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GREENSBORO -- Tough economic times compelled Jody Martin to merge her Greensboro clothing stores last year.

Times have changed since then.

"Merging was a temporary thing just to see what the economy was going to do," Martin said. "Now, it's time to break back out. People are starting to spend a little bit."

Martin is moving Rubenesque for Less (2912-A Battleground Ave.; 288-8772), a plus-size women's consignment store, into roomier digs at State Street Station, a retail village featuring specialty shops, boutiques and restaurants.

Linnea's Boutique, once a separate store that became a room at Rubenesque in 2009, will again have its own space along State Street.

The move is expected to take place during the first week of March.

Martin sees State Street as a perfect fit because many of her customers already shop there.

Her stores would also complement Mechelle's Resale Shoppe (403 State St.; 574-4496), which sells new and consigned clothes and other items.

"I do plus sizes," Martin said. "She does missy."

Martin believes the timing couldn't be better for another reason: the resurgence of State Street.

Once a premiere shopping destination in the Triad before the advent of malls, national restaurant chains and big-box stores, State Street is undergoing a bit of a rebirth.

In 2009, Mechelle's Resale and Kneaded Energy School of Massage (404 State St.; 273-1260) opened.

One store moved into a larger location, and two other stores underwent renovations.

"We have a lot of excitement going on right now," Martin said. "I think we can revitalize that street."

Big sale at science center

For the first time, get 50 percent off all merchandise during an upcoming sale at the Natural Science Center's gift shop (4301 Lawndale Drive; 288-3769).

The sale at the Thesaurus Shoppe is Saturday until March 10.

The store sells items including science kits, dinosaur and wildlife replicas, building sets, kites, telescopes, plush animals, erector sets and T-shirts.

If you spend more than $100 during one visit, you also get a voucher that's good for $20 off a membership.

Store hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 12:30 to 5 p.m. Sunday.

Household goods sale

Get a good deal on household goods, furniture and other items during a Greensboro Symphony Guild sale March 20.

It's from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 1601 Westover Terrace, the former site of City Motors.

Items include furniture, accessories, books, DVDs, electronics, sporting goods, outdoor equipment, hardware, jewelry and clothes.

Proceeds will benefit the symphony guild's education programs, including elementary school concerts and a high school partnership.

Call the Greensboro Symphony Guild at 274-2741 for more information. or visit the guild's Web site at www.gsoguild.org.

First Friday showcases art

Check out the artwork local retailers have to offer during the next First Friday event in downtown Greensboro.

It's from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday.

Highlights include new and original art and crafts on display at Greensboro's shops, galleries and alternative arts venues.

During the event, 100 teams of two also will be participating in a scavenger hunt. The goal is to visit as many downtown destinations as possible in 80 minutes while collecting points along the way.

The first three teams back to Triad Stage with the most points are eligible for prizes. First-place prizes include a gift certificate for one night's stay at the Biltmore Hotel and dinner at 223 South Elm.

Registration is required for the scavenger hunt, which is free. Deadline is 5 p.m. Monday.

More information at www.triadstage.org.

First Friday is sponsored by Downtown Greensboro Inc. and United Arts Council of Greater Greensboro. It's designed to promote and encourage participation in the local arts scene.

More information at www.downtownfridays.com.

Get coupon for donation

Donate clothes for the Salvation Army and get a 20 percent off coupon at Stein Mart, which has stores throughout the Triad.

To get the coupon, customers can donate gently used clothes at any Stein Mart store Thursday through Saturday. Customers can get up to four coupons, which are valid during the event.

Donated apparel will help replenish the Salvation Army's Thrift and Family Stores.

Donors also will get a receipt for tax purposes.

Find the nearest Stein Mart at www.steinmart.com.

The coupon offer comes as the Salvation Army and other thrift stores, including Goodwill, have seen a drop in donations because of economic tough times.

Spring consignment sales

To help get you in the mood for spring, Greensboro-based consignmentmommies.com has listed dozens of sales that are happening in the Triad during March and April.

The Web site also provides a ZIP code search, map views of area sales and listings for people shopping for children's clothes.

The site was started by the mother-daughter team of Chrissy Freeman and Shari Kilgariff.

Anita's winter clearance

Anita's Inside Yard Sale (2237 S. Scales St.; Reidsville, 554-0152) is having a winter clearance sale.

Sweaters and leather coats at the thrift store are 50 percent off.

All merchandise including name-brand clothes (Levi, Express, Aeropostale, Sean John) will be marked down and cleared out by March 31.

The sale also features markdowns on furniture and household items.

Become Web Savvy

Check out Bargain Blog, where you 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/bargainblog.

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