When: Now, while supplies last, I think
Where: online. see link below
Link: http://www.musiciansfriend.com/clearance
Description:
I don’t know bupkus about musical instruments and their perceived value (do people race out to get the latest model of a drum set, or, like a good wine or cheese, do instruments get better with age? Are certain models from certain years better than others?). Therefore, I couldn’t tell you if the prices that are “slashed” in this pre-holiday clearance sale are really that steeply cut on good stuff, or if the business is just trying to dump junk no one wants. Also, couldn’t tell you if the site jacked the “original” price before slashing.
I don’t mean to condemn the site for bad practices - this is probably a great deal for those on the hunt for musical instruments. I just wanted to be clear about my own ignorance.
Anyway, supplies are limited. Check it out and see if you find the guitar that makes you the next Neil Young.
When: 8/27 - 9/8 -> while supplies last
Where: online
Link: http://www.chefscatalog.com/home.aspx
Description:
This online Labor Day Sale is featuring prices up to 80% off. To be honest, the prices don’t look that fabulous to me, like maybe the original prices were market up to make it look like a better deal. However, even at 50% off, you’re ahead of the game. The big deal about this sale is that they’re offering 50% off shipping until 9/8, which is pretty sweet.
When: ongoing until 8/30/2008
Where: 140 W. 57th St., Suite 4C, NY, NY
Link: http://www.custommen.com/current_promotions.aspx
Description:
So far, I’ve avoided listing sales based in New York for one simple reason: there are already so many resources for finding NY sales, why clutter the internet with more?
I’m making an exception for the Custom Men clearance sale because, well… It’s exceptional! Plus, you can partake in it via the internet. Thus, the rest of us, off the island, get to tap in as well!
Custom Men, as the moniker implies, specializes in custom tailored outfits for men: shirts, suits, pants, sportcoats. They are presently running a summer clearance sale with phenomenal pricing (for custom clothes, that is).
The trick to the pricing is that you have to buy in “bulk.” For instance, you can presently buy 8 cottonable mix shirts for $499, which breaks down to $62.50 each. Not BAD!!!
I’ve never used Custom Men, and, to be honest, although we’ll be in the market for new shirts soon, I wouldn’t feel comfortable placing my first order via the internet. However, next time we’re in NY I’m going to definitely drop by and check out the goods so we can be prepared for next year’s sale!
When: Already in progress, until ???
Where: online, possibly in stores as well
Link: http://www.ems.com/catalog/assortment_featured.jsp?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=1408474396003407
Description:
K. First off, what’s the difference between a “clearance event” and a “clearance sale?”
I know this is semantics, but I’m genuinely curious… is it just that the business holding the sale doesn’t want to acknowledge that they’re parting with stuff at a lower rate? That they’re “above” sales? Is it that they think listing something as an “event” makes it sound bigger and snazzier? I’ve noticed that car dealerships do this a lot, but somehow the linguistics really stick out more when it’s something, oh, I dunno, not sleazy, like EMS doing the pitch.
Nevertheless, there are stellar deals to be had at EMS right now. I’m a little slow on the draw for this sale, so sorry if you have an unusual shoe size that’s already been snatched up!
Since this is a repeating event, I’ll keep it on my radar and hopefully be able to list it earlier next time!
Thanks!
When: Thurs, 8/14 - Sun, 8/17, 2008
Where: online
Link: http://www.golite.com/sale/warehouse_sale_fall_08.aspx
Description:
This Boulder, CO-based store is having one of its periodic warehouse sales online. This one features running gear (no shoes) at 50% off. Not too shabby, but the pickin’s are slim.
When: Tuesday, August 12 - Thursday, August 21, 2008
Where: Online or at Patagonia retail stores - look ‘em up here.
Link: Summer Sale Main Page
Description:
First off, please note that Patagonia has a disclaimer about the sale (see below). The most important point, I think, is that Patagonia Outlets and Patagonia Cardiff-By-The-Sea stores are NOT PARTICIPATING. So, if you drop in on either of those types of stores expecting great prices and deals, don’t get your panties in a bunch. I warned you.
This is the disclaimer re: the sale on the Patagonia site:
Sale limited to stock on hand. Sale prices apply only to Patagonia merchandise on days specified. Patagonia Outlets and Patagonia Cardiff-by-the-Sea are not participating in the sale. Surfboards and wetsuits are not on sale. Offer valid in USA only; phone orders from Canada and Australia are also accepted. Not valid with any other offer. Sale ends August 21, 2008. Call us anytime: 1.800.638.6464. ©2008 Patagonia, Inc.
Okay, now that we’ve got the basic parameters out of the way, let’s get into the details - this is a GREAT sale, folks. As with all sales, they’re really only valuable if you’re actually in the market for the goods offered. So, if your idea of a great night “out” is hanging in a church hall for Bingo, going bowling or riding the remote (all perfectly valid activities, btw, some even athletic-ish), dropping in on the annual Patagonia sale and blowing your hard earned money is just stupid.
For other types, who prefer outdoor activities or perhaps like rugged luggage options at decent prices, this is a good spot to pick up some deals. I have a friend, from Colorado, of course, who waits for this sale with bated breath every summer. She scoops in early, gets great deals and is clothed for the better part of the year in well made active-wear that survives her really active lifestyle.
When: NOW!!!
Where: Online only
Link: http://olivejuicekids.com/clearance/sf/
Description:
Another fantastic find from my sister-in-law… Olive Juice is doing a fantastic warehouse sale right now. As with most of my posts so far, I’m not that familiar with this business and don’t know if they regularly host a warehouse sale, or if this is just an occassional thing, but the prices are UNBELIEVABLE for high-end, adorable children’s clothes.
Follow the link and click on the “view all” link under the “warehouse sale” section of the left hand navigation bar.
Have fun!
When: Every Day
Where: On the interweb
Links: http://www.woot.com
Description:
Woot is a quirky little site I discovered recently. The schtick is that they sell one item for one day only and the product is available at a greatly reduced price. Most of the time these are technology and electronics-related. Today, for example, they’re selling a MiniDV Digital Camcorder at more than a 50% discount. Yesterday was a doohicky that does video transfers for iPods, and before that was an HDMI DVD player. Go figure.
This is a fun site to check once a day, just to randomly see if they’re offering something I’ve been looking for. Be aware though - you need to act fast if it’s a particularly spiffy deal… Once Woot’s allotted inventory is sold out, it’s sold out. If they don’t sell out for the day, the item will still not be available tomorrow.
When: Normal business hours, not a special sale, just severely discounted merchandise
Where: 1200 Whipple Rd, Union City, CA 94587 / (510) 441-8833
Links: http://www.yelp.com/biz/macys-furniture-outlet-union-city
Description:
Haven’t been to this one either, but the friend who turned me onto it thinks there are great deals to be had here. Definitely read some of the reviews on Yelp to make sure you’re savvy… I’ve heard of problems with delivery from the normal-priced Macy’s in SF, so, take suggestions / experiences like this one to heart.
