DESIGNER SOUPS

Thanks to Seinfeld, now even the humble bowl of soup comes with a designer label. When homemade soup isn't an option and canned won't cut it, try some of the frozen or refrigerated soups. The Soup Nazi's soups, now marketed as the Original Soupman, are carried at Kowalski's. Last week I noticed Sam's Club stocks a couple of flavors, in larger sizes of course. The five varieties, all wonderful, are turkey chili, chicken vegetable, seafood bisque, garden vegetable and jambalaya. Kowalski's own brand of Signature Soup is also excellent. Chicken Pot Pie (yes, a soup) is a winner, as well as Turkey Wild Rice, Chicken Noodle, Vegetable Beef Barley and Tomato Bisque.

Costco started carrying a new line of food Kirkland Signature by Martha Stewart, including Cream of Mushroom and Minestrone soups, in the refrigerated section last week.

Brookstone rescues Sharper Image's gift card customers Sharper Image has filed bankruptcy, although its Maple Grove and Mall of America stores are still open. Half of the stores are expected to close but it is not yet known if the two Twin Cities' locations will close. Unfortunately, Sharper Image gift cards cannot be used in the stores or at the website because of the filing. Brookstone, a competitor, has stepped in to offer gift card holders 25 percent off any purchase at Brookstone. The value of the card is irrelevant and Brookstone has no way of checking its value, so even a card with $2 left on it would allow the holder a one-time discount of 25 percent off the entire purchase, except Tempur-Pedic beds. No cash can be given out. Brookstone locations are in Mall of America, Ridgedale and the secured shopping area in the Lindbergh terminal.

Specialty business for cat lovers Scratching posts for your cat start to fray pretty quickly if used regularly. Although posts aren't too expensive ($15 to $25 at Petco), it's wasteful to discard them after the rope or material is frayed. One local company, Purrrniture, (2242 University Av. W., 651-642-1946 or www.purrrniture.com) will replace the rope or carpet for about the same price as a cheap scratching post. It's not a bargain, but it's not adding to the waste stream either. Other services include custom cat condo designs and in-home re-covering services. If your cat dismisses the new condo with a yawn, Purrrniture offers a 30-day "catisfaction guarantee." For more bargains on pet supplies, check Dollars & Sense on Sunday.

John Ewoldt • 612-673-7633 or jewoldt@startribune.com. His articles are online at www.startribune.com/dollars.