Long overdue, the seven Twin Cities Half-Price Books stores (www.halfpricebooks. com) now have a computerized inventory search. Consumers aren't able to do the search themselves, but they can call a store or go to one and ask which local store has a book, CD, DVD or other stocked item. Even better, the item can be sent to the closest Twin Cities location for no additional charge.

Half-Price also has its own version of Amazon or Half.com called HPBmarketplace.com. It lists thousands of titles that can be shipped via media mail for $3.99. If you're looking for even better deals, the next HPB clearance sale will be from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 6-7 at the State Fair grandstand. Five semitrailer truck loads of merchandise will be $3 or less, including hardback and paperback books, children's books, CDs, DVDs, books on tape and software.

Can unused groceries be returned?Deal spotter Scott Mayer of Minneapolis recently tried to return a few unopened bottles of cranberry juice to Aldi. The store refused to accept them, saying it was against the law. "Is this true?" he asked.

No, there is no state law that prohibits a customer from returning perishable items to grocery stores, said Mike Schommer, director of communications at the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, but the department encourages stores not to restock those items in case the product was mishandled.

Most stores allow returns of items with a receipt, although some perishables such as meat or produce may not be returnable at some stores. Call for specifics at the store where you plan to make the return. Aldi does not allow unopened items to be returned, said divisional vice president Gordon Nesbit, although opened items deemed unsatisfactory may be.

Clothing sample sale with 80 percent discountsThe biggest clothing sample sale in the Twin Cities starts Wed., Sept. 12 and continues through Sept. 15. David Rosenberg's fall/winter sale includes about 100 racks of women's tops, blouses, skirts, pants, tees and sweatshirts, including juniors. The jewelry and accessories selection will be bigger than ever, said Rosenberg. The guys get about 20 racks of jeans, shirts and jackets. Brands include Tribal, Woolrich, Habitat, Blue Ridge, Pepe, Buffalo and Quiksilver priced from $4 to $50. The new location is at 11111 Excelsior Blvd., Hopkins, 612-343-3221). Hours are 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday through Sept. 14 and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sept. 15.

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