It's mattress sale season

High and low-end mattress sales The best time to get a deal on a mattress is when the new models come out and retailers discount the old models. Consumers don't have to worry that last season's mattresses are missing features on the new models. Unlike a new appliance that might have new energy-saving features, only the covers of most beds change, said one salesman at Macy's Furniture Gallery in Edina. Macy's has the current models of Simmons Beautyrest mattresses discounted more than 50 percent, while back stock lasts. When I checked the Edina store last week, three queen Simmons Vanderbilt pillowtop mattresses were on sale for $1,300 to $1,700 per set, regularly $3,149 to $3,700. Deduct $250 if you don't want the box spring. Mattresses are sold at Macy's Minneapolis, Ridgedale, Rosedale and Southdale Furniture Gallery. Other retailers might also have a Simmons clearance in progress.

Want a cheaper, locally made brand instead of Simmons? Try Dave's Furniture World (1218 W. 96th St., Bloomington, 952-484-0834, www.davesfurnitureworld.com). Dave's moving sale from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday will include queen sets from $300 to $600 and king sets from $400 to $700. Prices on Dave's mattresses are about 20 to 50 percent below other retailers' sale prices. They might be blemished, showroom samples or overstocks. Dave also has a selection of futons at low prices. Print a coupon at the website for an additional 10 percent off a premium bed.

Half-off vintage clothing Tatters (2928 Lyndale Av. S., Mpls., 612-823-5285, www.tattersvintageclothing.com) celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. Its semiannual 50-percent-off storewide sale runs Saturday and Sunday. Get vintage '60s and '70s clothing and accessories for men and women, including Levi's ($28 before the discount), leather jackets ($85 to $160), T-shirts ($16 to $24), prom dresses ($26 to $65) and sundresses ($18 to $24). Winter coats, jackets and sweaters already marked down will get the additional discount.

Fast, free paper shredding How many of us have paper shredders collecting dust at home? I quit using mine when feeding it more than one sheet at a time made it gag. If you have a pile of shreddables at home, take them to Storables (7401 France Av. S., Edina, 952-831-5600, www.storables.com) between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. March 6. The retailer will have a mobile shredding truck in the parking lot for customers; bring up to two banker's boxes of paper and have them shredded free on the spot. The retailer asks for a donation of one or two elementary school supplies (pencils, pens, copy paper, coloring books, felt markers, erasers) for local schools. Also on March 6, a free workshop on "Office and Paper Organizing: Ideas for Managing Mail and School Papers" will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. Sign up online or call the store.

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