news-record.com

NASSAU, BAHAMAS — “Hey, buddy,” a man said to me in a Caribbean accent. 

My wife and I were walking down a crowded, sun-splashed marketplace in Nassau, Bahamas, when I was summoned.

“I’ve got Cuban cigars,” he said.

“How much?”

“Follow me.”

He led me inside a nearby vendor booth.

“Twelve dollars, buddy,” he said, showing me the dark brown cigar with a pointy end.

“Five,” I said.

“Seven.”

I nodded.

Just another day in paradise, where haggling is the norm.

Not that we weren’t prepared. A friend who went with us on our recent cruise to the Bahamas said it’s simply how you buy things there.

But it was the pushiness that was hard to get used to.

We couldn’t walk more than five steps before vendors bombarded us with offers on items, including handmade jewelry, animals carved from wood , straw hats, T-shirts, designer knock-off handbags, baskets and parade masks.

“Hey pretty lady, come over here,” a woman said as she waved to my wife, offering to braid her hair.

She politely declined.

We still had a good time, and even managed to get some good deals after haggling on such souvenirs and Christmas gifts as a large conch seashell that doubles as a horn, local island spices, hot sauces and a wooden cat sculpture.

Would we do it again?

Yeah, mon.

Mack and Mack

Downtown fashion retailer Mack and Mack (220 South Elm St.; 275-6225) recently spruced up its design studio showroom.

Highlights include a new paint job, cleaning the awning, new signs, updating the entry lighting and installing window boxes with plants.

The renovations came after the store received a facade grant from the nonprofit Downtown Greensboro Inc.

Mack and Mack also recently unveiled a new line of clothing for businesswomen called Softwear.

Mobile app for malls

Keeping up with deals during the holiday shopping season just got a little easier.

Learn about sales and events at Triad malls, including the Friendly Center, through a new mobile app.

CBL & Associates Properties Inc recently announced its malls in the Triad are using the mallMerlin app for the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch.

The free app’s features include information about sales and events, high-definition video and mall maps.

Bargains for students

You’re a college student, and you’re broke.

Been there. Done that.

If you need to stretch your dollar, one website has the 411 on places for students to find bargains in the Triad.

Get details, including store locations, here.

Just look for the headline “Bargain hunting tips for Triad college students” under the “links of interest” section.

Christmas market

The annual Burlington Christmas Market will open at 3 p.m. on Black Friday (Nov. 25).

At the market, which is held at the Burlington Outlet Village, vendors sell crafts, including ornaments and baked goods.

Musical performances and holiday workshops also are planned.

Visit www.shopbov.com for more information.

Best outlet stores

Consumer Reports’ November issue rates 58 of the nation’s biggest outlet store chains based on a reader survey.

The criteria are value, quality, selection, service and merchandise.

Drum roll please ... the top store is Jockey, followed by Carter’s, Harry & David, Corningware Corelle Revere, Izod, Van Heusen, Coach, OshKosh B’Gosh and L.L. Bean.

Black Friday

A growing number of stores are extending their hours on Black Friday, the traditional kickoff to the holiday season.

Macy’s recently announced that it is opening all of its stores at midnight following Thanksgiving for the first time.

Target recently announced the same thing.

The trend reflects a growing number of bargain hunters eager to get a jump start on holiday shopping.

Black Friday circulars already are showing up at such deal websites as Blackfriday.com and Blackfriday2011.com.

Walmart prices

Walmart is hoping to get some of your hard-earned holiday shopping money by offering a new price-matching strategy.

The world’s largest retailer said it will be matching prices on all its products no matter when you buy them.

If you find the same item for less through Dec. 25, you get a gift card for the price difference.

Toys R Us

Toys R Us is once again planning to reward loyal customers with a discount.

The toy store chain

will give its loyalty rewards members 10 percent back on holiday purchases made through Christmas Eve.

Shoppers also can earn holiday rewards with layaway purchases, although they don’t qualify until fully paid.

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