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Shop ‘til you drop!

December 14, 2012 By

by Lauren Sufleta, senior, Central Bucks South High School

CBS News believes that this shopping season could “mark the end of Black Friday as we know it.”

With stores such as Target and Sears opening not Friday morning, but mere hours after Thanksgiving dinner, questions are being raised as to what is becoming of this holiday tradition.

Black Friday is known as the biggest shopping day of the year, where parents and children embark on an early morning journey to find the greatest deals on gifts for everyone’s wish list. Ben Rodrigo, a junior at CB South High School, considers this tradition to be “fun…because of the sales and it’s the beginning of the Christmas season.”

But he thinks that opening on Thanksgiving night is “a little too much.”

Ben isn’t the only one who feels this way. In fact, when Target and other stores released their Black Friday start times, many were outraged. Within hours, a petition was working its way over the Internet for the stores to push back the beginning of the sales.

Customers weren’t the only ones signing the petition; employees who want to enjoy their Thanksgiving instead of setting up the stores were also among those who fought to maintain a solid start on Friday.

The stores kindly ignored this request, claiming to be suffering in sales from competing online stores that are open 24 hours a day.

Jennifer Wolfert, a senior at CB South, believes Black Friday is “overhyped” and that better deals can be found online days before Black Friday sales even begin. Alex Rubin, another senior, states he would “rather shop online” anyway.

Emily Johnson, junior, thinks that, “Family time is family time. People that truly care about the real meaning of Thanksgiving will take the time to celebrate this holiday. However, Black Friday is just an All-American shopping tradition.”

According to mentalfloss.com, Black Friday all started somewhere in the late 19th century. At the end of every Thanksgiving parade Santa Claus rode in and so stores believed that the Christmas shopping couldn’t begin until Santa’s sleigh was out of sight.

This gave way to the day-after Thanksgiving sales, which have blossomed into outright races to get the best deals as soon as possible.

Alyse Brewer, senior, finds the thought of starting the shopping season on Thursday “scary.” She feels that “companies are abusing the holidays as an excuse to push “door busters” rather than celebrate the actual holiday of being grateful for what we do have.”

Some students aren’t as adamant about the spirit of the holidays. Senior Jess Seternus simply doesn’t go Black Friday shopping because she doesn’t like the crowds.

Without a doubt, Black Friday is a crazy day filled with lines and sales and bags and a whole lot of Christmas music. No matter what day of the week this phenomenon falls on, it will continue to be a paramount to the start of the holiday season.

However, the tradition is moving, and will continue to move, from in-store to online. The deals usually only found on Black Friday will be honored by most retailers online through the month of December. 

Black Friday is over, but the bargains are multiplying everyday online.

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Filed Under: Teen Scene Tagged With: , , , , ,

Habitat Bucks ReStore: Take 50% off on Black Friday (and Saturday)!

November 16, 2012 By

Habitat for Humanity’s thrift store in Bucks County – ReStore – is the only one in the country that offers two 50% off sales each year – the first on Black Friday and Saturday. (The second is in May, where customers shop in their pajamas and make it a party.)

With 18,000 square feet of display space – one of the largest local thrift shops — and new merchandise arriving daily, Habitat Bucks ReStore offers bargain shoppers and treasure seekers significant selection and savings on building supplies, appliances, furniture, home décor and holiday decorations – just about everything but clothing.

For example, this fall, it received brand-new, high-end appliances and holiday dish sets. Many items and building materials are donated from contractors, building supply stores, local businesses and individuals.

Bucks’ ReStore introduced Thrifty Thursdays this fall. Each Thursday, visitors will find amazing, unannounced deals.

“You never know what we have in the ReStore for you unless you stop in,” says ReStore manager Dianna Curran.

Customers can shop Wednesday to Saturday, from 9:00am to 5:00pm – and until 6:00pm on Thrifty Thursdays.

ReStore also welcomes volunteers to unload donations, clean, test and stock merchandise and help customers. For more information, contact Lynda at 215-822-2812 x 302 or volunteer@habitatbucks.org.

So if you are downsizing, remodeling, or just simply fall cleaning, their truck will pick up your larger items. Just call 215-822-2708 to set up a pickup.

Drop off smaller items Wednesday through Saturday, from 9:00am to 4:30pm.  ReStore is in Chalfont, where Route 202 meets Route 152. The address is 31 Oak Avenue, Chalfont.

Whether you are donating to or shopping at ReStore, your support helps build affordable homes throughout Bucks County.

