BARGAINS : IN THE MARKET FOR SAVINGS.

Byline: Trisha King & Deborah Newmark

If you've been driving by Jon's Markets and never bothered to stop in, you might be in for a change of heart. A friend told us that we should check out the prices at a new Jon's Market in a location recently vacated by a major supermarket chain. We took our friend's advice and were pleasantly surprised at the prices.

Without a doubt, the best deals by far are located in the produce department. In fact, when you see some of the prices at Jon's, you may find yourself wondering about prices charged by most major supermarket chains.

For example, if green onions, parsley and cilantro are staples in your refrigerator, you've probably been paying 50 cents a bunch at the supermarket or three bunches for $1 at a discount store. The price at Jon's is an unbelievable 10 bunches for 99 cents. Yes, 9 cents instead of 50 cents a bunch.

Other low produce prices include spinach at three bunches for $1 (89 cents a bunch elsewhere), iceberg lettuce three for $1 (99 cents a head at a supermarket), Texas grapefruit four for $1 (two for $1 retail), red delicious apples 4 pounds for 99 cents instead of 79 cents a pound, and tomatillos 3 pounds for 99 cents rather than 99 cents a pound elsewhere.

On grocery items other than produce, Jon's prices are either lower than or competitive with other markets. For example, Smart One frozen entrees by Weight Watchers are $2.19 each, the same price charged at a popular supermarket. On the other hand, Lean Cuisine frozen entrees are priced at $2.39 instead of $2.69 at another supermarket.

Jon's always has in-store specials. Specials in the past have included Pepsi Cubes (24 cans) for $3.99 (the lowest we've seen on sale is $4.99 a cube instead of a regular price of $6.99), crab legs for $5.99 a pound or large shrimp for $8.99 a pound rather than double digit figures at most markets, and how about pita bread at five packages of six pitas for $1 ($1.29 each elsewhere).

Coupons are accepted at face value only (no doubling), and if you desire, someone will cart your groceries to your vehicle. To avoid crowds, shop early and during the week if you can. Otherwise, make sure to take your patience with you, because weekends can be quite crowded.

Jon's Market is at 20151 Roscoe Blvd., Winnetka; [phone]. The Van Nuys store is at 6655 Van Nuys Blvd., Van Nuys; [phone].

Stores in Glendale are at 1717 W. Glenoaks Blvd., [phone] and at 600 E. Colorado Blvd., [phone]. For stores in Hollywood and Los Angeles, call [phone]. Hours for all locations are 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. seven days a week. Discover, Mastercard and Visa are accepted.

Inside info

Get cash for your old batteries from the Battery Co. These include automotive, motorcycle, RV or marine. They also sell new and reconditioned batteries at savings of 25 percent off retail. For example, a factory-reconditioned battery is $19.95 with a 90-day warranty (elsewhere $25 to $30), and a new Exide auto battery is $29.95 (elsewhere $39.95). Battery Co. is at 2220 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena; [phone]. Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.

Daphne Gerard Antiques and Collectibles features antique furniture imported from England. Nothing in her store is over $250. Items such as tables start at $150. A bird's-eye maple armoire is $250 (pine armoires can run as high as $1,100 elsewhere). Stock is constantly changing. Daphne Gerard Antiques and Collectibles is at 7405 Reseda Blvd., Reseda; [phone]. Hours are 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.

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Photo: At Jon's Markets, the best deals are in the produce department. On grocery items other than produce, Jon's prices are either lower than or competitive with other markets.

Andy Holzman/Daily News