news-record.com

GREENSBORO -- Buy Triad First has a message for you:

We can't stop you from shopping at the big-box retailers or buying stuff online. But that's not our intent. We just want you to spread your dollars around by shopping at locally-owned stores, too. You won't regret it.

Buy Triad First continues to spread that message in asking shoppers to pick three independently owned businesses and spend $50 a month there.

Buy Triad First is a network of locally owned and independent businesses. It's part of a national movement called the 3/50 Project that began in March.

"Most people are pleasantly surprised when they begin to shop at these stores," said Betsy Gauthier, president of Loco for Coco (1420-D Westover Terrace; 333-0029).

Her store sells handmade, gourmet chocolates with no preservatives or additives, which means they taste better. That's something you'd be hard pressed to find at a national retailer.

Local merchants also say they provide better customer service than national retailers.

"You can't put a price on that," said Gina Deese, co-owner of A.C.T. Fitness (5314 West Friendly Ave.; 617-5304), a health and wellness studio.

"Customers trust us," said Stan Neerman, owner of the family-run Arthur's Fine Shoes (2920-B Martinsville Road; 286-9290). "They can tell when they walk in here it's a special environment."

So far, Buy Triad First has 30 members, but it continues to grow, said group founder Dottie Cooke.

Cooke is owner of Jack Cecil (2920-D Martsinville Road; 286-1100), which sells clothes, accessories, home and bath, handbags and TOMS shoes.

She pitched the idea of forming a group to 60 merchants in June after learning about the 3/50 Project.

Aside from getting a good value from buying local, Cooke cites figures by the 3/50 Project that show for every $100 you spend at a local store, $68 goes back to the local economy. If it's spent at a national chain store, $42 goes back. Online? Zero.

"I think the consumer needs to realize, too, that they may be saving a dollar here by shopping at a box store, but what it's doing to our community is going to hurt them in the long run," Cooke said.

More information about Buy Triad First at www.buytriadfirst.com.

Silver Gallery opens

Silver Gallery Int'l & Boutique (615 Friendly Center Road; 286-1414) recently celebrated its grand opening at Friendly Center with hors d'oeuvres, drinks, discounts and door prizes.

The upscale boutique carries brand-name items, including Chamila, Waxing Poetic, Brighton, Hobo, Big Buddha, Anuschka and Swarovski.

Silver Gallery, which relocated from the Village at North Elm, is between Pita Delite and Express.

Sears opens new outlet

Get appliances, tools, fitness equipment, TVs and more at 20 to 60 percent off retail prices at the recently opened Sears Outlet store (1302 Bridford Parkway; 297-0589).

The outlet features brand names, including Kenmore, Whirlpool, LG, GE Craftsman, NordicTrack, Sony and Sealy.

The merchandise is new or used, out-of-the box, discontinued, reconditioned, scratched or dented.

Sears outlet stores also carry brand names from other retailers and is the exclusive liquidator for Fisher & Paykel appliances.

Holiday seminars

Add some sparkle to your holiday entertainment plans by checking out some upcoming free seminars hosted by Replacements (1809 Knox Road, McLeansville).

Learn tips to set the perfect table from Replacements' design expert Dubravka Vujinovic. She'll show you how to set the perfect fall table on Nov. 1 and how to decorate winter tables on Dec. 6. Both events are from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.

You also can brush up on your table manners by attending a course in etiquette with Replacements' Jill Slatter.

She will hold sessions at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Nov. 21.

Space is limited, so call 697-3000, Ext. 2228, to register or e-mail jill.slatter@replace ments.com.

Designers' attic sale

Check out home decorating items from local designers' attics during a sale Thursday at Faux Design Studio (1150 Revolution Mill Drive, Studio 4; 707-6945 or 509-4446).

Designers also will offer tips during the sale, which is from 4 to 8 p.m.

Massage spa opens

Need some pampering after all that shopping?

Hand and Stone Facial and Massage Spa (3354 W. Friendly Avenue Suite 147; 218-6998), might be just what the doctor ordered.

The spa, which provides therapeutic massages, facial and waxing services, recently opened at The Shops at Friendly Center.

New mall gift cards

The Friendly Center and Hanes Mall in Winston-Salem have launched new gift cards in time for the holiday shopping season.

The old cards were only redeemable at retailers and restaurants on property owned by CBL. The new cards will be redeemable anywhere that accepts American Express with some exceptions, such as casinos, ATMs and cruise lines. It doesn't have a monthly service fee, either.

Buy them at www.friendly center.com, www.shophanes mall.com or visit the malls' customer service centers.

Say it ain't so, Trader Joe's

Good news for lovers of Trader Joe's, a popular California grocer that has a cult following.

It is still opening stores in North Carolina, including one Friday in Raleigh.

Now for the bad news. The chain's two-year plan regarding new store openings doesn't include the Triad, according to company spokeswoman Alison Mochizuki.

That comes despite rumors to the contrary that have been circulating in recent years, including a recent e-mail I got from someone saying he had heard Trader Joe's would open in Greensboro soon.

Maybe one day.

Frequent buyer program

Eclectic By Nature (402 State St.; 373-0733), a metaphysical gift shop that recently moved into bigger digs, has a frequent buyer program.

For every $10 spent, you get 10 points. When customers pay cash on the last day of the month, they get double points.

When the points get to 250, customers get a $25 gift certificate.

Become Web Savvy

Check out Bargain Blog at news-record.com, where you also can 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 sign up for my Twitter feed at www.twitter.com/bargain blog.

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