steals + deals

By John Ewoldt, Star Tribune

Last update: July 31, 2008 - 8:56 AM

Stock up for wedding or holiday gifts

Let me make this crystal clear: Waterford's in-store warehouse sale prices (Albertville Premium Outlets, Albertville, 763-497-0915 or 1-877-212-3664) are probably among the lowest the Albertville Outlet store has ever had. The entire stock of crystal is discounted an additional 20 to 30 percent off outlet pricing, including clearance. Take an additional 40 percent off Wedgwood dinnerware. Two great deals are the Waterford wine bottle coaster (was $69, now $19.99) and the Evolution red and amber vase (was $325, now $160). Exclusions include chandeliers and special orders, but table linens, bed and bath items are also on sale Friday through Sunday.

The Albertville Überternative

Wouldn't it be nice if there were a smaller, more manageable alternative to Albertville? There is. The Über Outlet (6021 Lyndale Av. S., Minneapolis, 612-869-0930 ext. 3, www.myuberoutlet.com) is a large room with about 10 local stores contributing their clearance, including Über Baby, Expecting Über Baby, Cribz, Tizra, Bumbershute, Ivy, Epitome, Arafina, Twill by Scott Dayton and Ataz. During the tent sale today through Saturday, discounts rise to 90 percent.

Save 30 or 70 percent on back to school

Bargain hunters know that buying fall fashion at a discount often means waiting until November. One exception is to shop Nordstrom's anniversary sale through Sunday. The department store discounts new fall fashions up to 30 percent. If your interest doesn't get piqued until discounts hit 70 percent, then wait until Wednesday for Opitz Outlet, (4300 Excelsior Blvd., St. Louis Park, 952-922-2435). A huge amount of fall clothing and accessories for kids, juniors and young men hits the racks next week from Delia's, Miss Sixty, Drifter, Triple 5 Soul, Ed Hardy (limited amounts) and Polo. Besides fall apparel, socks, shoes, belts and backpacks will be available. Note: Shoppers no longer need an entry card to shop on Wednesdays and the racks are restocked daily.

Just Pumpz

Fitigues used to join Pumpz and Co. in the Galleria for blowout sales, but with Fitigues gone, Pumpz (Galleria, Edina, 952-926-2252, www.pumpzco.com) is going it alone. Save 70 percent on spring and summer clearance, including women's shoes, handbags, belts, wallets and jewelry, $60 to $400 on sale. Choose from Prada Sport, Miu Miu, Hogan, Tory Burch, Frye and Stuart Weisman starting Friday.

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

Recent Lifestyle stories

Disappearing act - July 31, 2008

Disappearing act - Though it may seem as if the goldfinches are long gone, there are more of them around now than there were this summer. You just may not notice them. More