LJWorld.com / Journal-World staffer hunts for deals

Archive for Friday, July 18, 2008

Shop-a-holics take to Massachusetts Street today for the annual Downtown Lawrence Sidewalk Sale. 6News reporter Lindsey Slater was out with the crowds today and saw some interesting things and found some unique bargains. Also, we take a look at a group of local musicians who entertained shoppers as they browsed for bargains.

By Sarah Henning

July 18, 2008

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I was given the task of taking $40 on the town and seeing what deals I could find. Sounds easy, but with the endless tables and racks of deals on everything from clothes to home goods to jewelry to pottery and everything in between, "easy" just isn't the right word.

After walking up and down Massachusetts Street, hitting up the offerings at shop after shop, I found eight great items without breaking my budget.

First, I bought a blue crew T-shirt ($3.99) and a 90-hour glass and wax candle ($2.99) at Urban Outfitters, 1013 Mass. Next, down at Bloom Bath & Body, 704 Mass., I found a huge, 32-ounce, beautiful glass jar of sea salt soak ($5).

After a break from the pounding sun, I went back and found a box of 20 chamomile tea bags, from Ashby's of London, at Brits, 929 Mass., for a great price of $2.75 - my cheapest get thus far.

But my best deal - and most expensive purchase - was yet to come at The Bay Leaf, 717 Mass. There, I found a Le Creuset teapot, a $59.95 value, for a mere $10. Fancy, functional and frugal.

Next, it was down to Palace Cards & Gifts, 8 W. Eighth St., where I picked up a petite blown glass stem vase for $3.97.

Finally, in the heat of the afternoon sun, when some retailers mark down their sale items, I made my way over to the DVD table at Liberty Hall, 644 Mass. On the suggestion of Journal-World photographer Nick Krug, I grabbed "Lars and the Real Girl" with Ryan Gosling and paid $5.

With just a couple of $1 bills left to spend, I crossed the street and found a chunky, ivory-colored bangle at Claire's Boutique, 647 Mass.

The grand total? $39.29 and a slight sunburn.

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18 July 2008
at 11:06 a.m.

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walkdog262 (Anonymous) says…

You should have just taken the $40 and headed to Louise's Downtown for a few schooners.
18 July 2008
at 11:21 a.m.

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Confrontation (Anonymous) says…

Oh, the necessities of life! And to think that somewhere in Lawrence, $40 could have bought some much needed groceries rather than junk.
18 July 2008
at 8:06 p.m.

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jakenming (Anonymous) says…

seriously, Confrontation?
Give me a break.