The DISCOUNT PLACE (aka "98"),
Whomever it was who coined the term "Hole in the wall" could've easily been referring to this tiny general merchandise store hidden deep inside an unkempt mini-strip mall in the heart of Scum Valley. Opps sorry, I meant to say Sun Valley.... The store is difficult to spot from the main street, Sunland Blvd, and is completely invisible from Nettleton, the adjoining street. The best way to visit this local gem is via the alley behind the mall which begins off of Nettleton Street. Park in any of the first 5 parking spaces and the nose of your car will be pointing directly at this bodega.
As I said, this place is TINY, maybe 300 to 400 square feet of floor space max! Yet, despite their small size somehow they almost always seem to have the item I need on a shelf waiting for me. For example: A few days ago, following a shopping expedition to Target & CVS, I found that I was still "in need" of a few odd items; an extension telephone cable, a female 2 female coupler, some utility candles, and some butane fuel for a camping stove. Believe it or not they had them all and the best part is: I paid only .98 cents each! (ALMOST everything is at that price point here.)
I do have one complaint, which cost them a star, they recently began charging customers .10 for carryout bags. Yes, I can hear some of you thinkin: 'So what dude, lots of stores charge for bags in LA cause its' the law. All the stores are doing it, Duh.' It is a fact that "all" stores seem to be suddenly charging this bag-tax but only a specific few are required to do so. Many, like this shop are exempt but want to charge me anyway, which irritates me. Additionally, stores, such as this one, collect the fee and then give you the type of plastic bag that has been banned from use by the same law which establishes the tax! The law states that a store with sales over 1 mil./yr must provide either paper bags or reusable plastic bags (meaning the bag must be able to be used carry something like 20 lbs. for at least 50- 100 x's). IT SPECIFICALLY PROHIBITS plastic single use bags, PERIOD. Obviously, this is a new pet peeve of mine...so if it is not an issue to you, then uh never-mind.
The store is open daily from 8 to 8 and seems to be family owned/operated. Due to the imminent opening of a Dollar Tree store less than a quarter of a mile away this business' days may be numbered. So If you find yourself anywhere in the area and are thinkin of going to the .99 Cent Store to get something...GO TO THE DISCOUNT PLACE and help out a neighbor instead. You'll get a Gold Star for the day if you do!
Oh, one last thing...the name is almost misleading, the prices on an item by item basis are the same as elsewhere. I have never found any real bargains there, at least not price-wise.
Ciao fer now!
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