Top 7 Discount Shopping Los Angeles Spots for 2025

Los Angeles is known for glamour, but its real appeal for savvy shoppers lies in the thrill of finding a great deal. For those who love a good bargain, the city offers a diverse landscape of discount opportunities, from sprawling outdoor markets to high-end outlet stores. This guide provides a detailed overview of the best destinations for discount shopping in Los Angeles, offering insider tips to help you save money without sacrificing quality.

This article outlines Los Angeles's top bargain spots, from the community-driven LACC Swap Meet to the designer deals at Citadel Outlets. Each entry provides practical information, including what makes each location a must-visit destination, the types of goods available, and how your shopping can support the local community. By providing essential details like addresses, hours, and costs, this guide will help you plan your next successful shopping trip.

1. LACC Swap Meet

For nearly 30 years, the LACC Swap Meet has been a key destination for discount shopping in Los Angeles, serving as a center for community and commerce. Held at the Los Angeles City College campus, this weekend market is more than a place for bargains; it is a cultural institution where every transaction supports local vendors and directly funds student success through the LACC Foundation.

LACC Swap Meet

Event Details

  • Location: LACC Swap Meet, 4133 Marathon St., Los Angeles, CA 90029. The event takes place in the Los Angeles City College parking lot, with garage parking entry on Marathon Street.
  • Time: Every Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM.
  • Cost:
    • Regular Admission: $2
    • Early Bird (7:00 AM – 9:00 AM): $5
    • Garage Parking: $5
  • Additional Details: The event features hundreds of local street vendors. Proceeds support the LACC Foundation, which raises over $500,000 annually for student resources. The official website, laccswap.com, provides updates and an online booth reservation system for vendors. Prospective sellers can learn more about the process of selling at the swap meet.

Why It's a Top Choice for Discount Shopping

The LACC Swap Meet offers a diverse mix of products unavailable in traditional retail settings. Shoppers can find:

  • Apparel and Accessories: Vintage clothing, new fashion, and handcrafted jewelry.
  • Antiques and Collectibles: Rare finds, classic vinyl records, and memorabilia.
  • Household Goods and Furniture: Practical items, decor, and small furniture.

Its affordability, with a $2 admission fee and $5 parking, makes it accessible to all. The event's model allows shoppers to find great deals while contributing to a local educational cause, making it a unique and valuable community asset.

2. BargainsLA

For shoppers who approach discount hunting strategically, BargainsLA is an essential resource. This platform is not an e-commerce site but a curated hub for information on Southern California's best sample sales, warehouse events, and discount outlets. It provides details on deals that can save shoppers from 30% to 90% off retail prices.

BargainsLA website screenshot showing a list of sales events

Event Details

  • Location: This is an online resource. Event locations vary and are listed on the website.
  • Time: The website is updated continuously. Specific sale times are listed per event.
  • Cost: The website is free to use. Admission costs for individual sales events may vary.
  • Additional Details: The site is managed by experts who vet many of the sales listed, ensuring accurate and valuable information. It covers clothing, home goods, furniture, and more. For those looking to maximize their time at markets, it is helpful to discover why arriving early is key to securing top finds.

How to Maximize BargainsLA

To make the most of this free resource, focus on its key features:

  • Check "Hot Sale Events": This section highlights the most significant and time-sensitive sales.
  • Subscribe to the Newsletter: Receive email updates on flash sales and new events.
  • Read Detailed Reviews: The site often includes tips on parking, crowd levels, and accepted payment methods.

By curating high-quality information, BargainsLA saves you time and helps you focus on the most promising sales opportunities for discount shopping in Los Angeles.

Website: https://bargainsla.com/

3. Citadel Outlets

Citadel Outlets is a landmark destination for brand-name bargain hunting. Located south of downtown, this large outdoor mall features over 130 brand-name stores offering discounts of 30% to 70% off retail prices. It provides a premium outlet experience in a convenient, single location.

Citadel Outlets

Event Details

  • Location: 100 Citadel Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90040.
  • Time: Generally open 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM daily, but hours can vary. Check the official website for current times.
  • Cost: Free admission. Parking is also free in the main lots.
  • Additional Details: The outlet features a wide range of brands, from high-end fashion like Coach and Michael Kors to athletic apparel from Nike and Adidas. The mall includes numerous dining options and guest services.

