news-record.com

RANDLEMAN -- When Randy and Linda Simula mentioned to friends they were opening a new business, the response wasn't exactly a ringing endorsement.

"A lot of people would say you're crazy for trying to open a business in a recession," Randy Simula said.

But the timing might be right for the Simulas, who recently opened RanLinS, a store that mainly sells used books and used DVDs in Randleman.

A big reason? Tough times mean more people are hoping to stretch their dollars by frequenting resale shops.

Numbers back that up. In a survey by the National Association of Resale & Thrift Shops, 64 percent of the stores that responded reported an increase in sales during the second quarter of 2009.

Factor in the growing green movement, which promotes buying used or recycled items, and the Simulas' decision to open a resale business doesn't sound so crazy after all.

"The type of merchandise we offer is really a value for the cost-conscious consumer, to be able to come and get a DVD and a couple of books and have affordable entertainment for $10," Randy Simula said. "You're not really going to be able to do that if you go to some of the major chains."

Another trend in their favor is the growing number of baby boomers who are retiring.

"They are the largest reading generation in history," he said. "So we feel like that's something that's going to grow over the coming years."

RanLinS recently opened with 20,000 books, such as paperback fiction, nonfiction and hardbacks, with topics such as mystery, suspense, romance, science fiction, children's books and westerns.

The prices of the books vary and can be as low as $1. The price depends on factors such as quality, popularity, rarity, if the book is considered vintage and whether it's part of a series.

The Simulas use sources such as Amazon.com to figure out pricing.

The store also has about 2,500 DVDs, with most of them being released in the past decade.

Customers can purchase movies and TV shows in genres such as comedy, family, concerts, cartoons, action, drama, horror and mystery. Most sell for $5.

The Simulas also are accepting trade-ins.

Earn 50 cents for paperbacks, 75 cents for hardbacks and $1.50 for DVDs in exchange for store credit, which you can use toward up to one-half of the purchase amount.

It's 25 cents for paperbacks, 50 cents for hardbacks and $1 for DVDs in exchange for cash.

Both avid readers, the Pleasant Ridge couple chose Randleman as the location because it fills a void.

"When we were trying to look for a location, Greensboro has several book stores, several very successful, nice book stores," Randy Simula said. "There's a few down in Asheboro. There was nothing for that 20-mile gap in between."

The store is at 711 S. Main St. Call 495-0003 for more information. Hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and noon to 5 p.m. Saturday.

If you visit the store Saturday and mention you read about RanLinS in this column, you get 10 percent off.

Also check out a slideshow about the store.

* * * * * * *

Donate a coat at area Old Navy stores and get 10 percent off.

The donations will benefit One Warm Coat, a national nonprofit that provides coats to people in need.

The deal ends Nov. 5.

You can also get a 10 percent off coupon that you can use on a return visit during Old Navy's outerwear sale Nov. 6-12.

* * * * * * *

Check out some cool vintage cars, live music, crafts, cotton candy and other goodies during the 12th annual Hospice auto show and fall festival in Burlington.

The event takes place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 24 at Burlington Outlet Village, Exit 145 off Interstate 40/85.

You can also show off your hot wheels for free. Just bring your car at 8 a.m., and you'll be assigned a space.

Events are free, though the Hospice League of Alamance-Caswell is accepting donations.

Other highlights include a raffle for a 1929 Ford Model A car; music by Called Out, Buttermilk Creek and Faith First; a fashion show; pumpkin decorating; YMCA basketball shoot; face painting and clowns.

* * * * * * *

Watch a family movie for free at Alamance Crossing as part of a food drive for the needy.

Carousel Cinemas is asking patrons to donate three cans of food or pantry items.

The offer is good on the second Saturday of each month. Most films will be family-oriented with a rating of G.

Show time is 10 a.m.

The event is a major food drive for Loaves and Fishes, which provides groceries to families in need in Alamance and five surrounding counties.

* * * * * * *

Become Web savvy. Check out the Bargain Blog at news-record.com, where you can also sign up to become a fan of the blog's Facebook page.

Also, subscribe to the free, weekly Bargain Bytes e-newsletter at www.news-record.com/bargains.

You can also sign up for my Twitter feed at www.twitter.com/bargain blog.

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