news-record.com

NEWS

Advertisement | Advertise with Us

Savvy Shopper: Outlet store haven for treasure hunters

Sunday, December 21, 2008
(Updated 7:02 am)

QVC is on the television screen, and the temptation to shop is pulling you toward the phone.

But before you dial those numbers, see Ron Deutsch.

Deutsch is the manager of Sylvia's Outlet, a tucked-away, bargain-shopper's dream on U.S. 29.

For folks who love the television shopping channel - or the thrill of the hunt for a deal - his store is slowly becoming a destination.

QVC is one of the main distributors for the outlet store, which carries a mix of rugs, women's apparel, shoes, jewelry, home goods and outerwear. Many racks hold apparel still sporting QVC labels. Other name brands are represented too, including Coldwater Creek apparel and Propét shoes.

Last week, a big seller was 600-thread-count sheets in all sizes selling for $20 a set. Women came to the sales counter with sets piled high in their arms.

The store's merchandise - usually items that are overstocked or liquidated from other retailers - is often bought out-of-season to get the best prices, Deutsch said.

"I refused a great deal on bathing suits yesterday," he said.

The outlet opened last summer and its customer base has grown largely by word-of-mouth, Deutsch said.

"If you're looking for something special, you'll never find it," he said. "But if you have a few minutes to treasure hunt, you won't leave disappointed."

Libby Chilton saw the store one day while traveling down U.S. 29 and decided to stop in.

She's been a regular every since.

"I love his shoes," she said, as she searched a display of Ryka shoes the manager had just gotten in.

"I love QVC, but QVC doesn't get called as much anymore," Chilton said. "I'll wait to see if he'll get it first."

Sylvia's Outlet is at 4654 U.S. 29, just north of Hicone Road. The store is open Tuesday through Saturday.

The Vino Shoppe sells wines in High Point

For David and Tish Miceli , a glass of wine is divine after a long day's work, and the couple were certain they weren't the only ones who enjoyed a glass or two.

The Micelis opened The Vino Shoppe in High Point about a week ago, to cater to wine aficionados and casual sippers who want a wine store experience without having to travel to Greensboro.

The idea had been fermenting with the pair for a while. The addition of a new wine store at the Shops at Friendly Center spurred them to action.

"We were thinking, 'If we don't do it, someone else will do it, because we know there's a market for it,'" Tish Miceli said.

Their High Point store offers shoppers a wide selection of wines cheaper than they can be purchased at a restaurant and with more customer service then you'll find at a grocery store, she said.

"There's usually no one (at the grocery store) to help you, and it's a crapshoot to pull a bottle off the shelf, not knowing what it's going to taste like," she said.

Most bottles at the shop cost between $8 and $25. A rotating selection of wine by the glass will also be available. Two wines will be selected weekly for free tastings. More extensive tastings will be held, free of charge, on Friday and Saturday evenings through the store's grand opening on Jan. 9-10 .

After the grand opening, there will be a small fee for weekend tastings.

The Vino Shoppe is at 3800 Tinsley Ave., Suite 103 in High Point.

 

Savvy Shoppers unite on the Web! Twitter with me at www.twitter.com/savvyshopper, network with me on Facebook or come talk shopping on the Bargain Blog at news-record.com. Do you have retail news or shopping tips for Savvy Shopper? Contact Lanita Withers at 373-7071 or e-mail lanita.withers@news-record.com


 

eMail Updates

Advertisement | Advertise with Us

Featured Ads

Search

Advertisement | Advertise with Us
Advertisement | Advertise with Us
Advertisement | Advertise with Us

News & Record Network Sites

Triad Weather

  • Current Condition: PARTLY CLOUDY
  • Current Temperature: 52°
  • UV Idx: 3
  • Forecast High/Low: H: 56° L: 46°

User Tools

  • Social Networking
  • RSS
  • Share
  • Sign in to MyNR

Search