How to Maximize Citadel Outlets

A little planning can help you get the most value from your visit:

  • Check the "Deals" Page Online: Before you go, visit the Citadel Outlets website to find current store promotions and coupon offers.
  • Sign Up for the VIP Lounge: Register for their free VIP program online to access an exclusive digital savings book.
  • Shop on a Weekday: Visit on a weekday morning to avoid the large crowds common on weekends and holidays.

Citadel Outlets stands out for its scale and the quality of its brand roster, providing a reliable destination for discount shopping in Los Angeles.

Website: https://www.citadeloutlets.com/

4. Los Angeles Fashion District

The Los Angeles Fashion District is a sprawling, 100-block area in downtown LA that offers an immersive discount shopping experience. It is a dynamic hub of over 4,000 independently owned retail and wholesale businesses, providing everything from textiles to trendy apparel at deeply discounted prices.

Los Angeles Fashion District

Event Details

  • Location: The district spans 100 blocks in Downtown Los Angeles, roughly between the I-10 freeway (south), 7th Street (north), Alameda Street (east), and Broadway (west). Santee Alley is a key landmark within this area.
  • Time: General retail hours are 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily. Wholesale businesses may have different hours.
  • Cost: Free to browse the district. Parking is available in various paid lots throughout the area.
  • Additional Details: Many showrooms open to the public for sample sales on the last Friday of each month, offering goods at 50-70% off. Many smaller vendors, especially in Santee Alley, are cash-only. The official website, fashiondistrict.org, provides maps and directories to help plan your visit.

How to Maximize the Los Angeles Fashion District

To navigate this large area effectively, use a strategic approach:

  • Explore Santee Alley: This open-air bazaar is known for its low prices on clothing, accessories, and shoes.
  • Target Sample Sales: Check the district's online calendar for information on monthly sample sales.
  • Come Prepared: Bring cash for smaller vendors and consider using public transit to avoid parking challenges.

The district's sheer volume and variety make it a legendary destination for discount shopping in Los Angeles, offering a raw, unfiltered experience with the potential for incredible finds.

Website: https://fashiondistrict.org/

5. Saks OFF 5TH

Saks OFF 5TH is a premier destination for shoppers seeking high-end designer brands at reduced prices. As the off-price division of Saks Fifth Avenue, it provides access to luxury apparel, shoes, and accessories with discounts often ranging from 50% to 80% off original retail prices.

Event Details

  • Location: Multiple locations in the Los Angeles area, including a prominent store at The Beverly Connection (100 N La Cienega Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90048).
  • Time: Hours vary by location. Check the official website for specific store hours.
  • Cost: Free to shop. Parking is available at mall locations, often for a fee.
  • Additional Details: Inventory includes past-season merchandise from brands like Prada and Marc Jacobs, alongside exclusive collections. Be aware that city taxes impact your purchases and should be factored into your budget.

How to Maximize Saks OFF 5TH

To find the best value, a strategic approach is key:

  • Shop the Clearance Racks: Head to the back of the store or filter for "Clearance" online to find the deepest discounts.
  • Sign Up for Email Alerts: Join their mailing list for notifications about extra sales and special coupon codes.
  • Utilize In-Store Pickup: Shop online and use the "Ship to Store" option to try on items at your local store.

Saks OFF 5TH makes luxury brands accessible, making it an essential stop for any serious fashion bargain hunter in Los Angeles.

Website: https://www.saksoff5th.com/

6. Nordstrom Rack

Nordstrom Rack is a cornerstone of discount shopping in Los Angeles for those who love designer labels. As the off-price division of Nordstrom, it offers a large selection of apparel, shoes, and accessories from high-quality brands at discounts of 30-70% off original prices.

Nordstrom Rack store interior showing racks of clothing

Event Details

  • Location: Numerous locations throughout the Los Angeles area, such as the store at Burbank Empire Center (1501 N Victory Pl, Burbank, CA 91502).
  • Time: Hours vary by location. Check the official website for details.
  • Cost: Free to shop. Parking is typically available and free at most locations.
  • Additional Details: The store offers new, overstock, or past-season items. The "Clear the Rack" sales events provide an additional 25% off clearance items.

How to Maximize Nordstrom Rack

Shop strategically to capitalize on the savings:

  • Hunt for "Clear the Rack" Events: These sales offer the best deals and happen several times a year.
  • Utilize the Nordy Club: Sign up for the free loyalty program to earn points that convert into store credit.
  • Shop Online, Pick Up In-Store: The website often has a broader selection. Have items shipped to your local Rack for free pickup.

Nordstrom Rack offers a dependable and accessible entry point into designer discount shopping, making it an indispensable resource for Los Angeles bargain hunters.

