Power Shopping
by THOMAS

9-3-06

The price of gasoline has dropped to $2.64 today. The 100 plus degree days are long over. Do you realize what that means?

We Power Shoppers can afford to go out and shop again!

Thomas has been hibernating for the past month due to the weather and the price of gasoline.  TJ Maxx sent me a ‘miss you’ card…Office Depot telephoned to inquire whether I still loved them…Value City Department Stores sent a representative to my home fearing the worse!  Santa Claus called from the North Pole, wondering IF I had started on my Christmas shopping (that Santa…always the kidder, he knows that Thomas already has his shopping done for 2010).  I calmed their fears, Thomas was alive and kicking, just didn’t want to send his hard-earned money to the ‘fat cats’ in the oil industry or Washington DC.

Of course after elections, I am sure that the price of gasoline it will skyrocket again…can we say “price-gauging”?

Thomas decided to make up for lost shopping time by spending some “quality time” in his favorite stores this week.

Shopping Ritual & Etiquette Lesson 52: It Pays To Be Charming!

Yes, I hear you now…Thomas, charming?  The person who steals from other people’s carts?  The person who takes no prisoners when it comes to getting the ‘last item’ in a clearance bin.  The person who spat on a car when a “shameless driver” (may he rot) cheated him out of a ‘princess parking’ spot. The person who…Oh, you get the picture!

Yes, Thomas can be charming, and sweet, and kind, and courteous and [Is anyone buying his dribble?]

Last week, Thomas oozed charm while shopping at Meijers Department Stores.

After a month, Thomas was nearly out of groceries.  I needed some fresh produce and Meijers has the freshest and best prices in the area.  I arrived at the Merrillville, IN Meijers, grabbed a shopping cart, retrieved my shopping list from my pocket, and headed for the grocery store aisles.  I passed the picture frame aisles, and noticed on the end cap (LOVE end caps) a number of orange clearance signs.  Well, Thomas ‘had’ to check out the bargains before heading to the produce aisle.  I saw 2 fully framed, signed and numbered lithographs of hunting scenes.  Last year I purchased 3 others in the series for $69.99 each.  The frames were extremely dusty so I figured that they had been tucked away and forgotten until an employee found them and put them on the clearance rack.  Meijers was promoting a 25% off any home décor item, so I put them in my cart and headed to the grocery aisles. 

When I finally made it to the check out lane, I noticed one of my favorite cashiers (we shall call her Hilda) was working, so, even though her line was long, I waited in it so that I could say hello to her.  When I finally reached the front of the line, we exchanged pleasantries and started the process of ringing up my purchases.  When I got to the 2 lithographs, I noticed that the barcode had fallen off.

I informed Hilda that the barcode must have fallen off and that I was more than willing to go try and find it (time to start pouring on the charm). I also informed Hilda that there weren’t any more in the store.

Hilda said, “not to worry, I will just call someone”.  “Anything for my Thomas”, Hilda stated. (who is charming whom now?)

Hilda called the manager in that department.  While we were waiting for a response, I started joking with Hilda that I was finished with my Christmas shopping. (More charm oozed from my body), and that Hilda would make it onto Thomas’ Christmas list…if the price was right! Hilda’s phone range and she looked right at me, stating; “Thomas, you are one lucky person, the manager said that they are $9.99 and that I could also use the 25% coupon on both.  

I finished my transaction, thanked Hilda, and exited the store.

Yes, sometimes it DOES pay to be charming!

And now…

DON’T DOUBT THOMAS!

THINK LLADRO SCULPTURES!

TJ Maxx [worldwide] is offering a selection of sculptures by Lladro.  These sculptures, made in Spain, are known the world over for their quality and design.  Most of the sculptures that I found were priced at $179.99.  Prices normally are $50 to $200 higher than what TJ Maxx is offering.  Designs vary by store.

THINK STAINLESS STEEL WATER DISPENSER!

Target (nationwide) is offering a very attractive stainless steel water dispenser, by Oster, with child resistant hot or cold-water tap for home or office. The unit is only $99.  The 5-gallon reusable jug is also on sale for $9.00.  While you are there, check out the stainless steel microwave, wine cellar and George Forman grill.  Each are only $85.

THINK FURNITURE!

Meijer [nationwide] has a collection of furniture called the Manhattan Collection, which is very attractive and very affordable.  The collection comes in a variety of finishes and includes an accent end table (with drawer) on sale for $59.99, a foyer table, coat tree, and nesting tables (also for $59.99).  The wine curio cabinet is on sale for $99.99.

THINK PICTURE FRAMES!

Michaels, The Arts and Crafts Store [nationwide], has their entire stock of open back frames at 50% off.  Wall frames, by Home Images, are 40% off.

THINK USB DRIVES!

Office Depot [nationwide] has a selection of USB drives on sale.  The 512MG, by Ativa, is $14.99 representing a savings of $15.  The 2GB, also by Ativa, is $39.99, representing a $50 savings.  The 1GB, by Lexar, is sale prices at $24.99, saving you $30. Scan Disk is offering a 4GB for $89.99, representing a $90 savings.

THINK STEAM CLEANER!

Value City Department Stores is offering a Proheat Steamer Plus, by Bissell, for $119.99.  It has a built-in heater plus dirtlifter powerbrush. 

Hmm, Thomas is now charming.  What is next…Power Shopping sainthood?