Yummy focaccia bread! Credit: jspatchwork/Flickr
James has a specific question about saving money on bread in the San Fernando Valley.
Hi: I don’t know if you already have covered this, but the Entenmann’s/Oroweat/Bimbo Bakeries outlet store on Strathern in Canoga Park has closed permanently. We used to go there all the time to find cheap Boboli pizza crusts and discounted bread. Do you know of any other bakery outlet stores in the West Valley now? Thanks.
James, have you checked out the almost-stale bread rack at your local grocer? I know most grocery stores have a bread rack with bagels, muffins, and other bread products that are about to expire. I’ve snapped up delicious loaves of focaccia bread for $.99 this way!
Anyone else got advice for James? Leave a comment so everyone can benefit.
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Is it safe to buy appliances from an outlet? Credit: Editor B/Flickr
Jeannie is not sure she can trust an appliance outlet store. What do you think?
Dear Julia, Love your site. Question for you or the readers: we need a new dishwasher and Consumer Reports recommends 2 Whirlpool models in our price range. I did “Bargain Babe” due diligence in looking around for a great price and came across the Whirlpool Outlet store, which claims it has brand new products. But how do I know I can trust them?
Their site looks legit, but they’re based in the Midwest and we’re on the East Coast, so it makes me wonder if I’d be better off paying a little more and buying from a brick-and-mortar store, which feels so 1990s to me! Any advice you could offer would be great! Thanks, Jeannie
Jeannie, I would check a few things off my list before making a major purchase from an online retailer you are new to.
A typical outdoor outlet mall. Credit: prayitno/Flickr
This quick tip came from Di.
I would suggest that bargain babes look for outlets/freight sales in their area (if they have one). We have several in our area. Ex: I got a new pair of Libby Edelman ballet slippers (embossed w/ rubber soles) at a freight sale co for only $1.09 plus tax. It was marked down to 90% off the price of $11.99. I googled them, they were selling up to $49.99.
I’ve never heard of a freight sale, but I’m familiar with outlets. One way I like to shop (because I don’t really like to shop) is to go to an outlet mall and get enough clothes to last me a year or two. Haven’t done this in a while however, because I find it’s easy to get carried away.
If you are looking for an outlet mall near you, OutletBound is a cool site that lets you search for outlets by store, category or location. I used the map feature to find outlets near me. Make sure to sign up for the Outlets email or free VIP service a day or two before you shop. They’ll often send you a welcome booklet of coupons.
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