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MEBANE — The first thing you notice about the Tanger Outlet Center is all the racket.

The sounds of hammers, buzz saws and earth-moving equipment fill the air as hundreds of construction workers share this goal: meet Tanger’s planned opening date of Nov. 5.

“We even have a billboard up that says Nov. 5, so we will open Nov. 5,” outlet center general manager Kathleen Hackshaw told journalists during a sneak peek media tour Tuesday.

View a photo gallery:

Reporters wore hard hats as Hackshaw led them past construction workers, around empty corridors and vacant store fronts and under arched glass ceilings.

It will be quite a contrast in a few months when Tanger expects to have its 317,000-square-foot center bustling with shoppers.

About 90 percent of the outlet center is leased so far, Tanger officials said.

At Tuesday’s media tour, reporters asked what will make this outlet center special.

“What’s special is that it’s truly a fashion center with Brooks Brothers, Polo (Ralph Lauren), Saks (Fifth Avenue, Off 5th), Michael Kors,” Hackshaw said. “Then you also have Reebok, Nike and the family stores like (Hanesbrands).”

About 80 stores are scheduled to open so far, including QVC, Jones New York, Van Heusen and Tommy Hilfiger.

Once opened, it will be Tanger’s third outlet mall in North Carolina.

Here's a list of stores named so far.

Watch a video about the media tour:

Randy’s Quilt Shop closing

Randy Silvers, citing health reasons, has closed his quilting business in Greenbsoro after 18 years.

“It wasn’t an easy decision,” said Silvers, owner of Randy’s Quilt Shop near the Target shopping center ( 2417-C Lawndale Drive). “My mom’s getting older and my health is not what it used to be.

The store’s last day of business was Wednesday.

Heavenly Fabrics & Gifts subleased space from Silvers in May.

“We will remain open,” co-owner Debbie Galdo said. “If not here, somewhere else.”

Mothers of Multiples sale

Greensboro Mothers of Multiples is having a children’s consignment sale this week.

Gently used children’s clothing, toys and baby equipment will be for sale.

The sale is at C3 Church (300 N.C. 68 South).

Hours are 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and 8 a.m. to noon Saturday. Items are 50 percent off on Saturday.

Get more information at gmom.org.

Dresscode trunk show

Dresscode, a women’s boutique in Greensboro (1805 Pembroke Road) is hosting a Lafayette 148 New York collection trunk show.

It will be held Aug. 30 to Sept. 2.

Call 271-4767 to schedule an appointment.

Fall fashion at thrift store

Freedom House Thrift (4639-E W. Market St., Greensboro; 855-0029) recently began selling its line of fall fashions for men, women and children.

Name brands include Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Gap, Liz Claiborne.

The store is run by Freedom House, a nonprofit Christian ministry.

It’s near the Marshall’s clothing store on Market Street.

Sale for big kids

The Beanstalk is having a consignment sale that’s targeting big kids, tweens and teens.

Sizes start at a child’s size 6 and go through juniors’ and young men’s.

It’s being held at 1315 S. Hawthorne Road in Winston-Salem. Hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to noon Saturday with 50 percent off select items.

More information at thebeanstalksale.com.

Donate for a haircut

Donate $25 and get a haircut in return.

Avanti Salon & Spa (1578 Highwoods Blvd.; 288-3883) is hosting a fundraiser at 5 p.m. Thursday. Proceeds will benefit the Women’s Resource Center of Greensboro.

Avanti will offer free haircuts if you donate at least $25.

Wine and refreshments will also be provided.

Community yard sale

Bargain hunters should mark their calendars for the News & Record’s annual community yard sale.

It’s being held from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday in the News & Record’s parking at Washington and Davie streets in downtown Greensboro.

Proceeds will benefit the News & Record Newspaper in Education program and United Way of Greater Greensboro.

Speaking of yard sales, check out an online map I create each week to help you plan your route at news-record.com/yardsales.

It’s updated each Friday morning.

Become Web savvy

Check out Bargain Sense at news-record.com/bargainsense for the latest retail news and deals.

Highlights include links to Bargain Sense video, Facebook and Twitter feeds, retail news and a link to subscribe to the Bargain Sense e-newsletter.

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