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GREENSBORO — Two friends decided the timing was right to open a discount kids and accessories store in Greensboro.

“Being that so many people want to save money right now and they need to save money, this is a great way for them to do that,” said Diana Wagner, co-owner of the new Cool Kids Gear store in Greensboro (3900-E W. Market St., 547-0598).

Inside the store, Wagner points to a new crib that converts into a toddler bed.

“It regularly sells for $320, and I’m going to sell it for $150,” said Wagner, who opened the store with Donna Smith on Nov. 5.

Wagner said 80 percent of the store’s inventory is new and comes from wholesalers and liquidators.

Need some holiday cash?

The store will buy your kids’ used items, depending on their condition.

Store hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. 

Freedom House Thrift

Besides discount shops, resale stores tend to do well in a grim economy.

The nonprofit Freedom House Thrift is no exception.

A second store is opening Friday to meet the growing demand for discounted goods.

The new store is at 3724-G Battleground Ave. in the Battleground Plaza shopping center near Tuesday Morning.

Store hours will be 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.

You may enter a drawing Friday for a $25 gift certificate.

The store sells clothing and accessories, household items, books, shoes, linens, jewelry and furniture.

The original thrift store at 4639-E W. Market St. will remain open.

Proceeds benefit Freedom House, a residential program that helps addicted mothers and their children. 

Craftmen’s Classic

Here’s something you can do with your out-of-town relatives after turkey day.

The 38th annual Craftsmen’s Christmas Classic arts and crafts festival begins Friday at the Greensboro Coliseum Special Events Center.

More than 400 artisans will be selling items such as pottery, jewelry, fine art, furniture, clothing and toys.

Admission, which is good for all three days, is $7 for adults and $1 for ages 6 through 12.

Feeling lucky?

It just so happens that I’m giving away four admission tickets via Facebook.

Here’s the deal: “Like” facebook.com/bargainblog if you haven’t already.

Leave a comment on that page’s wall that you’re entering the Craftsmen’s Christmas Classic tickets giveaway.

I will randomly pick a winner and will post the name on Facebook on Tuesday.

You’ll then be able to pick up the tickets at our office in downtown Greensboro (we won’t be mailing them).

Splurges trunk show

Splurges Boutique is hosting a trunk show Friday through Sunday featuring iWear jewelry.

Get a free bracelet with a heart if you spend at least $25.

As part of the trunk show, meet designer Dawn Pilpel on Friday at Splurges’ Greensboro store and Saturday at its Kernersville location.

The Greensboro store is at the Jefferson Village Shopping Center (1564-B Highwoods Blvd.; 605-3000).

The Kernersville store is at 210 N. Main St., Suite 130 (310-4571).

Get more information at facebook.com/splurgesboutique.

James Hogan show

James Hogan (301 State St., Greensboro; 378-9919), also is holding a trunk show.

Highlights of the Magaschoni show include luxurious cashmere sweaters and accessories in various colors and styles.

The show ends Dec. 6.

The chic women’s clothing store is in the State Street Station shopping village north of Greensboro.

Sylvia’s Outlet

Get some pre-Black Friday shopping out of the way at Sylvia’s Outlet (4654 U.S. 29, Greensboro; 621-6466).

The store will open at 10 a.m. Monday with 25 percent off all items.

All pants will be $8.

The sale ends Saturday (the store is closed on Thanksgiving).

Items for sale include new shipments of shoes, scarves and plus-size clothes.

Design Archives

Handmade items for $40 or less will be the focus on Black Friday at Design Archives Vintage and Handmade Emporium in downtown Greensboro (344 S. Elm St., 272-1800)

Dozens of vendors will sell crafts including pottery and paintings.

Gift wrapping will also be available.

Visit www.shopdesignarchives.com for more information.

Online boutique

My Trendy Friend’s Closet, an upscale online consignment boutique, recently received new inventory from Ella Moss, Splendid, Free People and other brands.

Miranda Collins Hooper, who lives in Greensboro, opened the store three months ago.

Hooper is also booking in-home fashion trunk shows if you’re looking for a fun holiday party idea.

Visit her store at www.mytrendyfriendscloset.com. 

Replacements

Replacements, Ltd. (1089 Knox Road, McLeansville; 697-3000) received a collection of Royal Copenhagen’s Flora Danica porcelain patterns from private collector Richard Baron Cohen.

Many of the items were produced before 1930.

Replacements carries the world’s largest selection of old and new china, crystal, silver and collectibles.

Scrapbook kit sale

Take advantage of some specials tied to Black Friday at the Scrapbook Studio in Greensboro (2921-C Battleground Ave.; 286-0718).

Buy two kits, and get two free from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday (regularly $9.99 to $13.99).

It then becomes buy two, get one for free from noon to 6 p.m. that day.

On Friday and Saturday, specials include 70 percent off selected albums and 50 sheets for $8 on selected papers. 

Small Business Saturday

Local shop owners are hoping you’ll support them with your purses and wallets during the second annual Small Business Saturday.

The national event is the day after Black Friday.

If you use your American Express card, you can get a $25 credit with a purchase of at least $25 at a small business on Saturday.

Get more information on the event’s Facebook page.

You’ll find a link under the “likes” section at facebook.com/bargainblog.

Become Web savvy

Follow me on Twitter at twitter.com/BargainBlog. You also can follow me at 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