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GREENSBORO — Jody Martin had to make a painful decision earlier this year because of bad economic times: close Linnea's Boutique, her plus-size women's store she opened in 2000.

She still had her plus-size women's consignment store, Rubenesque for Less.

But times have been so tough that she began telling customers she was closing that, too.

The response?

"My customers were coming in saying, 'Hey, you can't close your stores,' " Martin said. "What are we gonna do?"

Martin, persuaded by her customers' pleas to stay open, had a change of heart. She would stay in business by merging both stores.

She retained the name Rubenesque for Less and included a separate area for new designer merchandise called Linnea's Room.

She also relocated to a new site on Battleground Avenue where the rent was a little cheaper.

"In case the economy really did tank, I wouldn't be caught in a bind," she said.

Part of Rubenesque's draw for customers, aside from getting quality clothing you'll be hard-pressed to find at department stores in full-figure sizes, are the prices.

"They're great bargains," Martin said. "I mean you can buy a skirt for $9; a tank top for $6."

Martin pulls a Talbots floral jacket off a rack.

Yours for $19.50.

"It probably sold in Talbots for about maybe $100," she said.

Quality, low prices and modern styles have made Peggy Shinn a loyal customer.

"Great buys," Shinn said. "They don't accept things that are not up-to-date and good-looking."

Rubenesque for Less is at 2912-A Battleground Ave., next to Bruxton Chiropractic.

Hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. The phone number is 288-8772.

Also, be sure to view a slide show about her store.

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Stores and restaurants along State Street in Greensboro are hosting some specials from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. today.

Highlights:

* Mechelle's Resale Shoppe is having a 30 percent off sale on its line of clothing and shoes. Also, have a glass of wine or something sweet to eat at the store.

* Enjoy a Sea Breeze cocktail while checking out the specials at Tyler White Gallery.

* Menu items at Cafe Pasta and Napoli will be reduced by 20 percent.

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Family heirlooms not looking so hot these days?

Say no more.

As part of Replacements' Christmas in July festivities, the company's team of silversmiths will show you how to restore your family heirlooms during a free silver repair clinic from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. today.

The company's artisans will examine your hollowware and flatware and give free estimates on repairs, replating and polishing.

The clinic will be held at Replacements' showroom at 1089 Knox Road in McLeansville.

More information at www.replacements.com.

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Autens, a store specializing in fine women's apparel and accessories, has opened at the Shoppes on Little Creek of Hanes Mall Boulevard in Winston-Salem next to Firebirds Restaurant.

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Donate $3 toward children's literacy initiatives and get a Macy's coupon for $10 off a $50 purchase.

The donations will go to Reading Is Fundamental programs, including its multicultural literacy campaign and other community efforts.

More information at www.bookabrighterfuture.com.

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Coupon lovers are in for a treat at the grocery store this week. Harris Teeter is doubling manufacturers' coupons up to $1.98 instead of the regular 99 cents (limit 20).

Other deals at the grocery store, which expire Tuesday:

* White seedless grapes are 99 cents a pound at Lowes Foods, which doubles manufacturers' coupons up to 99 cents, Seedless California red grapes are 99 cents a pound at Harris Teeter.

* Value packs of 93-percent lean ground beef are $2.49 a pound at Food Lion.

* Boneless ribeye steaks are $5.99 a pound at Lowes Foods and Harris Teeter.

* 24-packs of Budweiser and Bud Light are $12.99 at Food Lion.

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Contact Mike Fuchs at 373-3465 or michael.fuchs@news-record.com