I’m a thrift power shopper from way back. In fact, I was shopping frugally long before I needed to squeeze the budget. I guess I just love the art of the deal. Whether this has something to do with being psychic and treasure hunting or my Astrology Sign, I can not say. Whatever your sign, Aquarius to Virgo, you probably also love a bargain and power shopping, too.
Today, many great deals can be found at the Dollar Stores, Grocery Warehouse stores and Outlet stores stocking high-quality gourmet items. Here are some examples of what to buy and where:
The Dollar Stores:
I started out shopping these stores for tissue paper and home-office supplies (when I was selling collectibles and needed to mail out). The prices on tissue (and wrapping paper) are hard to beat at the Dollar Store. So are some other items, including cleaning supplies. To my surprise, I have found quality cleaning supplies for (gulp) one dollar. One of my favorites: the vanilla scented all purpose cleaner. This product comes in a variety of scents and colors (you can color coordinate with your kitchen).When shopping the Dollar Store, you have to pick and choose on this aisle, because some of the cleaning supplies are not so hot (like laundry and dishwasher soap), at least in my opinion. But one aisle over, it gets better: Dollar toothpaste, vitamins, pain relievers. My bottom line is to buy only those with brand names I recognize (like Colgate). On this aisle, you can find teeth-whitening Listerine mouth wash that’s really quite tasty (and may whiten a bit). Quite the bargain compared to grocery store price. Food is another story; not always so appealing. But I’ve scouted the food aisles, and once or twice (to my surprise) found Pepperidge Farm and Oreo cookies and always tons of name-brand candy, like irregular Jelly Bellys (I looked, but I didn’t touch). Because The Dollar Stores are so popular these days, the inventory changes often, and some items never come back (like those cookies). But if you need batteries, school supplies, party goods, there’s always a good selection. There’s also been a big increase in shoppers apparently. This is one chain-store business reporting a profit nationwide.
The Grocery Warehouse-type stores:
We have a good grocery warehouse store nearby (I don’t believe it’s a chain). They are a cut above the Dollar Store in quality and name-brand items, although they don’t carry tissue or gift wrap. These stores appear to get their inventory from close-outs and closed stores. That’s why I’ve found some top quality organic and gourmet food items here (Amy’s, Newman’s). Some times you can find expensive hair-care items (Rusk,my favorite) and a wide range of organic/natural soaps,shampoos, conditioners (even Burt’s Bees). These beauty supplies generally cost in the $2 to $5 range each, which is far less than you would pay at a salon or a beauty supply store. Our local Warehouse store has a big supply of over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, minerals, etc. Lately I’ve noticed an increase in the food prices and I am not liking their produce (price or quality). However, I recently found some wonderful gourmet cheeses very reasonably priced (about 1/3 of what you pay in a grocery). Whoo hoo! Party!. The shoppers I ran into last visit were friendly - showing me what bargains they found and offering to hold my place in line while I ran to get a very large jar of Planters Mixed Nuts for $4.99. One thing I can tell about this Recession: it’s brought us power-shoppers together!
The Outlet Stores:
If you live near an Outlet Stores mall, like I do, you already know about the summer deals (40-50% off) on clothing and shoes. I almost never go shopping at the Outlets, but Aunt Mable wanted to go to Harry & David’s. They had some nice bargains to offer, including half-price on some of their tower packages ($4.99). While I was waiting for Aunt Mable to decide which flavor jam she wanted (also on special), I peeked in the freezer section and found Harry & David cream cheese: 2 for $3. Of course, I had to have them. In the meantime, the sales people were passing out samples, and by the time I left with my cream cheese, Aunt Mable and Aunt Mable’s shopping bag full of tower packages and bargain-priced, plastic margarita glasses, I wasn’t hungry for lunch. One note: the wonderful Harry & David’s handmade cheesecakes have gone up in price, but the clerk told me they had them for $9.99 during a one-day sale last week. If you like gourmet food, like handmade cheesecakes, at stores like this one, put your name on the mailing list, so you’ll know when cheesecakes go on sale. Also, this store rewards frequent customers, so Aunt Mable also got a 20% discount on her purchases. There were several customers coming and going from this store; all buying. This Outlet Mall is on the magnet for tourists, so this store’s business hasn’t suffered much lately. And then, there’s the
Thrift Stores:
I do not power shop the thrift stores anymore. In fact, Many of the thrift stores, near me,now sell more new, cheap items from off-shore than legitimate collectibles and antiques. For many years, I shopped thrift stores, buying up vintage clothing and collectibles, so I know a good thrift store when I see one. Either donations are way down, or the good stuff coming in is going elsewhere (like to auction), but the inventory is lacking. If you live in an area where thrift shopping is still good (good treasures), by all means, power shop it - especially for high-quality clothing and accessories. Otherwise, walk on by.
Well, that’s the good news about power-shopping for bargains - mainly staples and necessities at much reduced prices. The bad news is you must cherry-pick; you can’t always find all the items you need or want in one trip. Still, if you have the time and a little money, you can make that dollar stretch like it was made of rubber.
08.07.09