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Filed Under: Doylestown Observer Events Tagged With: , , , , ,

Rice’s Sale & Country Market: Your shopping destination

October 9, 2012 By

Rice’s Market by June Portnoy

Since 1860, Rice’s site in New Hope has served as a location where people come to sell their goods. When A.L. Rice first bought this land, a farm at the time, he auctioned his products, as well as his neighbors’ products, various times a year.

As word traveled of his success, farmers brought their cattle and farm products to offer for sale at Rice’s. By the 1950s a market was added to the Tuesday livestock auctions. 

Rice’s Market has continued to grow and evolve as times have changed.

Today, thousands of visitors flock to this 30-acre outdoor market on Tuesdays and Saturdays from 7:00am until 1:00pm to shop for merchandise from hundreds of vendors.

“While many people come here weekly to buy all their groceries and staple items, Rice’s has become a destination for the majority of our visitors,” says General Manager Chuck Kane. “People often make a day of their visit at Rice’s by spending a couple of hours shopping here and then driving into the borough for lunch and a stroll down its main streets.”

At Rice’s you’ll find a wide variety of new merchandise all in one location, ranging from hand-made crafts, jewelry, antiques and collectibles and handbags to fresh fruits and vegetables, in addition to Amish meats and baked goods.

If you’re searching for a children’s birthday present, you’ll find toys, books, dolls and American Girl clothing. If you’re looking for trendy styles for your teen, you’ll find brand name designer clothes. If you want seasonal flowers, you’ll find the best prices for mums in the area.

There are always new finds every week, so it’s worth returning to discover the latest merchandise.

Because vendors have no overhead, many can afford to offer discounts.

“Lots of vendors sell their merchandise here because we offer them an inexpensive, grassroots way of starting a business,” says Chuck. “After they develop a loyal customer base at Rice’s, they are in a better position to open a shop of their own.”

He adds, “If a store is going out of business, the owner often comes here to sell off its merchandise.”

Rice’s recently opened a yard sale section. Instead of holding a yard sale at home, bring all your belongings here where you know thousands of people are coming to shop.

“We are a lot more than just a piece of land with tables,” says Lauren Fleishman, Rice’s Events Promoter. “We have taken what we had in the past and modernized it to ensure it continues to thrive now and in the future.”

Today, Rice’s offers three ATMs, paved walkways for strollers and wheelchairs, a modern indoor bathroom facility, free Wi-Fi, a concession area, plus special events.

Come to Rice’s Trick or Treat Event Saturday, October 27th and you’ll find lots of local craft people you don’t normally see here. This special event will offer a fun-filled day for the entire family with a moon bounce, face painting, tattoos for the kids and a live DJ.

Plus, all the regular vendors will be here as well.

Come to Rice’s and get an early start on your holiday shopping or gather your friends for a fun day of shopping.

Rice’s is located at 6326 Greenhill Road in New Hope. Be sure to “like” Rice’s on Facebook to stay up-to-date with this country market’s coming attractions.

For more information about Rice’s call 215-297-5993, email them at info@rices.com or visit www.ricesmarket.com.

PHOTO CAP: From left, George Paieda, Lauren Fleishman, John Blanche, and Chuck Kane of Rice’s Market

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Filed Under: New Hope News Business Profiles Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

Back to School Shipping 101

July 31, 2012 By

submitted by Bucks Ship and Print

It’s hard to believe, but it is almost school season again! Nothing will make a new or returning student happier then receiving that personalized care package from their family.

Some of the best college care packages include homemade baked goods. Finding the right way to safely package and transport your goods, while remaining cost effective may be the biggest challenge.

Here are some helpful back to school shipping tips:

  • Ship earlier in the week. Often, packages are sent to a centralized mail room on campus. Sending your things right before a weekend can make for a longer stay in the mailroom before it is actually received.
  • Pack your baked items tightly. Even when using a Tupperware container, try to minimalize any movement within it by adding extra wax paper to the top, etc. No matter how much is surrounding the container, if the interior contents are loose, your friend or family member may be stuck trying to enjoy cookie crumbs! 
  • Save money! There are a variety of options when choosing the correct carrier to ship with. When shipping smaller parcels long distance, USPS Flat rate boxes can give you great value. One larger container will typically have a better price point then several small ones. Also, keeping the dimensions down is always more important than the weight when considering pricing.
  • Be creative. Your special students will always appreciate a variety if items to keep them entertained. Hand written notes and selective reading material may keep them current while being a reminder that they are in your thoughts. Clothing, golf clubs, skis and even bicycles are all examples of things to consider sending to your loved one!
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Filed Under: Yardley Voice Columnists Tagged With: , , , ,

“Buy Bucks County Products” new feature for our website

November 1, 2011 By

Dear Readers,

I am thrilled to announce a new feature on our Web site. Unlike any other feature you will find, it offers Bucks County residents the opportunity to keep the wealth here, locally.

