Memorial Day sales and discounts

Bargain hunters know that Memorial Day weekend sales aren't as enticing as the ones on July 4 or Labor Day, but there are deals worth checking out. Here's a list to start the weekend.

Thursday, May 24, Dunn Bros coffee shops are giving away a Nut Goodie candy bar with a coffee purchase while supplies last at all locations between 3 and 6 p.m. Fifty cents will also be donated to PACER to benefit anti-bullying campaigns.

The weekend weather looks a bit dicey but Valleyfair honors military heroes Saturday through Monday by offering free admission to any member of the armed services, active or veteran. Members of the military can also purchase discounted tickets for members of their immediate family for $28.50 each (regularly $43). A valid military ID must be presented at the window to receive the offer. FYI--the same discount will be honored July 4.

Shoe Zoo in Minneapolis, a kids and women's shoe store begins its summer sale on Thursday, May 24. Save 10 to 80 percent on brands such as Naturino, Umi, Aster, Teva, Primigi, Skechers, Converse, Geox, Keen, Saltwater, New Balance, Lelli Kelly and Havaianas.

Garden sales: At least one garden sale is remaining the same this year. Jan Ehrlich, a sales rep for garden supplies, will hold a sample sale with discounts of 50 to 75 percent. Quantities are limited, but the selection includes cast stone animals and gnomes ($7 to $50, regularly $15 to $100), small to extra-large glazed pots ($4 to $80, regularly $10 to $180), 3- to 6-foot trellises ($6 to $20), cocoa moss hang- ing baskets, urns, topiary towers, arbors and selected herbs and perennials. Hours are from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at Ehrlich's home (330 8th Av. N., Hopkins, 952-934-6179). Cash and checks are accepted, but there will be no early sales.

The Wolf Garten/BlueStone garden tools sample sale in Golden Valley will not be held this year, but next year looks likely, said a sales rep.

Linder's has dropped its half-off-everything sales at the flower marts, but various sales at the marts will begin throughout June.

At Premium Outlets in Albertville check out the holiday weekend deals listed on the website store by store or call your favorite one for details. Here are some highlights valid through Monday: 10 percent off factory-renewed products at Bose, 20 percent off storewide at Le Creuset (starts Friday), 30 percent off everything at Loft Outlet, 40 percent off the entire store at New York & Company, and 50 percent off the entire store at Puma.

You have until Memorial Day to save during Menards 11 percent off everything sale. Get the most bang for your buck by buying sale merchandise you need. If an item isn't on sale this week, consider waiting until Sunday for the new sale flier. Getting the 11 percent off requires you to send in a form and the original receipt for a store credit voucher.

You can still get the discount without the hassle of the mail-in rebate by taking Menards' 11 percent flier from Sunday's paper and asking Home Depot to match it. Sometimes the Depot will just take off the discount immediately, and sometimes it will give you the savings in a gift card. It depends on the cashier. Generally, if you purchase more than $50 worth of merch, you'll get a gift card. Purchase less than $50 and you'll get an immediate discount. It's because Home Depot doesn't allow gift cards under $5. Lowe's will not match Menards' rebate discounts but will match their regular or sale prices.