Aldi stocks fresh, low-priced chicken

Aldi stocks fresh, low-priced chicken Aldi, which typically features the lowest prices on groceries of any supermarket, has recently added fresh chicken to its meat case. Its everyday prices can hardly be beat: boneless, skinless chicken breasts for $2.49 a pound, wings for $1.89 a pound and thighs for $1.29 a pound.

Last week, Cub had a Gold'n Plump value pack of thighs for $3.99 (56 ounces, regularly $5.99). That's slightly cheaper than Aldi's regular price, but at Aldi you don't have to buy a big value pack. Shoppers who like boneless, skinless chicken breasts will save a lot at Aldi. Most stores typically charge $4.99 a pound.

Even Costco's price is $2.79 a pound for 12 breasts. Aldi sells the chicken under its Kirkwood brand, but the meat is supplied by Tyson.

If you're looking for frozen boneless, skinless chicken breasts, a 48-ounce bag is $5.49 at Aldi, another deal that's hard to beat. Aldi offers a money-back guarantee if customers aren't satisfied. Aldi stores do not have phone numbers; find locations at www.aldi.us.

Half off interior-design consultation Interior design is one of those businesses that have taken a kick in the chintz amid the recession. Designer Sue Hunter (612-701-0101, www.homeforachange.com) normally charges $450 for a four-hour consultation, but if you schedule in August, the price is $225.

The consultation includes a plan for every room in your home, including paint colors, rearranging of furniture and accessories, design tips, budget decorating ideas, window-treatment options and a suggested shopping list. At about $56 an hour, it's a bargain if Hunter suits your style.

Most interior designers in the Twin Cities charge $75 to $125 an hour with a two- or three-hour minimum, said Karen Soojian, president-elect of the American Society of Interior Designers of Minnesota. Hunter has 24 years in the business.

Check out a few Thursday-only sales The folks at Electric Fetus (2000 4th Av. S., Mpls, 612-870-9300, www.electricfetus.com) will remember the anniversary of last year's tornado that closed the music and gift store for a week by offering 20 percent off storewide Thursday only. A white Fetus T-shirt will be $5, regularly $12, but it's not the design made famous by Ringo Starr when he wore it to the Grammys.

You can find beanbag chairs at Target for $30 to $100. But if you want the ultimate for a media room or an upscale dorm room, try Fatboy's beanbags ($229 to $400) at Roam (813 Glenwood Av., Mpls., 612-377-6465, www.fatboy.com). The oversized, durable bags in more than a dozen colors are 15 percent off Thursday only from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The sale includes special orders. For more choices, also try Totally Kids furniture (7876 Portland Av. S., Bloomington, 952-881-2425, www.shoptotallykids.com), which sells beanbags for $40 to $130.

John Ewoldt • 612-673-7633 or jewoldt@startribune.com. If you spot a deal, share it at www.startribune.com/dealspotter.