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If you’re looking to stretch your dollar in these tough economic times, mark your calendar for the Hospice League’s annual flea market in Alamance County this summer.

Organizers call it the largest charitable flea market in the Southeast.

Just how big is it? Try 38 tractor-trailer loads’ worth of stuff. Five hundred volunteers are on hand. Forty-seven departments featuring all kinds of goods including clothes, art, books, kitchenware, computers and home improvement items.

The event typically rakes in $400,000. Proceeds benefit the Hospice League of Alamance-Caswell.

“People know they’re getting bargains and all this money goes directly to the hospice home, so it’s just a win-win situation,” said Faye Boswell, president of the Hospice League of Alamance-Caswell.

This year’s event, now in its 20th year, begins June 12 and ends June 20.

It’s being held inside the Nike II complex, a 100,000-square-foot building at the former Western Electric complex at 204 N. Graham-Hopedale Road in Burlington.

Volunteers are accepting donations.

Call 532-0197 to learn more. You can also get more information about the flea market, including directions, at hospiceac.org.

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Here’s the scoop on free ice cream: Ben & Jerry’s is giving away a cone or cup during its annual “Free Cone Day” on Tuesday.

In the Triad, the Ben & Jerry’s at The Shops at Friendly Center in Greensboro and the Palladium in High Point are giving it out from noon to 8 p.m.

In return, Ben & Jerry’s asks that you consider making a donation to charity. Groups that will benefit locally are the Habitat for Humanity of Greensboro and the Habitat for Humanity of High Point Archdale & Trinity.

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Appliance and electronics retailer hhgregg is giving $50 off purchases of $299 or more to customers who have Circuit City credit cards or gift cards of any value.

The promotion ends May 31. Circuit City filed for bankruptcy last year and has liquidated its stores.

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Here’s a roundup of grocery deals this week (prices good through Tuesday except for Aldi, where prices are good through Saturday):

• One gallon of Friendly Farms milk is $1.99 at Aldi.
• Boneless skinless chicken breasts are $1.78 a pound at Compare Foods.
• Buy 10 select items, get $5 off at Lowes Foods, which is doubling manufacturers’ coupons up to 99 cents (limit 20).
• Whole boneless beef sirloin tip is $1.87 a pound at Food Lion.
• N.Y. Strip steak or steakhouse roast is $5.99 a pound at Harris Teeter, which is also doubling manufacturers’ coupons up to 99 cents (limit 20).

   

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  Do you have retail news or shopping tips for Savvy Shopper? Contact Mike Fuchs at 373-3465 or michael.fuchs@news-record.com