Tuesday, December 29, 2009

McNally is down, but thankfully not out

I was surprised this morning to find out that McNally Robinson has declared bankruptcy - less surprised to hear that it's shutting down its Polo Park store. McNally is one of those institutions that you can use as a litmus of Winnipegness. If you remember the McNally outlet at River and Osborne, back in the days when Mary Scorer books still existed, then you're a true Winnipegger! I'm glad they're keeping the Grant Park store open. To me, it functions almost like a community centre rather than a retail space. Sure you can buy books there, but you can also reconnect with an old friend, or cheer on a friend who's launching her first novel, or duck behind a display of travel books to avoid a former friend. I'm sure many a Winnipeg drama has unfolded in the magazine section. Not a bad spot to shoot a guerrilla soap opera à la Ikea Heights. The Polo Park store, may it rest in peace, never had the same auspicious feng shui. If you've ever tried to get a stroller from the mall entrance to the café, you know what I mean.

I have to admit I did a fair amount of shopping at That Other Bookseller this Christmas. I'll have to make a point of actually buying something next time I'm at McNally.

Saturday, December 26, 2009

Update from the field

Progress. I've changed into sweats and a bathrobe. Chief of Reconnaissance Irene sends this update: 20-50% off everything at Aritzia. At Roots, merch is "up to 50% off" (in Irene's books, not worth going into the store). And Guess has marked down its sale items by another 50%.

Boxing Day field report

Don't judge me. I'm still in my pajamas. You might be too if you'd gotten up for feedings at 12:30, 3:30, 5:30 and 6:30 a.m. Luckily my BFF Irene acts as my Chief of Reconnaissance every Boxing Day. On December 26 at 0700 hours, she and her husband, brother, sister-in-law and parents storm Polo Park armed with credit cards and cell phones. If one of them identifies a blowout sale with a huge line at the cash, he or she will get in line and call for reinforcements. It's a coordinated shock and awe shopping effort. Irene was at Old Navy at 7:30 this morning; too late to score the four free movie tickets they were giving out with every $20 purchase. Apparently staff were handing out wristbands to customers at 6 a.m., and they were snapped up.

Irene also reports that The Children's Place is offering 40% off everything in the store, and Guess has marked down all its merch by 25%. Maybe I'll get dressed and check things out for myself. Or maybe I'll go back to bed.

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Good deals for new moms

I've launched too late to offer any Christmas shopping tips. That's a drag, because I had lots of time to comparison shop this year. Luckily, it's never too late for good deals for new moms.

One of my best discoveries of 2009 was
Momzelle. They sell awesome nursing tops starting at $45. The tops are pull-up style, which makes it easy to feed your baby with minimum exposure. This is key when you have a baby like mine who flails around if you cover her head with a nursing cover, blanket or other "hooter hider". The washing instructions suggest you lay flat to dry, but who has time for that? I've been washing mine in cold water and then tossing them in the dryer and they're holding up fine. I like this top so much I've bought seven of them - five for me and two for my sister. I've definitely gotten my money's worth out of them since they're the only tops I've worn for months. Each time I order, the shirts show up within a couple of days with a nice little handwritten note. And there's no duty since it's a Montreal company. Here's the deal part: Enter MOMZ3 as a coupon code to get $5 off (good 'til December 31, 2010).

Another good place to find awesome gifts for new moms is
Small Potatoes. This is a Winnipeg company owned by my sister's friend Holly. We received some beautiful items before Baby Cheaperthan was born - a couple of bibs, a shirt and a blanket. Occasionally there are deep discounts on particular items and it's all high-quality, beautifully designed stuff. I highly recommend the blanket - it's so soft and warm, perfect for throwing over the car seat. We have it in the "cowboys" fabric and get tons of compliments on it.

One last suggestion for new moms: if you're planning to place a birth notice in the Winnipeg Free Press "Babies of 2009" section, quote SUBCARD09 to get a 50% discount (good 'til June 1, 2010).

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Au revoir, Extreme Air Miles

So long, Extreme Air Miles, it was fun while it lasted! Mr. Cheaperthan was at Madison Square Safeway last night and the cashier confirmed the end of the Extreme Air Miles promotion. We've been shopping religiously there for the past few months, because they offer 250 Air Miles when you spend $100, and 500 Air Miles when you spend $200. It's been our weekly challenge to spend just over $100 - I was quite proud of myself the week my bill came to $105. I know some people don't bother with Air Miles, but we are true believers. Look at it this way, you gotta buy groceries 'cause you gotta eat. Might as well pick up the Air Miles while you're at it... it's like free money!

By my personal converter, 250 Air Miles is worth $33.78. Here's how I figure it: When you redeem Air Miles for a gift certificate (like Chapters or The Bay), 185 AM = $25. Ergo, 250 AM = $33.78. See, algebra is good for something!