We couldn't find the page you requested, either because it is temporarily unavailable, has had its name changed, or no longer exists on FindArticles.
This error occurred at: 2009-12-21 17:34:35
If you'd like to forge ahead here are some ideas:
Thank you for visiting FindArticles.
| | | |
© 2009 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. | | |
Forget 'What are your strengths and weaknesses?' If you want to get the real dope on prospective employees, ask job candidates these seven questions.
Jo-Ann Stores is posting impressive sales and earnings numbers and is an example of a retail sector on which Walmart doesn't have a steel grip.
In this economy, enticing offers abound. But a lot of so-called bargains may turn out to be raw deals.
Savvy Shopper
- Last minute jewelry
If you're a real savvy shopper, you've already purchased your jewelry gifts after carefully vetting the best style and price. But nobody's savvy all the time. The guysguidetojewelry.com is offering a 20% discount on everything on their Web site through Dec. 31 (enter the discount code HOHO at checkout). You can have your items gift wrapped for free and the site will ship items overnight. Shoppers can also enter the category of woman they are shopping for (wife, mother, daughter, sister or friend) and her style (classic, business, casual, urban, modern or dressy) and the site will cull its gift choices. - 90 stores that can ship gifts by Christmas Eve
We'll make this post short (because if you're in a situation to use this news- you don't have much time!) Dealnews.com has posted a list of 90 stores that can still ship items to your house by Christmas Eve. Click here for the list. - Men are savvy shoppers, too
Reader Greg Roth of Newport News wrote in to remind me that men can be very savvy shoppers, too. He says he does all of the cooking and grocery shopping for his family and he recently saved 60% on his grocery bill by taking advantage of the double and triple coupon sales. So, to all the other savvy shopping men out there, the gauntlet has been thrown. How much money can you save? - Bedding on sale at Penneys
White sales — sales on linens — are usually in January. But if you need an extra blanket or set of sheets for holiday guests, J.C. Penney has most of their bedding marked down by 50 percent. - Free shipping Thursday
Here's a little update about free shipping offers: About 200 retailers have gathered together to participate in Free Shipping Thursday, and you can find their deals at freeshippingday.com tomorrow. These free offers also include guaranteed delivery by Christmas Day. There is some fine print to go along with the offers. Some retailers will have a minimum spending amount, and some retailers are offering free shipping on select items only. Still, it's worth a peek if you're not finished holiday shopping. - Fall short on your Christmas cards this year?
Christmas cards are my downfall. I always intend to send them. I even want to send the super-personalized cards with a picture of the family. But it never happens. Here's an option for other card-slackers out there: GreetingStar.com. The Web site allows you to personalize your cards for $1.99 or less and are mailed out for free. You can include personal photos and send a message and signature in your own handwriting. According to the site no one will ever know that you didn't put them together manually. You can also add gift cards from major retailers such as Target and Home Depot. To lure new customers, the site is offering two free cards to every new customer. - Online shopping reminder
You better watch out - the shipping days before Christmas are winding down. In most cases you have about 2 more days to purchase something online without having to pay extra for expedited shipping. Amazon.com's free shipping promotion ends on Dec. 18, as does Target's free standard shipping deal. - More retailers going out of business
I'm sure you saw our front page story this morning about the four retailers going out of business. Three of those stores are at Patrick Henry Mall - two jewelry stores and the women's clothing store B. Moss - and the other store, Big Dog Sportswear, is at Prime Outlets Williamsburg. I strolled through the B. Moss store on Wednesday, prompted by the 50% off signs in the store window. For the most part, the 50% off sale applies to original retail prices, and there aren't any stunning bargains just yet. The store won't close until all of its merchandise is sold, so I'm waiting until the sale gets a little deeper. Until then, head straight to the back of the store where spring clothes are red-lined with an additional 50% discount. - Gift card deals
Consumer advocates have warned against giving gift cards this holiday season because so many retailers are shutting their doors. In response, shops and restaurants are promoting their gift cards with giveaways and add-ons. Here's a few local promotions. Patrick Henry Mall. You're probably safe getting a gift card that's good for the whole mall, which is not likely to go out of business completely within the next year. Shoppers who buy three mall gift cards (valued at $20 or more) will get a $15 gas card in return. That's a whole tank of gas now for my 1998 Toyota Corolla. I would suggest this deal for someone who was already planning on purchasing gift certificates for individual stores within the mall. This is the safer bet, anyway. Outback Steakhouse. My grandparents recently visited Virginia, and my family planned a dinner at the steak chain. Earlier in the day, grandpa headed up to Outback and bought two $100 gift certificates and was given two extra $20 gift certificates. He knew he was going to spend the original certificates on the dinner that night anyway (they allow you to put tip on the cards as well), and he got enough "free" money in return to go out again with grandma. Very savvy! - Free country potatos at Hardees
The Hardees joint on Marshall Avenue in Newport News (near New Market shopping center) is offering free country potatos during its breakfast hours on Friday. I've never had those, but hey, free is good. - Good deal on Webkinz in Smithfield
If you have an elementary school or middle school-aged kid, you've heard of Webkinz - the set of stuffed animals that come with a code for online games. There are literally dozens of Webkinz to choose from - clydesdale horses, polar bears, black lab dogs, goldfish...and the list goes on. Most of the stuffed animals sell for between $10 and $50. But shoppers can find an assortment of these Webkinz at Smithfield's Christmas Store (on Main Street) on sale for $5, $7, or $9. You won't find every animal kind there, but they carry a large variety. - New Plato's Closet in Newport News
Plato's Closet, the consignment shop that caters to children, teens and 20-somethings, has opened a new location in Newport News. And, like all consignment shops, you can make a few bucks on your own clothes. The store advertises name-brand clothing, and they ask for mall brands such as Abercrombie & Fitch, Gap and American Eagle. Look for the shop in Jefferson Commons. - Google adds magazines to its free book search
Yesterday, Google announced on its blog that magazines (both current issues and archived issues) will now be viewable for free on its Google Book Search. Here's how they describe the new function: "Today, we're announcing an initiative to help bring more magazine archives and current magazines online, partnering with publishers to begin digitizing millions of articles from titles as diverse as New York Magazine, Popular Mechanics, and Ebony. Are you a baseball history fanatic? Try a search for [hank aaron pursuing babe ruth's record] on Google Book Search. You'll find a link to a 1973 Ebony article about Hank Aaron, written as he closed in on Babe Ruth's original record for career home runs. You can read the article in full color and in its original context, just as you would in the printed magazine. Scroll back a few pages, for example, and you'll find a two-page spread on 1973's fall fashions. If you'd like to read further, you can click on "Browse all issues" to view issues from across the decades." - Bass Pro giving away gift packs
'Tis the season of promotions. Here's one from Bass Pro Shops: Everyone who visits their stores between Dec. 9 and 15 and Dec. 16 and 21 can enter the drawing for a family Christmas gift package - no purchase necessary. The gift package i