When you visit our home page, www.timespub.com, you will see a new blog spot called “Buy Bucks County Products.” Here is where we are offering our local crafters, artisans, and manufacturers the opportunity to post a product for sale that they have made right here in our community.

[Read more...]

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Filed Under: Home Tagged With: , , , ,

Babytropolis opens in Yardley

October 4, 2011 By

Babytropolis is a new store in Yardley, located at 19 E. Afton Avenue. They are owned and operated by Ariel Ergas who has been in the juvenile field for 15 years.

Babytropolis offers juvenile furniture as well as strollers and car seats at better than online prices. They have a grand opening special through December of 20% off of the items they sell in-store and on their Web site, www.ibabysales.com.

Babytropolis has a large display of furniture, car seats, gifts, strollers and more. They have a 30-day return policy as well as a price guarantee on all of the merchandise sold there. You’re able to try out and compare many different models to see what works best for you. A knowledgeable staff is available to answer your questions.

The hours of operation are Sunday-Thursday, 10:30am-5:30pm; Fridays, 10:30am-2:00pm; and they are closed Saturdays. Babytropolis carries most major brands including Young America (Stanley), Recaro, Peg Perego, I Candy, Bugaboo, Orbit, Bob, Sorelle, Uppa baby, Tiny Love, Glenna Jean, Ergo, Phil & Teds, Quinny, Maxi Cosi , Naturepedic and many more.

They can be reached at 267-392-5028 during business hours.

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Filed Under: Yardley Voice News Tagged With: , , , ,

263 Marketplace: Bucks County’s only indoor marketplace

June 22, 2011 By

by June Portnoy

Tired of going to mall after mall only to find the same types of stores selling similar merchandise every time? Going to an outdoor marketplace is always an option, but then you have to worry about whether it might rain or be too hot to shop.

Luckily, you can now go to 263 Marketplace, Bucks County’s new indoor marketplace open year round! You’ll find over 85 vendors selling a large diversity of merchandise all under one roof. “These vendors sell unique items that you won’t find at the mall,” says Marketing Coordinator, Jackie Waller. “You won’t see any counterfeit goods here and we allow few direct competitors because we encourage variety.”

As an added plus, prices are typically less than you’d pay at malls since vendors keep overhead low because they pay only for the size of the booth they need and are offered low start-up fees. There’s something for the entire family here with merchandise ranging from clothing, accessories, kitchenware and antiques to one-of-a-kind jewelry, sports memorabilia and even motorcycle apparel.

Services such as eyebrow threading, computer repair and sales and custom bath renovations are also available here. “This is a great place to shop for unusual gifts, look for less expensive merchandise or simply browse while enjoying a day out,” says Jackie. Come stroll the mall and stop for a snack or lunch. Many vendors offer a nice selection of food like fresh cinnamon buns, soft pretzels and funnel cake, in addition to delicious home-style pasta, pizza, and barbecue sandwiches. You can also enjoy a smoothie or a cup of coffee or tea as you shop.

Why spend the day sweating in the hot summer sun at the various outdoor markets when you can shop indoors at 263 Marketplace in a clean, cool, air-conditioned atmosphere (which is also heated in the winter)? Your shopping spree will never be ruined due to rain, and for your convenience, you’ll receive free parking directly outside on a paved parking lot right off the main street. All vendors are local, mostly from Bucks County. Come each week and you’ll usually see the same friendly faces at their booths. You can also look forward to seeing what new vendors have to offer.

In addition, many vendors hold special events, fun for the entire family. On Saturday, July 9th 263 Marketplace will hold a car and motorcycle show in its parking lot. Prizes will be awarded to winning cars and bikes. Don’t miss a Double Autograph Event on Saturday, July 30th with former Phillies pitcher Bob Walk, and former Eagles player Bill Bergey.

This new indoor marketplace is open Fridays and Saturdays from 10:00am until 8:00pm, and Sundays from 10:00am until 5:00pm. It’s located at 700 York Road in Warminster, near the intersection of York and Street Roads, directly across from Archbishop Wood High School. The majority of vendors offer 10% discounts to senior citizens on Fridays.

Being that 263 Marketplace is 40,000 square feet of selling space, about the size of a football field, it still has room to accommodate additional vendors. For more information about current vendors, merchandise updates, upcoming events or how to become a vendor, visit www.263marketplace.com. Also call 267-960-8800.

“There’s no other place like it in the area,” says Jackie.

 

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Filed Under: Northampton Herald Business Profiles Tagged With: , , , ,