Costa Mesa Shopping Tips by marinarena Top 5 Page for this destination

OC Marketplace-Costa Mesa: Go to a More Fancy Swap Meet

This is the best overall swap meet in the greater L.A. area, outside of the one held at outside of Pasadena's Rose Bowl. Despite the entrance fee (now $2) and the fight for parking at times, this is a pleasant outing for shopping. Come here around 8 AM to beat the crowd.

What to buy: Shop for clothing (most new and discounted), shoes, furniture, plants, gourmet breads and candies, electronics, CDs, toys and much, much more.

What to pay: There is such a variance. If not buying big items, like furniture, you may typically spend $30 here for a few items.

Address: 88 Fair Drive

Directions: check out the website for directions, pics and more

Theme: Other

Nordstrom Rack: Shop Designer 4 Less, Pack Patience at Local Rack

Nordstrom Rack stores are all over the U.S but the Costa Mesa location is perhaps the best for overall fashion choice. Located at the Metrpointe plaza across the big South Coast Plaza mall (by Bear St/South Coast Dr), the Rack has been a popular destination, especially popular for womens fashion and shoes but also accessories, mens and childrens fashion.

This particular Rack features an exclusive designer womens' section of high end frocks, special occasion gowns and shoes by impressive brands like Oscar de la Renta, Armani and usually a big selection of St John apparel, among several others.

Doing a high volume business, the store stays busy throughout the year with very few slow days. Expect waiting a long line(queue) to check out (though the store is staffed fairly well and often the wait is quicker than customers would think). I don't recommend going here at peak times (weekends, midday) and if you are brave enough to enter here during Christmas, definitely say a prayer and pack your patience.

The much touted quality customer service standards for the major, full-line Nordstrom store extended itself at the discount Racks, including here.

Big Brand list- Womens/Designer Shop

Chloe
Tory Burch
Burberry
BCBG Max Azria
Alberto Makali
Theory
Tahari
Eileen Fisher
Michael Kors
Ralph Lauren
Calvin Klein
Juicy Coulture
Free People

What to pay: premium jeans (Sevens, True Religion, etc) range from about $60-$100, women/men
stylish outfits of casual wear (shirt/top)can be easily range under $50 (single items can be as low as about $8 dollars

Address: 901 South Coast Drive, Costa Mesa

Directions: off 405 fwy , South Coast Dr

Phone: (714) 751-5901

Theme: Department Store

Website: http://www.nordstrom.com