Pre-Super Bowl discounts on big-screen TVs Is the week before the Super Bowl a good time to buy a TV? Traditionally, yes. But this year the best deals may be only on the larger screens, said Michael Paulson of Decide.com. What is a good price? Bargain hunters should pay $700 or less for a generic 55-inch TV or $800 for a brand name, according to Dealnews.com. Sixty-inch LCD sets are a good deal at $980 or less, and 60-inch plasma TVs are a good deal between $800 and $960.

Locally, try a couple of outlets, including Discount 70 (4027 Central Av. NE., Columbia Heights, 763-781-8922), which just marked down about 15 larger screen TVs. Although the sets are generally returns or floor models, Discount 70 still allows money-back returns for 90 days if the item is charged. Brand Name Deals (1000 E. Moore Lake Dr., Fridley, 763-572-9800, www.brandnamedeals.com) just received a shipment of about a dozen LCD, LED and plasma TVs up to 70 inches. A Vizio 46-inch 3-D LCD/LED is $650. All sales are final. BND was expected to close last month, but with a potential buyer for the outlet, the store will remain open for two more months.

Also check Costco and Costo.com for an additional $100 to $700 off 40- to 70-inch screens with free shipping.

Make any weekend a Valentine's weekend Even with temps in the 40s recently, the Twin Cities aren't a hotbed for leisure travel in the winter. That's why couples who want a romantic night in a Twin Cities hotel can get a good rate near Valentine's Day. It falls on a Tuesday this year, so many couples will probably skip the hotel altogether or schedule their getaway for a weekend. But which weekend nights are getting the Valentine's Day surcharge? Every hotel is different, but the St. Paul Hotel is upping its rates Feb. 11 and 17. All other weekend nights in February get a discount. For $125 plus tax, get a deluxe room with free parking and a bottle of Domaine Ste. Michelle champagne. Use discount code CUPID at 1-800-292-9292 or www.saintpaulhotel.com to save $44. Ask other local hotels if they're offering deals.

A $22 haircut and massage for $8 The only way to get a men's haircut for $8 is to get the family/friends discount or have a student do it at a barber/beauty school. But during the Sport Clips grand opening (17440 Kenwood Trail, Lakeville, 952-435-0010, www.sportclips.com), anyone can get the MVP service for only $8 -- shampoo, scalp massage, steamed towel treatment, facial massage and a brief neck and shoulder massage (regularly $22). Oh yeah, and a haircut, too. Sports fans can watch the action on a 55-inch HDTV in the waiting room and at the cutting stations, which are each equipped with individual TVs. The walk-in promotion lasts Friday through Feb. 9 at the Lakeville location only.

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