Finally.... someone made the website that I always hoped would be created ... an online national Thrift Shop Finder! The website is called, "The Thrift Shopper." (www.thethriftshopper.com) There are already over 7300 Thrift Shops listed. Just a few clicks and you can have a listing of charity based thrift shops in your area. The listing includes store name, address, hours, telephone number, affiliated charities, and a link to a map. Who could ask for more? Well... there IS more... an online magazine, a forum, classifieds, etc. Get ready for a fun web surfing time on this one.
If your favorite, charity based Thrift Shop is not listed, you can add it. You can also rate the shops that you know. Help your favorite shop get some good publicity by posting a good review.
Don't forget to visit this site before you take a vacation. Make a list of Thrift Shops in your vacation destination. You can pick up local memorabilia for a fraction of what it would cost retail.
There is also a link to a syndicated cartoon strip that takes place in (of course) a Charity Thrift Shop - cute. It's called, "Heaven's Love Thrift Shop." (www.heavenslovethriftshop.com)
So, check out this site. Create a local list for yourself (including the maps). Stick the list and maps in your glove compartment. Then... when you find yourself in the area of town where the shop is, you can drop in and check it out. We must use our gas miles wisely.
Happy Thrift Shop Shopping!
Showing posts with label bargain shopping. Show all posts
Showing posts with label bargain shopping. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Thursday, May 3, 2007
Scholastic Books Warehouse Sales
Scholastic Books, publishers of a zillion books, has semi-annual warehouse sales. I haven't been to one of these yet, but I used to go to another book publisher's warehouse sales in Connecticut and they were WONDERFUL! Great bargains. Stacks and stacks of books and book related stuff.
There are scholastic warehouses in every state in America. Go to their web site and find the warehouse nearest you.
If you pre-register online, you will avoid lines and get a $10 coupon. This is a great opportunity to get a jump start on your holiday shopping!
There are scholastic warehouses in every state in America. Go to their web site and find the warehouse nearest you.
If you pre-register online, you will avoid lines and get a $10 coupon. This is a great opportunity to get a jump start on your holiday shopping!
Saturday, April 28, 2007
Reminder - Almost Free Ice Cream
This is a reminder (for those of you who forgot to mark your calendar.... Wednesday, May 2nd is Baskin Robbins 31 cent Scoop Night.
Go to my earlier post for all the details. Yum!
Go to my earlier post for all the details. Yum!
Sunday, April 22, 2007
America's Cheapest Family - Must Read Book
Turns out that I am only "1 degree of separation" from frame. My sister is friends with some lovely folks who wrote a book that got on the New York Times Best Seller List! And of course... what is it about? BARGAINS! Of course.
The book is called, "America's Cheapest Family Gets You Right on the Money" by Steve and Annette Economides. I had the pleasure of spending some time with the Economides family on a trip to visit my sister. They are wonderful people and live exactly like they save they do in their book. I, the Queen of Bargains, had a FABULOUS time talking with Steve and Annette.
Check this out. Steve and Annette have managed to feed their family of seven on just $350 per month, pay off their first house in nine years and purchase a second, larger home, buy cars with cash, take wonderful vacations, and put money in savings.
Their book is a must-read for anyone who is serious about living on a budget and getting the most for their money. I don't lightly tell people to BUY a book (when you can use the library) but this one you need to read from cover to cover. Click here: America's Cheapest Family
to order the book. (of course, buy a used copy)
The book is called, "America's Cheapest Family Gets You Right on the Money" by Steve and Annette Economides. I had the pleasure of spending some time with the Economides family on a trip to visit my sister. They are wonderful people and live exactly like they save they do in their book. I, the Queen of Bargains, had a FABULOUS time talking with Steve and Annette.
Check this out. Steve and Annette have managed to feed their family of seven on just $350 per month, pay off their first house in nine years and purchase a second, larger home, buy cars with cash, take wonderful vacations, and put money in savings.
