Apr 1, 2009

Design Notebook: Eclectic accents at outlet pricesBy Rebecca JureticSanLuisObispo.com

For many people, visiting San Luis Obispo’s Apple Farm isn’t just about the cuisine — it’s also about perusing the three-level gift shop overflowing with décor and collectibles.

But the savvy bargain shopper knows the best deals can be found a few blocks down from the restaurant, at the Apple Farm Outlet.

No, you can’t get a scone there. And with just a handful of open hours each week, it’s not always easy to get to. But if you’re a fan of the wide variety of goods at Apple Farm’s gift shop, the outlet is definitely worth discovering.

Apple Farm opened its first outlet in the mid-1980s. Located adjacent to its warehouse, the outlet sold out-of-season items at discounted prices. Seven years ago the warehouse moved to a location without a frontage store. Much to the dismay of bargain hunters, the outlet store disappeared.

Then, in January of 2008, the warehouse moved to the old Stanley Motors location on Monterey Street. Once again, they had a perfectly situated retail space.

The time-worn office site isn’t exactly glamorous. “We left it rustic inside, but we put up some antique doors and things like that,” said Apple Farm Executive Buyer Pamela Johnson.

Low overhead allows the Apple Farm to offer some remarkable deals. All merchandise is at least 50 percent less than retail. Many pieces, like art and seasonal items, are marked down 70 percent or more. Twice a year, they host a large clearance sale where all items are 70 percent off and the selection of merchandise spills out into the parking lot.

Seasonal items make up a large portion of the inventory. There is still Thanksgiving and Christmas décor in stock, along with new Easter and spring accents.

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