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GREENSBORO -- Check out some sales, browse artwork, enjoy a cup of hot cider or paint your own holiday gourd during downtown Greensboro's upcoming First Friday event.

The event showcases downtown's art galleries, studios, museums, retail shops, restaurants and alternative art venues.

It's from 6 to 9 p.m.

Highlights include the final call for Jules Antiques and Fine Art's annual raffle, with prizes worth up to $3,000.

Tickets are $10. That also entitles you to a 10 percent discount at Jules Antiques with any single purchase of at least $30.

Other highlights: Get 15 percent off abstract paintings by Jillian Webb Martin. More information, including a list of participants and map, is at www.downtownfridays.com.

More outlet shopping

In case you haven't heard the big news, Tanger Factory Outlet Centers recently announced it is building a $60 million outlet center in Mebane.

The 317,000-square-foot Tanger Outlet Center of the Piedmont should open late next year off Interstate 40/85.

About 80 brand-name and designer outlet stores are planned.

They include: Saks Fifth Avenue, Off 5th, Banana Republic Factory Store, Coach Factory, Gap Outlet, J. Crew, Michael Kors, BCBG/Girls, Nike Factory Store and Tommy Hilfiger.

The outlet center will be Tanger's third and largest in North Carolina.

H&M opening in Raleigh

Raleigh is a bit of a hike from the Triad. But shoppers eagerly awaiting an H&M in North Carolina may not mind going the extra miles.

The Swedish retailer, which sells trendy threads popular among those in their 20s, 30s and 40s at affordable prices, is opening a store at Crabtree Valley Mall.

The 21,000-square-foot store is expected to open in the spring.

"We anticipate H&M will draw crowds from the Triad but also from North and South Carolina since the closest stores are in Washington, D.C., and Atlanta," mall spokeswoman Sandra Geist told me.

Right now, the closest H&M from the Triad is at Short Pump Town Center in Richmond, Va.

Shopping for charity

Get an early start on some holiday shopping while helping out those in need.

Home decor, artwork, jewelry and other items will be for sale during High Point Bank's Community Care Fair on Saturday.

The fundraiser supports 35 nonprofits from High Point, Greensboro, Kernersville, Jamestown and Archdale- Trinity.

It will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the bank's operations center, 1300 E. Hartley Drive, which is across from Golden Corral at the side entrance of Oak Hollow Mall in High Point.

Only cash and checks will be accepted.

Call 881-3400 for directions and more information.

Unique shopping

If you haven't done so, you might want to explore the Milner Drive area near Guilford College if you're looking for new and unique places to shop.

One example is Couture Decor Resale Shop (603-C Milner Drive; 547-6868), an upscale consignment shop featuring the latest in women's fashion and accessories.

It's also having a storewide, 20-percent-off sale through Nov. 30.

Next door, Looks Salon (603-B Milner Drive; 854-0502), a full-service hair salon, is offering a 10 percent discount to new clients.

The Guilford Garden Center (701 Milner Drive; 299-1535) has been in business since 1961. It has a large selection of plants and planting materials.

Ladies get 10 percent off most items on Thursday.

On Friday, Cass Jewelers (5701 W. Friendly Ave.; 292-1736) is having an estate jewelry sale from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

You also can recycle your gold and get an extra 25 percent for it when you get a store credit or gift certificate.

Hungry after all that shopping? Nearby Jams Deli (5707 W. Friendly Ave.; 547-0771) is running a daily special for $5.25. That includes a sandwich and a choice of one side item.

Free reusable bag

See some green without spending any.

Free, reusable, lime-green shopping bags are being distributed to entice you to shop in downtown Greensboro.

Downtown Greensboro Inc. is providing the bags, which are made of strong and recyclable polypropylene material, after you complete a voucher at participating merchants.

The bags are available until Dec. 18 at Burton's Pharmacy (120 E. Lindsay St.; 272-7139), Jules Antiques & Fine Art (530 S. Elm St.; 389-9934), Mack and Mack (220 S. Elm St.; 275-6225); and Simple Kneads (227 S. Elm St.; 370-4446).

You also can pick one up at Downtown Greensboro Inc.'s office (122 N. Elm St., Suite 609; 379-0060) from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. weekdays.

Artists' tent show, benefit

The Saltbox (2011 Golden Gate Drive, Greensboro; 273-8758), which sells fine antique reproductions, is celebrating 35 years of business by having a holiday tent show and benefit.

The event will feature works from 10 artists showcasing their crafts, which include American folk art, handmade furniture, holiday decorations and lighting.

You'll also have a chance to buy their crafts during the event from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

The Saltbox is asking for $20 donations, which will benefit Friends for an Earlier Breast Cancer Test.

RSVP by calling 273-8758.

More information at www.thesaltboxonline.com.

Designer Home tent sale

Designer Home Warehouse in Burlington is having a big tent sale featuring rugs, pictures, window, bedding and bath through Nov. 7.

Croscill Home bed and bath closeouts and irregulars will be featured.

Prices start at 99 cents.

Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays (closed Tuesday) and 12:30 to 6 p.m. Sundays.

It's at the Burlington Outlet Village (2371 Corporation Parkway; 222-1785). Take Exit 145 off Interstate 40/85.

Merchants host food drive

Several merchants at Winstead Commons are having a food drive to benefit the needy.

Donate canned food or a nonperishable item Thursday through Nov. 8 and get a coupon in return.

The food drive benefits the Greensboro Urban Ministry.

Click the Donate/Volunteer link at www.greensborourbanministry.org to find out what kind of food they need.

Those participating are Arthur's Fine Shoes (2920-B Martinsville Road; 286-9290), Jack Cecil (2920-D Martinsville Road; 268-1100), Port City Java (2920-F Martinsville Road; 285-7074) and Wild Birds Unlimited (2920-A Martinsville Road; 282-4458).

Winstead Commons is at Pisgah Church Road and Lawndale Drive.

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