When national publications such as Consumer Reports run sale calendars, they mention that appliances, gym memberships, and Father's Day gifts post Father's Day can be bargains in June. Sites such as DealNews.com smartly tell us what not to buy in June. TVs, grills and Apple products can be found at lower prices at other times of the year, according to Louis Ramirez at DealNews.
Those are sales that run nationally, but independent, local retailers offer even better bargains. Here are several.
Eversharp (344 Taft St. NE, Mpls., 612-331-5724) is an authorized Wusthof Trident service center that sells new and refurbished knives for 20 to 50 percent less than retail. During the annual tent sale held June 4-6, get straight blade knives ($2), scissors, lawn mower blades, and pruning shears ($4 each) sharpened. Sharpening prices have increased because of new and improved sharpening equipment, said owner Tom Jensen. Reconditioned items are on sale such as a Ken Onion 9-inch slicing knife for $60 and a Wusthof Icon carving knife for $70.
On June 12-14 Cooks of Crocus Hill treats its customers to its annual yard sale in front the St. Paul store at 877 Grand Avenue. Co-owner Marie Dwyer and her staff haul out cookbooks, cookware, knives, linens and gadgets and discount them 50 percent to start and up to 80 percent as the weekend progresses. Used stuff from the cooking school is "dirt cheap," Dwyer said.
I wish more Twin Cities neighborhoods were as as savvy at customer appreciation as 50th and Xerxes in Minneapolis. During its Summer Shop & Stroll sale June 19-21, participating shops take 20 percent off storewide, including Gallery 360, Vinaigrette, Minnesota Honey Co., Loft Antiques, Hunt & Gather, and Dunn Bros. Coffee.
