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GREENSBORO -- Get a head start on some holiday shopping during an arts and crafts event at the city's farmer's market.

The event features 100 local artisans at the Greensboro Farmers' Curb Market (501 Yanceyville St.; 373-2402) selling items including holiday home decor, pottery, jewelry, apparel and paintings.

Parking and admission is free to Sunday's event, which is from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The event also will be held Dec. 13 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Downtown merchants selling gift certificates

Gift certificates can save the day if you're having a tough time figuring out what to get someone.

In downtown Greensboro, more than 40 retailers, including shops, museums, restaurants, theaters and spas want you to know they're offering gift certificates this holiday season starting at $5.

You can buy gift certificates at the store or have them mailed.

See the list of those participating at www.downtowngreensboro.net.

Greensboro test market for Rite Aid rewards card

Rite Aid picked Greensboro and three other test markets across the country to unveil a customer rewards program.

The free program is similar to other discount card programs offered by retailers and grocery store chains.

The Rite Aid program has an added focus on the pharmacy and wellness.

Members earn points, which they can use toward free health screenings and a 20-percent off year-long shopping pass.

You earn 25 points, for example, for every prescription filled at Rite Aid and one point for every dollar spent on non-prescription purchases.

You can get the new card at any of the 44 Rite Aid stores in the greater Greensboro area.

Those who register for a card online at www.riteaid.com/wellness get $5 off the next purchase of at least $25.

New countertop business offering special deals

Counter Intuitive, a new business that sells concrete countertops, is having some specials through Dec. 31.

Get 40 percent off vanity tops and select integral sinks.

There's also a $400 special on 36-inch vanity tops with a 4-inch backsplash design and a free undermount sink.

Countertops are also 25 percent off.

For more information, including arranging for a viewing, call Christian Lotte at 430-4993 or send her an e-mail at info@cctops.com.

Home furnishings consignment store opens

Business has been brisk at Consigned Home Furnishings (2445 Battleground Ave.; 989-5473) since opening in Greensboro on Oct. 13, co-owner Judy Felton said.

"We're taking in consignments every day," she said. "We've been really busy. I'm thrilled."

The store sells furniture, antiques, home decor and does custom monogramming.

Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

Vietri founder to visit Extra Ingredient

Meet designer and painter Alessandro Taddei and check out Vietri's line of Italian hand-crafted ceramics at The Extra Ingredient at the Friendly Center (299-9767).

Taddei will sign pieces bought during the event, which is Friday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Vietri founder Susan Gravely will also be there.

You can register for a drawing for a piece from Vietri's Old St. Nick pattern, which was created by Taddei. Also get a free gift with any purchase.

New jewelry by celebrity designers at Sylvia's

Sylvia's Outlet (4654 U.S. 29; 621-6466) received a new line of jewelry by designers including Joan Rivers and Nolan Miller.

The outlet store carries a mix of rugs, women's apparel, shoes, jewelry, home goods and outerwear.

It's also received a shipment of winter and fall coats.

Dewey's Bakery opens holiday stores in Triad

Dewey's Bakery, which sells Moravian cakes and cookies and other treats, is opening seasonal holiday stores and kiosks throughout the Triad.

So far, stores have opened at the Friendly Center and Southside Square in Kernersville.

This week, stores are scheduled to open at the Shoppes at Wendover Village in Greensboro, Alamance Crossing in Burlington and Oak Hollow Mall in High Point.

Just Be holding holiday, anniversary party

Just Be (325 S. Elm St.; 274-2212), a specialty shop featuring handmade jewelry and home accessories, is holding a holiday and anniversary party Thursday.

Sales begin at 10 a.m. while coupons, food and drinks will be available from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Ten percent of the sales will benefit an orphanage in Uganda.

During November, Just Be will also hold a food drive. Make donations for the local food bank and get discounts in return.

Waldenbooks closing two stores in Triad area

Fans of Waldenbooks might be sad to hear the news that 200 locations, including two in the Triad, are set to close in January.

Borders Group Inc., owner of Waldenbooks, recently announced it's closing stores in Four Seasons Town Centre and Hanes Mall.

A total of eight stores in North Carolina are set to close, including locations in Asheville, Chapel Hill, Hickory, Monroe, New Bern and Shelby.

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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