Their book is a must-read for anyone who is serious about living on a budget and getting the most for their money. I don't lightly tell people to BUY a book (when you can use the library) but this one you need to read from cover to cover. Click here: America's Cheapest Family
to order the book. (of course, buy a used copy)
Friday, April 20, 2007
Big Lots - Closeout Retailer
Big Lots, with locations all across America is a closeout retailer.
What is a closeout retailer? Per the Big Lot website:
"Closeouts are the same first-quality, brand-name products found at other retailers, but at substantially lower prices. We buy closeout merchandise from manufacturers who want to reduce inventory as a result of package changes, canceled orders, product discontinuation or test market products."
What this translates into, for you, the bargain shopper, is an ever changing inventory of stuff that didn't make it off the shelf of the store it was originally sold to. Why? Maybe because the packaging was the wrong color, maybe because the shipment came in too late, maybe because the shop didn't promote... or maybe because it is a yucky product. But... because the smart people at Big Lot were able to buy it for a cheap-cheap price.... you get a chance to buy it at a discount price.
I think it is fun to go into Big Lots when I just feel like I need to find a good bargain. My favorite aisle is the Stationery Aisle - home of craft supplies. I found some wonderful paint-by-numbers sets for $2.99 the last time I was at Big Lots. I bought a few for my "Emergency Birthday Party Present Box." A few days ago I was at Michael's Art Supply store and saw the exact same kits for $14.99. Now, that's what I consider a good deal.
You can't go to Big Lots with a shopping list (until you are very familiar with their inventory), but you can and will find all sorts of things you just KNEW you needed.
Find a Big Lots location near you.... enjoy!
What is a closeout retailer? Per the Big Lot website:
"Closeouts are the same first-quality, brand-name products found at other retailers, but at substantially lower prices. We buy closeout merchandise from manufacturers who want to reduce inventory as a result of package changes, canceled orders, product discontinuation or test market products."
What this translates into, for you, the bargain shopper, is an ever changing inventory of stuff that didn't make it off the shelf of the store it was originally sold to. Why? Maybe because the packaging was the wrong color, maybe because the shipment came in too late, maybe because the shop didn't promote... or maybe because it is a yucky product. But... because the smart people at Big Lot were able to buy it for a cheap-cheap price.... you get a chance to buy it at a discount price.
I think it is fun to go into Big Lots when I just feel like I need to find a good bargain. My favorite aisle is the Stationery Aisle - home of craft supplies. I found some wonderful paint-by-numbers sets for $2.99 the last time I was at Big Lots. I bought a few for my "Emergency Birthday Party Present Box." A few days ago I was at Michael's Art Supply store and saw the exact same kits for $14.99. Now, that's what I consider a good deal.
You can't go to Big Lots with a shopping list (until you are very familiar with their inventory), but you can and will find all sorts of things you just KNEW you needed.
Find a Big Lots location near you.... enjoy!
Sunday, March 25, 2007
Timing is Everything - knowing when to buy what
OK, bargain hunters, here is today's lesson:
Timing is everything... you've heard this before. It holds true in many areas of life, and it certainly holds true in bargain hunting.
Here's a great example.
You need an air conditioner. You REALLY need the air conditioner in the middle of a blazing heat wave in the middle of the summer. Imagine what a window air conditioner will cost when the weather outside is above 100 degrees. IF you can even find one to buy...
Now, think SNOW... think FREEZING... think hats and gloves, sweaters and snow boots (you folks in Southern California, think... long sleeved shirts). What do you think an air conditioner will cost during this weather? BIG difference!
This difference even holds true at Yard Sales (my favorite shopping place). During the hot months an air conditioner will be snapped up at a Yard Sale. During cold weather, that same air conditioner will go for almost nothing.
Why? Don't know. Maybe people forget that it will ever get warm again. Maybe the person selling the item doesn't think of it as having any value. But, I tell you... this is TRUTH!!
Yes, yes, yes... I know that there are SALES during "the season." But, I hardly ever find REAL bargains during a "Season Sale." There ARE bargains to be had during the "End of Season Sale." I just bought a fireplace grate at Home Depot for $2.50... it retailed last month for $18.95.
So, when it is cold, buy things for warm weather.... air conditioners, pool supplies, bathing suits, patio furniture, bar-b-ques, etc.
