news-record.com

GREENSBORO — My dad used to bring home lots of cool toys when I was a kid because he worked for the American Trucking Associations.

Lots of toy trucks.

Plenty of stuffed toy bulldogs, too, courtesy of Mack Trucks.

Those childhood memories recently hit me like — what’s the phrase? — a Mack truck.

The reason?

Mack Trucks.

Let me explain.

I accepted an invitation from the company’s PR folks asking if I’d visit their store at Mack Trucks’ Greensboro headquarters as the holiday shopping season approaches.

When I arrived at The Mack Shop, I expected to see some toy trucks and toy bulldogs for sale. Maybe some T-shirts and other knick knacks.

But it was the variety of offerings that surprised me.

Besides toys, we’re talking jackets, polo shirts, umbrellas and camouflage ball caps, outdoor fire pits, a 2-person snow sled, clocks, coffee mugs, Christmas tree ornaments and hood ornaments.

Many items feature the company’s signature bulldog logo.

“We’ve got a lot of people who love the bulldog, love the Mack brand,” said Cam Creech, Mack’s marketing communications manager. “We’re part of the lexicon. Built like a Mack truck. That resonates with people.”

The store is at 7825 National Service Road.

Hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Call 291-9050 or visit www.mack-shop.com for more information.

William Mangum

Artist William Mangum will be giving away signed copies of his Winter Bliss mini print as part of his annual holiday open house.

The giveaway is from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday at William Mangum Fine Art Gallery (2166 Lawndale Drive, Greensboro; 379-9200).

Open house

Maison (2417 Lawndale Drive, Suite A; 288-7488) is hosting an open house to celebrate the consignment shop’s third anniversary.

Highlights include drawings, door prizes, furniture paint from Europe, artisans and live jazz music.

The open house is from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.

Across the street, Songbirds Consignments (2610 Lawndale Drive, Greensboro; 288-5456) is helping celebrate Maison’s anniversary with jackets, coats, vests and outerwear on sale that day.

Both stores are donating a portion of the proceeds to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Pottery demo

A pottery demonstration and trunk show will be held at the Greensboro Historical Museum Shop (130 Summit Ave., Greensboro; 373-2949) from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday.

Raffle, silent auction

Jules Antiques & Fine Art (530 S. Elm St.; 389-9934) is hosting a raffle and silent auction on thousands of dollars’ worth of items, including antiques, art and accessories.

Proceeds will benefit the United Arts Council of Greensboro and Downtown Greensboro.

Previews will be Thursday and Friday.

The auction begins at 7 p.m. Friday.

Raffle tickets are $10 or three for $25.

Dolce Dimora sale

Dolce Dimora Fine Linens, Tablescapes & Gifts (803-D Friendly Center Road,282-9572) is celebrating five years in business with special events in November.

The store will be offering discounts Tuesday through Friday each week.

The store will also have an open house with giveaways and refreshments from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Nov. 12.

Couture Consignments

Get 20 percent off fall jackets and jewelry during a November sale at Couture Consignments (603 Milner Drive, Greensboro, 547-6868).

The sale ends Nov. 30.

Open house planned

Consigned Home Furnishings (2412 Battleground Ave., Greensboro; 989-5473) will host an open house to celebrate the store’s second anniversary.

It will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Highlights include special treats and holiday consignment items.

Student art sale

Get some deals on pottery and artwork during the Art Alliance of Greensboro’s student art sale.

The sale takes place at the Greensboro Cultural Arts Center from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

Raffle tickets for donated artwork will also be for sale ($1 each or six for $5).

Plant donations

Plants and Answers/Big Greenhouse (3600 Spring Garden St.; 852-4451) has some plants left over from a recent sale that it wants to give to charities to be used as fundraisers.

Call the store for more information.

Mug giveaway

Kick start your day of shopping with a free coffee mug.

Here’s what you do: “Like” Bargain Blog’s Facebook page if you haven’t already.

Leave a comment on the page’s wall saying you’re entering the coffee mug giveaway.

The deadline to enter is Monday.

I’ll announce the winner on Facebook on Tuesday.

Become Web savvy

Follow me on Twitter at http://twitter.com/BargainBlog. You also can follow me at www.facebook.com/bargainblog.

Got a tip to share? Let me know by Monday before the Sunday publication date.

Contact Mike Fuchs at 484-1175 or michael.fuchs@news-record.com