Our tips on surviving the sale of the year
The time has come to bid farewell to the Sears downtown Vancouver flagship store - and what better way to do it than load up on goodies at their massive liquidation sale?
Before going in, we recommend mentally preparing yourself for grabby crowds, dejected (soon-to-be-jobless) employees, and a host of others working directly for the liquidating company (who've got no flair for customer service). Expectations adjusted? Get ready for some serious deals!
Start with shoes. The closeout sale has been on for about 3 weeks already, but there are still new shoes coming out all the time. Tables upon tables of strappy sandals and sexy pumps are going for 40% off the last ticketed price. Our pick: these pink 'Kissed' sandals by Fergie (reg. $130). Next, head upstairs to the kitchen where glassware and ceramics are all 20% off. Check out: Swiss-made mise en bouche glasses (reg. $20), adorable Mason Cash "God Save the Cream" ceramic bowls (reg. $17-$60), funky Trudeau olive oil dipping plates (set of 4 reg. $25) and Sears-branded Whole Home acacia wood canister sets (reg. $20). Then, (assuming you're not looking for a pair of elastic jeans or a floral tankini), skip the clothing floors and head right up to the top where you'll find Sears itself for sale. In need of barely-used restaurant-grade pans and cooking equipment? Mannequins? 7-foot tall men's underwear posters? Christmas trees? This is the place to be (but take note that a 15% liquidation fee will be added to the sticker price) Our favourite finds: Still-packaged Emile Henry ceramic pans for as low as $7 each, and a fun collection of sturdy 5-foot tall Eiffel Tower replicas ($50). Doors close forever on October 31st, but get there soon becuase we doubt the good stuff will last that long. - Jennifer Giesbrecht