When it is warm/hot, buy things for cold weather ... space heaters, winter coats, flannel pajamas, ski equipment, etc.
And of course.... when to buy Christmas decorations? The day after Christmas, of course.
As always, let me know your bargain finds. You can email me at: Bobbisbargains@hotmail.com
Timing is everything... you've heard this before. It holds true in many areas of life, and it certainly holds true in bargain hunting.
Here's a great example.
You need an air conditioner. You REALLY need the air conditioner in the middle of a blazing heat wave in the middle of the summer. Imagine what a window air conditioner will cost when the weather outside is above 100 degrees. IF you can even find one to buy...
Now, think SNOW... think FREEZING... think hats and gloves, sweaters and snow boots (you folks in Southern California, think... long sleeved shirts). What do you think an air conditioner will cost during this weather? BIG difference!
This difference even holds true at Yard Sales (my favorite shopping place). During the hot months an air conditioner will be snapped up at a Yard Sale. During cold weather, that same air conditioner will go for almost nothing.
Why? Don't know. Maybe people forget that it will ever get warm again. Maybe the person selling the item doesn't think of it as having any value. But, I tell you... this is TRUTH!!
Yes, yes, yes... I know that there are SALES during "the season." But, I hardly ever find REAL bargains during a "Season Sale." There ARE bargains to be had during the "End of Season Sale." I just bought a fireplace grate at Home Depot for $2.50... it retailed last month for $18.95.
So, when it is cold, buy things for warm weather.... air conditioners, pool supplies, bathing suits, patio furniture, bar-b-ques, etc.
When it is warm/hot, buy things for cold weather ... space heaters, winter coats, flannel pajamas, ski equipment, etc.
And of course.... when to buy Christmas decorations? The day after Christmas, of course.
As always, let me know your bargain finds. You can email me at: Bobbisbargains@hotmail.com
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Gabes. THE best store for new brand name clothing.
Gabes!
That is all you have to say to ANYONE that has ever shopped at a Gabes store.
What is Gabes? Officially, Gabriel Brothers, a unique off-price retail company that gives shoppers fantastic deals on a wide selection of name brand merchandise.
Gabriel Brothers has been in the discount clothing retail business for more than 40 years. The Gabriel style of merchandising actually dates back to the 1920s, when Lebanese immigrant Z.G. Gabriel peddled merchandise in the tiny coal towns scattered throughout Fayette County, Pennsylvania.
Gabes now has has more than 30 locations throughout West Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Ohio and Virginia.
I was in my first Gabes when I was about 8 years old. It was at the end of an alley in a small, crammed shanty of a house. There were piles of work clothes (this was coal mining territory) at REALLY cheap prices.
Now each Gabes store is about 50,000 square feet of selling space crammed with high quality name brand merchandise. It is a bargain hunters dream.
When I go East to visit my family, I always take an empty (large) suitcase with me. It will be full of Gabes bargains on the return trip.
I was once in a chiropractor's office in Boston, Massachusetts. I was talking to my daughter and I mentioned that we would "go to Gabes when we were at grandma's house." This other lady in the waiting room excitedly said, "Are you talking about Gabes?" I said, yes. Well, she went on and how about how wonderful Gabes is and that there is nothing in the world as great as Gabes, etc.
And ... she was right.
When you shop at Gabes, you expect to buy name brand blue jeans for $7.99 (retail $65). Liz Claybourn dresses for $11.99. Designer suits for $24.99. I mean this is REAL bargain shopping.
Now, here is the drawback. Gabes stores are ONLY located in the mid-east coast of the United States: Pennsylvania, Ohio, Kentucky, Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia. (a big boo-hoo for West Coasters) However, if you are even close to one of the stores, it will be worth it to drive, fly, carpool to the nearest store and buy clothes for your entire family (you can buy household items also.)
The other drawback is that you MUST look closely at the items before you buy them. Does the zipper work? Is there a stain or rip or is the back of the shirt sewn on upside down? You CAN return the items (except clearance items ending in .00 prices) but it is a drag to get home and discover that your great bargain is irreparably flawed.
