Sat and it was in the following Fri. Excellent service by a very pleasant gentleman.

Continental Kosher Bakery

This bakery carries some of the best brownies that I have ever had. The last time that I was there they had out samples of their apple-cinnamon Challah and it was very tasty-couldn't figure out if it would be for desert or with a main course. The prices are reasonable for a kosher bakery. They are closed Saturday and all major Jewish holidays.