Website: https://www.nordstromrack.com/

7. Coupons.com

While many resources for discount shopping in Los Angeles focus on physical locations, Coupons.com brings savings into the digital realm. This platform is a large aggregator for digital and printable coupons, promo codes, and cashback offers, helping shoppers cut costs at major national retailers with a presence in L.A.

Coupons.com website showing a grid of available coupons

Event Details

  • Location: This is a digital platform accessible online or via a mobile app.
  • Time: Available 24/7. New offers are added regularly.
  • Cost: The platform is free to use.
  • Additional Details: It consolidates offers from thousands of brands for both online and in-store use. Offers range from groceries to apparel.

How to Maximize Coupons.com

Integrate this platform into your regular shopping routine:

  • Go Digital with the App: Download the mobile app to link your store loyalty cards and digitally "clip" coupons.
  • Stack Your Savings: Look for cashback offers that can be combined with store sales or other promotions.
  • Filter and Search: Use the search bar to find deals at specific retailers you plan to visit.

Coupons.com provides a reliable and extensive database of discounts, serving as an essential tool for budget-conscious shoppers who want to lower their expenses.

Website: https://www.coupons.com/

7-Point Discount Shopping Comparison Los Angeles

Item 🔄 Implementation Complexity ⚡ Resource Requirements 📊 Expected Outcomes 💡 Ideal Use Cases ⭐ Key Advantages
LACC Swap Meet Moderate – requires event setup and vendor coordination Moderate – venue, vendor management, and visitor support High community impact with fundraising and local business growth Weekend shoppers, community supporters, small vendors Diverse product variety, strong community impact, vendor-friendly system
BargainsLA Low – primarily website maintenance and content updates Low – content creation and update efforts Reliable discount info and shopper savings Deal hunters seeking updated sales info Curated listings, wide coverage of discount events
Citadel Outlets High – retail mall operations with many brands High – mall facilities, store inventories, and amenities Broad consumer reach with significant brand discounts Brand-focused outlet shopping Large brand variety, convenient location, extended hours
Los Angeles Fashion District High – managing thousands of retailers and events High – area coordination, event management Extensive fashion product access with wholesale and retail options Wholesale buyers, fashion enthusiasts Massive business variety, unique fashion finds
Saks OFF 5TH Moderate – retail store operations Moderate – inventory management and marketing Access to luxury brands at discounted prices Luxury shoppers seeking deals High-end brands, frequent sales, convenient shopping options
Nordstrom Rack Moderate – retail operations with loyalty integrations Moderate – inventory, loyalty program, app maintenance Frequent new deals with customer retention Brand-conscious bargain shoppers Quality products, loyalty rewards, online and in-store shopping
Coupons.com Low – digital platform maintenance and promotion Low – tech platform and coupon partnerships Wide cost savings through coupons and cashback offers Online and in-store deal seekers Free access, personalized deals, extensive retailer network

Your Ultimate LA Discount Shopping Strategy

Los Angeles is a bargain hunter's paradise, but the most successful shoppers are those who arrive with a strategic plan. This guide has provided the foundational knowledge to conquer discount shopping in Los Angeles, transforming a potentially overwhelming experience into a targeted and fruitful one.

Crafting Your Personal Shopping Plan

The best discount destination depends on your goals. To create an effective strategy, match your needs to the right venue.

  • For One-of-a-Kind Finds and Community Support: The LACC Swap Meet is your best choice for unique vintage items and handmade goods while supporting a local cause.
  • For Mainstream Brands at Outlet Prices: Head to Citadel Outlets for efficient, concentrated brand-name bargain hunting.
  • For Designer Deals: Prioritize Saks OFF 5TH and Nordstrom Rack for high-end apparel and accessories at a fraction of their retail price.
  • For Urban Exploration: The Los Angeles Fashion District offers an immersive experience for those who enjoy the thrill of the hunt across countless independent shops.
  • For Pre-Planning and Digital Savings: Use BargainsLA to track sample sales and Coupons.com to clip digital coupons before you shop.

Final Takeaways for Success

Remember these core principles: always verify hours online, wear comfortable shoes, and bring cash for smaller vendors at markets. The joy of discount shopping in Los Angeles lies in the discovery. For more general tips, explore resources on how to shop smarter and maximize savings.

To put your strategy to the test with an authentic LA experience, plan your visit to the LACC Swap Meet to discover unique finds and unbeatable bargains while supporting local vendors and college programs.

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