Did you miss out on the free travel size sample of Liquid Shine shampoo and conditioner? Well here’s another chance to request one! Sign up for your sample by filling out the request form that can be found by clicking the “Contest & Free Sample” link on the left hand side of the page. Remember, it’s only 1 per household (if you requested one the first time you will not receive a second one!)
Click here to sign up.

Thanks Faeore for the heads up, really appreciate it.

Sport Chek is having a friends and family sale March 23-24th. Save an extra 25%  on regular priced items and an extra 10% on sale priced items.  Click here to print off your coupon.

*Valid March 23rd – March 24th, 2011 only. No cash value, excludes taxes. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Not valid on tickets, gift cards, third party offer, layaways, previous purchases, online purchases and tech shop services. Cannot be combined with Bike & Inline Rebate promotion. Limit one coupon per purchase. Coupon must be surrendered at time of purchase. Not valid in Atmopshere and Hockey Experts stores located in the province of Quebec.

Can’t make it in? Remember if you sign up for the Sport Chek Newsletter you get free shipping and 10% off your first order!

Thanks MarchBB for the post.

Over the years lots of mom and pops have closed up shop not being able to compete with the big box stores. Some great stores have closed down because of this, but on the other hand some stores that shouldn’t of been in business still; finally closed too.
I find certain items I like to buy at small stores such as flowers including green house plants, and hard to find items. With a recent bad experience at a small pet store (Critter Barn, Exeter Ontario) it has me thinking  there are certain items that your better off buying at a large chain store rather then a small store. Pets at least come with a 7-14 day guarantee where this pet store didn’t care if my turtle died the second I walk out. It was money in her pocket, no replacement or warranty from the time her cash register slammed shut.  Maybe this was just unfortunate luck for me and generally smaller pet stores have more compassion for their animals.

I recently was in a kitchen specialty store (Kulpepper’s) where the owner was very helpful, honest, and even offered me a special order for a Tassimo cup holder. I received a call that evening  letting me know on the status of the order. The owner knows what excellent customer service means and is striving to provide it. If this had been a big box store there would of been little to no expertise and of course the mention of a special order would of had me possibly laughed out of the store.

Honestly, I don’t mind paying a bit extra for a small store that goes the extra mile to provide great customer service and appreciates my business. Of course there are small stores that are just horrible to deal with and aren’t worth your time. How can you tell?
I’ve compliled a small list of what to look for in a mom and pop shop. (feel free to add to my list)
*Inviting atmosphere
*Personal Greeting When You Walk In (Walmart Greeters Excluded)
*Genuine service. Example: they aren’t trying to sell you something you don’t need, and if it’s a specialty store they know their product. They shouldn’t be rude to you.( I just learnt this one, if the owners nasty from the start. Run don’t walk away, no matter how cute their stuff is.)

What do you prefer, The big box or the mom and pop shop? Is there a small store that you’d like to give a shout out too?

Women’s T’s, Men’s T’s, even little baby T’s are all just 10 bucks until March 23rd on Threadless.com.  Prices are in USD but as you know we are above the USD sitting at about $1.01.  Shipping depends on the size of your order, generally people say 3 tees make it worthwhile.

Click here to check out Threadless.com

Old Navy Canada is offering 30% off in-store purchases until March 24th.  Simply click here to print off your coupon.  I haven’t been in to check out the new spring arrivals yet.  I hope they have “fun” stuff for my boys.  So far I haven’t really liked any of the spring collections.  This deal is also available online by entering “ONCAN30” at checkout.

Until March 27th Holt Renfrew is hosting a Lancome Gift With Purchase when you spend $50 or more before taxes.

Gift Includes:

Genifique Repair Night Cream and Youth Activating Concentrate

Bi Facil

Color Design Lipstick and Eyeshadow

Hypnose Mascara

Makeup Bag

Click here for more details

I’m thinking Arby’s! Why? Because for a limited time buy any roast beef combo and receive a free bottle of Pepsi Max.  I’ve actually never tried Pepsi Max before. Is it any good?

Click here to find an Arby’s location near you.

Porter Airlines is offering another 30% off coupon for flights for travel until September 6th 2011.  Simply enter the code “SKATE30” at checkout.  Remember to book before March 23rd to take advantage of this offer.

Click here to fly with Porter.

Oh wow, Katy Perry has now joined the ranks of tons of other superstars with her own perfume scent.

Playful. Sexy. Confident. It’s Katy Perry’s personal style and now it’s available to you with her signature fragrance, Purr by Katy Perry.

