BARGAINS : WHERE APPARAL PRICES SLOPE FOR SKIERS.

Byline: Trisha King & Deborah Newmark

When it comes to snow sports, sometimes it's hard to decide which is more expensive, the trip or the clothing. You might be able to afford another day or two on the slopes if you buy your ski and snowboarding togs at H & H Jobbing Co.

A good example, whether for the slopes or a walk on a cool night, was a woman's white parka with a snowflake pattern and fox fur trim for $119.95. Retail for this parka is $298.

If you've never shopped at H & H Jobbing Co., you'll be delighted at the discount prices on lots of high-end brand names usually found only in specialty shops. We can't mention any names here, but you won't be disappointed at what you find. Discounts generally run about 40 percent to 70 percent below retail - and sometimes more.

For girls, famous-maker snowboarding separates were $69.95 rather, than $125 to $145 retail. The jackets and pants - sizes extra-small to extra-large - are waterproof and are available in eight colors. One-piece ski suits for children - sizes 2 to 14 - in bright colors, run $69.95 to $79.95, and matching mittens are $11.

When you visit, don't miss what H & H call their ``back bar specials.'' On the day of our visit, a very good selection of women's Euro ski suits in several styles and colors were tagged at $149.95. The ski suits are a closeout of last year's lines that sold then for $375 ($750 retail).

You'll find plenty of clothing for men (ski suits start at $149.95). In addition, H & H carries golf, tennis and general sporting attire at both of its stores.

H & H Jobbing Co. is located at 840 S. Los Angeles St., Los Angeles; [phone]. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. The Torrance store is located in the South Bay Outlet Center, 2772 W. Artesia Blvd., Redondo Beach; [phone]. Hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. MasterCard and Visa are accepted.

Inside info

Buy your fireplace mantels from Integrity Wood Products factory-direct and save 20 percent to 50 percent off fireplace-store prices. Savings depend upon the wood choice and design of the mantel. There are 25 mantels on display at the showroom, or one can be customized for you. Integrity Wood Products is located at 7838 Alabama Ave., Canoga Park; [phone]. Hours are 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.

If you need some cash for the holidays, sell your used CDs, tapes, videos or digital video discs to Backside Records. The store also accepts trade-ins and sell used CDs. They have a bargain table with prices starting at $1.99, but the average price starts at $4.99. Backside Records is located at 139 N. San Fernando Blvd., Burbank; [phone]. Hours are 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to midnight Saturday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday.

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Photo

Photo: Michael Eisenbert of H&H Jobbing Co. offers skiwear and other cold-weather clothing at his store's downtown location.

Tina Gerson/Daily News