Now, just so you know what I am talking about.... when I go to Gabes and power shop, (and it DOES take hours, ... don't think you can just zip in and out of Gabes) I leave with two or three GIGANTIC bags of stuff for my entire family for under $200.
WARNING: If you can't deal with rows and rows of racks that are out of size order.... if you can't try on clothes in cramped dressing rooms.... if you can't dig for bargains.... then I suggest that you go to the mall and PAY RETAIL!!! Only a shopper with nerves of steel, eagle bargain finding eyes and comfortable shoes can shop at Gabes.... but, if you have what it takes... you will have the best wardrobe in town for the least amount of money.
Go get 'em bargain hunters!
Check out Gabes at: www.gabrielbrothers.com
And... if anyone in the Los Angeles area knows of a store with real (none of this puny 10% discount stuff) deep brand name discounts, be sure to let me know. Write to me at: Bobbisbargains@hotmail.com
That is all you have to say to ANYONE that has ever shopped at a Gabes store.
What is Gabes? Officially, Gabriel Brothers, a unique off-price retail company that gives shoppers fantastic deals on a wide selection of name brand merchandise.
Gabriel Brothers has been in the discount clothing retail business for more than 40 years. The Gabriel style of merchandising actually dates back to the 1920s, when Lebanese immigrant Z.G. Gabriel peddled merchandise in the tiny coal towns scattered throughout Fayette County, Pennsylvania.
Gabes now has has more than 30 locations throughout West Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Ohio and Virginia.
I was in my first Gabes when I was about 8 years old. It was at the end of an alley in a small, crammed shanty of a house. There were piles of work clothes (this was coal mining territory) at REALLY cheap prices.
Now each Gabes store is about 50,000 square feet of selling space crammed with high quality name brand merchandise. It is a bargain hunters dream.
When I go East to visit my family, I always take an empty (large) suitcase with me. It will be full of Gabes bargains on the return trip.
I was once in a chiropractor's office in Boston, Massachusetts. I was talking to my daughter and I mentioned that we would "go to Gabes when we were at grandma's house." This other lady in the waiting room excitedly said, "Are you talking about Gabes?" I said, yes. Well, she went on and how about how wonderful Gabes is and that there is nothing in the world as great as Gabes, etc.
And ... she was right.
When you shop at Gabes, you expect to buy name brand blue jeans for $7.99 (retail $65). Liz Claybourn dresses for $11.99. Designer suits for $24.99. I mean this is REAL bargain shopping.
Now, here is the drawback. Gabes stores are ONLY located in the mid-east coast of the United States: Pennsylvania, Ohio, Kentucky, Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia. (a big boo-hoo for West Coasters) However, if you are even close to one of the stores, it will be worth it to drive, fly, carpool to the nearest store and buy clothes for your entire family (you can buy household items also.)
The other drawback is that you MUST look closely at the items before you buy them. Does the zipper work? Is there a stain or rip or is the back of the shirt sewn on upside down? You CAN return the items (except clearance items ending in .00 prices) but it is a drag to get home and discover that your great bargain is irreparably flawed.
Now, just so you know what I am talking about.... when I go to Gabes and power shop, (and it DOES take hours, ... don't think you can just zip in and out of Gabes) I leave with two or three GIGANTIC bags of stuff for my entire family for under $200.
WARNING: If you can't deal with rows and rows of racks that are out of size order.... if you can't try on clothes in cramped dressing rooms.... if you can't dig for bargains.... then I suggest that you go to the mall and PAY RETAIL!!! Only a shopper with nerves of steel, eagle bargain finding eyes and comfortable shoes can shop at Gabes.... but, if you have what it takes... you will have the best wardrobe in town for the least amount of money.
Go get 'em bargain hunters!
Check out Gabes at: www.gabrielbrothers.com
And... if anyone in the Los Angeles area knows of a store with real (none of this puny 10% discount stuff) deep brand name discounts, be sure to let me know. Write to me at: Bobbisbargains@hotmail.com
Craigslist - don't leave home without it
OK... bargain hunters... here is another international bargain tip: Craigslist
I use Craigslist so often that it is hard for me to think that there are people that I know that don't know about Craigslist... but it is true.
