Stock up sale on gift wrap and bows

Star Tribune

The Gage & Gage warehouse sale features discontinued stock.

By JOHN EWOLDT, Star Tribune

Last update: October 28, 2009 - 1:11 PM

Stock up sale on gift wrap and bows

Why wait until Dec. 26 to stock up when prices on gift wrap and accessories are better now? The discontinued stock at Gage & Gage sale (660 Industrial Circle, Shakopee, 952-233-2081, www.gageware housesale.com) includes bows (25 cents or less), 10-inch mega bows ($3), boxes (10 cents to $2), gift bags (10 cents to $2), plus ribbon, tissue and wrapping paper, all discounted 40 to 90 percent Friday through Sunday. This sale also includes a variety of discounted paper plates and napkins ($1.50) with licensed characters such as Spider Man, Batman, Transformers wrapping paper as well as holiday and adult stuff. Besides paper, bows and ribbon, there are Italian favor boxes ($20 for 200) which can be used for wedding guests, wine boxes, peel and stick Offray ribbon for scrap bookers (30 cents per package), and thank you notes. Items are sold individually but check for discounts by the dozen or the case. Sale hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. The sale continues Nov. 6-8, 11-15 and Dec. 4-5.

Fashionistas clean out their closets

About 15 fashionistas with deep pockets are selling their duds, if you can call Armani, Escada, Prada, Burberry, Jil Sander, Max Mara and St. John "duds" at 75 to 90 percent off. Clothing from the ladies who lunch comes in sizes 4 to 14. About 900 pieces of nearly new clothing, as well as shoes and purses, will be for sale. Most of the proceeds will go to the Hope Chest for breast cancer. Admission to the preview from 4 to 8 p.m. today is $10. There is no charge for admission from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday or 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. The sale is at the Wayzata Bay Center (841 E. Lake St., Wayzata, 612-597-3397). Cash, checks and credit cards are accepted.

Where to shop for Halloween candy

I reported last week that Aldi had the lowest regular prices on name-brand candy for Halloween, but if you've waited this long, the deals might get even sweeter. According to one Aldi merchandising manager, individual Aldi stores have the option of discounting the candy further if supplies are overstocked. Get an additional 30 to 50 percent discount off brand-name candy. Other retailers might be doing the same. I'm cutting back my candy purchases this year, thinking that the H1N1 virus will limit some kids' trick or treating. If I run out and deplete my personal stash, I'll stock up Sunday when most retailers have 50 percent discounts on Halloween candy.

Haunted happy hour

Ask about specials regardless of which haunted house you're attending, but at Trail of Terror (www.trailofterror fest.com, 3 miles south of Chaska on the Renaissance Festival Grounds, 952-445-7361), the haunted happy hour is 7-8 p.m. and 10-11 p.m. tonight. Beer and wine are half-price (about $2 to $2.75 after the discount) and bull rides are free (normally $5).

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

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