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GREENSBORO — Cynthia Murray knows what women want.

“They want to feel sexy, and they want to feel special for their partner or husband,” says Murray, who recently opened Burlesque Boutique (5201 W. Market St., Suite 102, Greensboro; 854-1500), with Jonny Moize.

They also want a bargain. “I do know my prices are affordable, so every woman who comes in that door will be able to buy what they want,” Murray says.

The lingerie store sells items such as corsets for about $25 and dresses for about $65 that come in a range of sizes.

Sexy costumes also are for sale, including maid uniforms, cat suits and police outfits.

The store also hosts sexy lingerie parties, bridal showers and other events.

“Our main focus is to cater to women but at a price they can afford,” she said.

Store hours are 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday.

Visit burlesqueboutiquenc.com for more information.

Trader Joe’s

I asked readers in last week’s column to share their thoughts about Trader Joe’s amid renewed talk that Greensboro might get one.

Here’s some of the responses I got in my inbox:

“TJ’s has good quality items that taste good,” writes Wes Allred of Greensboro. “And yes, my wine rack would look better full of Two-Buck Chuck.”

Writes Greensboro resident Dinny Sisley: “The big deal that is to die for are their English toffee with nuts, their yogurt covered almonds and raisins, their chocolate and cranberry dunkers, feta cheese and caramelized onion pastry bites, their stuffed mushrooms, their excellent wine, and I could go on and on.”

Not everyone is drinking the Trader Joe’s Kool-Aid.

“I am baffled by the love fest with Trader Joe’s,” Abby Donnelly of Greensboro writes. “I found the prices on many items to be comparable to other stores, and I found the selection to be small.”

She recalled visiting the store’s Chapel Hill location. “We purchased a few things to justify our trip, and then returned home, happy to shop at our local Deep Roots Market, Earth Fare, and if needed, Whole Foods in Winston-Salem (until spring).”

Thanks to everyone for your responses.

Mack and Mack

Everything made with Mack and Mack’s signature line of fabric called Magic Fabric will be 50 percent off Tuesday through Saturday.

All Magic Fabric special orders will be 25 percent off.

The fabric is used to make apparel, including pants, skirts, tops, tunics and jackets.

The downtown Greensboro fashion retailer is at 220 S. Elm St. ( 275-6225).

Bargain wines

If wine is part of your planned New Year’s Eve festivities, one website recommended by Real Simple magazine might help you save few bucks.

Enter the vintage or the wine’s name and your ZIP code to find the cheapest retailer at wine-searcher.com, which has an inventory database of more than 30,000 stores nationwide.

Other good resources for vino on the cheap are www.zachys.com and winelibrary.com.

“Both have a huge inventory and email specials to customers on a weekly basis,” the magazine writes.

Consumer Reports

It’s the page I usually turn to first when I get the latest issue of Consumer Reports magazine.

That would be the roundup of laugh-out-loud ads that contain goofs, typos or absurd disclaimers.

One of my favorite ads in the January issue involves a pen-shaped device that lets you pick locks when you’re in a jam.

The ad ends with this admonishment: “Product intended for legal use only.”

No kidding.

“We can just imagine a burglar’s reaction: 'Now that I’ve read this notice, I’ll renounce my life of crime,’ ” Consumer Reports says.

Sigh. If only it were that simple.

Coupon books

Is saving money one of your New Year’s resolutions?

Investing in those coupon books has always been a best bet in our household.

Our favorite is the Attractions Dining and Value Guide, Piedmont Triad edition, which is $25.

It is filled with coupons from restaurants, stores and entertainment centers such as bowling alleys.

You also can order an online version of the book that comes with a free smartphone app for the same price.

The Entertainment coupon book (on sale for $25 as of this writing) also includes an app.

A digital version of the book is $30. It features store, restaurant, hotel and car rental coupons.

For more information about the Attractions books, visit attractionsbook.com.

For information about the Entertainment coupon book, visit entertainment.com.

Looking back at 2011

Next week’s column will look back at 2011 regarding store openings, closings and other retail happenings in the Triad.

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