Retailers save shoppers from budget-busting blues
Posted on Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Keeping Christmas merry and bright might be a challenge this season, but local retailers are helping people fight the doom and gloom of a down economy with special shopping opportunities. Allen’s Foods
In Sugar Creek Center, Allen’s Foods has ordered oodles and oodles of goodies for the dollar section of the grocery store, said Amy Kinder, manager of the section. This fall, Kinder went to a threeday show in Chicago and ordered twice as many products as last year.
Holiday cooking just got simpler and cheaper with the big aluminum pans the store sells for a dollar in the meat department. Cook a big turkey or a large ham in one of these, and cleanup is a breeze.
After a big holiday meal, the question always is what to do with all the leftovers. The answer is plastic food storage containers — also just $ 1 at Allen’s.
“ I love these things, ” said Brenda Gooch, a nurse at the Garrett-Goss Clinic, who was buying some of the containers. “ You can put them in the dishwasher. They’re so practical and good. ”
Allen’s also has household cleaning supplies in its dollar section so everyone can get their homes ready for Thanksgiving and Christmas company. The whole house will glisten and glow.
In addition, the section sells practical gifts, such as gloves, hats and scarves. People can afford to keep extras around to replace those lost or damaged over the winter.
Gift-givers might want to pick up batteries at $ 1 per package. Who hasn’t opened a present on Christmas that they couldn’t use because it needed batteries ?
Allen’s also remembers our furry friends. The store has huge bins of toys and treats for dogs.
For everyone, young and old, the dollar section offers special gifts and stocking stuffers, from soy candles to little wooden soldiers.
After choosing these gifts, wrapping becomes a cinch. Allen’s has a large variety of Christmas gift bags in all different styles and sizes — all priced for one dollar. Dollar General
Near the Highlands gate, Dollar General has some great deals for its customers.
“ Given the economic pressures consumers face, this shopping season may bring out more bargain hunters, ” said Tawn Earnst, senior director of corporate communications for Dollar General. “ We think shoppers will focus on practical, functional gifts in which thoughtfulness and creativity more than compensate for the lack of a hefty price tag. ”
Dollar General has several tips to help shoppers have fun and keep within their budgets,
First, make a list, check it and check it again. Then figure out how much money to spend before going shopping. Dollar General makes it easy with its new holiday shopping assistant at www. dollargeneral. com. Shoppers can search 500 items and gifts by price and category, choose the gifts they want and print a shopping list.
In addition to these items, shoppers can create personal gift baskets.
Without spending a fortune, men and women can make baskets to put smiles on the faces of their friends and family.
For a movie lover, pick up a popular DVD, microwave popcorn, movie candy and a gift card. Instead of a box, put the gifts in a pretty holiday serving bowl.
For a sports fan, a team jersey, a cap and a car window flag will make his or her day.
Busy moms would love a coffee mug with a packet of hot chocolate or tea and a book.
Dollar General has other gift basket ideas on its Web site.
Another way to save money and still decorate a home so its full of Christmas cheer is to make wreaths and bows.
During the holiday season, the store has expanded its assortment of baking necessities so shoppers can bake homemade treats for their friends and families. The store has festive plates and plastic wrap to create both a beautiful and tasty gift.
Beautiful, inexpensive gifts from Dollar General will put smiles on the faces of old and young alike. Sensibly Chic
Many women might feel guilty buying new clothes and taking money away from the family during these economic times, but not when they shop at an elegant resale shop, said Rosie Tucker, owner of Sensibly Chic.
Women are thrilled to find the quality, name-brand items at a fraction of the original retail price.
“ Shopping here allows them to spend more money on their children and their car payments, ” she said.
Women are coming in and putting their clothing on consignment, while other women are buying clothes in all sizes.
But, Tucker doesn’t just sell clothes. She has all kinds of accessories, including scarves, hats, jewelry and shoes. Some of the jewelry is new, and some has been taken on consignment.
A woman can outfit herself
The store has expensive brands, such as Talbots and Bloomingdales.
“ I attribute much of my success to my fabulous consignors, ” Tucker said. These are business women who work in the corporate world, women who travel and those who are active in the community.
These women love to hear the stories about who bought the items they placed on consignment. For example, Tucker said, one of her consignors was thrilled to know a woman was able to find the perfect dress for her daughter’s wedding for just $ 50.
Tucker takes a lot of pleasure in helping women dress for success. When she was young and a single mother, she was trying to succeed in the corporate world and had to dress well.
“ Your personal appearance is vital in the corporate setting, ” she said. “ You need to look as good as possible. ”
Affording to dress right may be a problem at expensive department stores, but not at Sensibly Chic.
“ You feel tres chic when you shop at Sensibly Chic, ” Tucker said. “ You feel so good when you go to work or out in public. ”
People buying gifts for women can find something special, from coats, suits, dresses, workout clothes and pajamas to a beautiful broach, earrings, necklaces or bracelets.
People feel so good when they can buy a $ 100 sweater for $ 23. 99, Tucker said.
In addition to clothing and accessories, Tucker has created Christmas decorations, wreaths and floral arrangements.
Tucker doesn’t want shopping to be a chore at Sensibly Chic; it should be fun.
“ It’s all in how we make each other feel, ” she said.
Her resale shop is located next to Merle Norman at 614 W. Lancashire Blvd. in the Village Center strip mall. Wal-Mart
Giving people what they want and need is the goal of Wal-Mart Stores, said Ashley Hardie, media relations manager.
A survey conducted in October shows most people are worried about the economy, which has led them to start Christmas shopping earlier. They also are spending less and buying less expensive items, Hardie said.
For those reasons, Wal-Mart opened its Christmas shop early, allowing people to decorate their homes and prepare for Christmas a little at a time.
The store also picked special toys and priced them at $ 10 each, so parents can still surprise their children with that perfect gift. The toys include:
• Barbie with her dog, Tanner;
• Barbie Mariposa, a butterfly-winged Barbie;
• Play-Doh Ice Cream Shop;
• Littlest Pet Shop VIP;
• Hot Wheels Trick Tracks and Beast Bash;
• Littlest Pet Shop Play Pack;
• Ocean Wonders Soothe and Glow Seahorse for infants;
• Farmer Says See-NSay;
• Hulk Hands;
• Star Wars Force Action Saber;
• Classic family board games, including Battleship, Connect 4, Monopoly, Sorry, Trouble and Clue;
• Fur Real Newborns;
• Tonka Light and Sound collection, with a choice of fire trucks, an ambulance, a police car or a police helicopter;
• Doll stroller, which is really three toys in one: a stroller, a buggy and a detachable rocking cradle / carrier; and
• Bakugan by Spinmaster.
Along with these toys, the store has other popular toys. This year, children are looking for digital toys that mimic adult electronics. Parents also can find toys that keep their children active inside and outside.
Also, since Wal-Mart Stores are available in so many areas, it’s easy to find a store at which to exchange a gift that’s the wrong size or color.
As Hardie said, Wal-Mart makes it easy to shop and saves everyone time and money.
These stores are just a few of the northwest Arkansas retailers that are helping shoppers have a merry Christmas. And by patronizing local businesses, shoppers can ensure a healthier economy in their hometown.
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