So....let me enlighten you: (From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)
So, this is one AMAZING international "help" website. I have found my house, car parts, garage sales (the best!), free stuff, jobs, a videographer for my son's skateboard video (http://www.ifilm.com/profile/Dannyrk/video/2829906), the most FABULOUS floor to ceiling library style bookcase for about 10% of original price, a 14 foot trampoline for $35, stained glass repair specialist, etc.
You can find just about anything on Craigslist... even a date (if that sort of thing is what you are looking for). You can certainly find out about events in your area. And of course, YOU can list items to sell, give away or barter.
So.... bargain hunters, set your browser to: www.craigslist.com and find your local area. Enjoy!
As always... let me know what kind of great bargains you find.
I use Craigslist so often that it is hard for me to think that there are people that I know that don't know about Craigslist... but it is true.
So....let me enlighten you: (From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)
"Craigslist is a centralized network of online urban communities, featuring free classified advertisements (with jobs, housing, personals, for sale/barter/wanted, services, community, gigs and resumes categories) and forums sorted by various topics.
It was founded in 1995 by Craig Newmark for the San Francisco Bay Area. After incorporation in 1999, Craigslist expanded into nine more cities in 2000 (all of them in the U.S.), four each in 2001 and 2002, and 14 in 2003. As of November 2006, Craigslist had established itself in approximately 450 cities all over the world.
In December 2006, Craigslist CEO Jim Buckmaster appeared at the UBS Global Media Conference in New York and perplexed Wall Street analysts by telling them Craigslist has little interest in maximizing profit from the website but instead prefers only to help users find cars, apartments, jobs and dates."So, this is one AMAZING international "help" website. I have found my house, car parts, garage sales (the best!), free stuff, jobs, a videographer for my son's skateboard video (http://www.ifilm.com/profile/Dannyrk/video/2829906), the most FABULOUS floor to ceiling library style bookcase for about 10% of original price, a 14 foot trampoline for $35, stained glass repair specialist, etc.
You can find just about anything on Craigslist... even a date (if that sort of thing is what you are looking for). You can certainly find out about events in your area. And of course, YOU can list items to sell, give away or barter.
So.... bargain hunters, set your browser to: www.craigslist.com and find your local area. Enjoy!
As always... let me know what kind of great bargains you find.
Monday, March 19, 2007
Friends don't let friends pay retail
My dearest bargain hunters...
The time has finally come for me to go global with my bargain tips.
I AM the queen of bargains. I have been a stay-at-home mom for over 15 years. It has been a labor of love and bargain shopping.
I read some of these NEW and WONDEROUS ways to save money and I wonder.... WHO is PAYING retail for these unnecessary items and then putting them on credit cards that have 23% interest.
Egad! The world needs my advice.
So... I have started my blog... Bobbi's Bargains.
Those of you in the Los Angeles, California area will be the big winners on this site, because that is where I am located at the moment. But, I have lived on both the east and west coast and I have helped all my friends become MUCH better bargain shoppers.
So, grab your wish lists and let me show you how to "Live Large for Less!"
Check back often. Let me know what kinds of bargains you are looking for and I'll find them for you.
The time has finally come for me to go global with my bargain tips.
I AM the queen of bargains. I have been a stay-at-home mom for over 15 years. It has been a labor of love and bargain shopping.
I read some of these NEW and WONDEROUS ways to save money and I wonder.... WHO is PAYING retail for these unnecessary items and then putting them on credit cards that have 23% interest.
Egad! The world needs my advice.
So... I have started my blog... Bobbi's Bargains.
Those of you in the Los Angeles, California area will be the big winners on this site, because that is where I am located at the moment. But, I have lived on both the east and west coast and I have helped all my friends become MUCH better bargain shoppers.
So, grab your wish lists and let me show you how to "Live Large for Less!"
Check back often. Let me know what kinds of bargains you are looking for and I'll find them for you.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)