This fruity, floral scent greets you with the fresh notes of peach nectar, forbidden apple and green bamboo. The beguiling, fun bottle is inspired by Katy’s love of all things feline. Jeweled eyes, metallic accents and an opulent lavender colour make it as unique as the singer herself.

Right now if you purchase a 100ml Katy Perry scent through Sears.ca you will receive a free 15ml purse scent.

Click here to check out Purr.

If you’ve never been to a thrift store, it can definitely be intimidating.  However, if you can get over the initially being overwhelmed, there are treasures and deals to be found!

I’ve been thrifting ever since high school when my friend, Jenni, who was from a small town, introduced me to her favourite pastime.  So, not wanting to date myself, after ## years of experience under my belt, I’ve come up with some tips if you decide to venture to your local Salvation Army, Goodwill, Value Village, et al.!

1.  Know what to expect. I find Salvation Army and Goodwill less organised than the more department store-style places like Value Village, but this organisation does come at a higher cost.  VV has more staff that are paid to sort, price, and put away items in its place, so this will translate into higher priced items.  Nevertheless, the higher prices + being organised = time saved with less frustration for your treasure hunt!

Depending on the age of the actual store, some are better maintained than others.  Some will downright smell, so be prepared.  Most of them are decent and just takes some getting used to.

Be patient as thrift shopping does require more time.

2.  Grab a shopping cart! (YES, even if you have no intentions of buying.)  There has been so many times that I’ve seen something, left it on the shelf/rack because I didn’t want to carry it, then went back for the item, only to discover that someone else grabbed the deal before I did. 🙁

3.  Make a list. A producer friend of mine is making a film where the main character is a collector of Coke memorabilia, so I keep that in mind.  And recently my stovetop espresso maker broke, so I needed a replacement, so I wrote that down too.  I find that if a list grows and I don’t write it down, I will forget because there are soo many distractions in these stores!

4.  Put it in the cart…even if you’re slightly interested in an item ’cause you can always change your mind later.  See #7.

5.  Ask the staff. If there’s something specific that you’re looking for, but don’t know where to find it, don’t be shy to ask the staff as they know the store better than you do!  Some stores tend to rearrange things, so just because something was in a certain place one week, don’t assume that it’ll always be in the same spot.

6.  Try it on. There are Fitting Rooms, so try on everything before you head to the cash register.  If you want to skip the fashion show, be sure to ask for the store’s return policy.

7.  Check it out before you check out. It’s not courteous to hold up the line by being iffy about each item.  So do your dump prior to attempting check-out.  The Fitting Room is usually the best bet to unload your “Nos”.  There’s usually a rack/shopping cart for unwanted items that have to be put back.  If in doubt, ask the staff and they’ll be happy that you’re trying to make their lives easier!

Additional tips:

–  Senior’s/Student’s Day or Frequent Shopper Program. Look for signs or ask a staff member if they have any special discount days.  Who knows, you may qualify for one!

–  Bring a friend. Depending on what kind of shopper you are, consider bringing a friend.  If&when I do, we usually go our separate ways, coming together at the Fitting Rooms to check out each other’s loot.  You can even pick up something that doesn’t fit your friend, but looks great on you and vice-versa!

–  Make a day of it. Pack the car with drinks and snacks, print out a map or GPS a few stores, load/charge up that iPod, and go.  Think of it as a sort of cheap day-trip.

–  Ask for a discount. If you’re eyeing something, but the price seems a tad too high, ask the supervisor for a discount.  This is especially good for merchandise that’s been on the floor for a while, a sweater with a snag, a shirt with a stain, or a blazer that’s missing a button.  There is always room for negotiation!

If you have any personal tips, share them in the comments section.  Have fun!

For  a limited time you an get a while Nintendo Wii for only $159.00 with Free Shipping!

SPECIFICATIONS:

Colour: White
Controllers: 2
Capacity: N/A
HDMI Slot Available: NO

INCLUDES:

Nintendo Wii Console
A/V Cable
Controller x 2
A/C Cable
Sensor
Games

PHYSICAL CONDITION: NEW
FUNCTIONAL CONDITION: NEW

 Click here to check out this awesome offer.

Sears Canada is having another outlet clearance sale!  Pay with your Sears card and save 30% off.  Pay with any other form of payment and receive 25% off.  Regular exclusions apply such as not valid on appliances.

To save 30% enter code: 941612256

To save 25% enter code: 941612257

Sale is on until March 20th 2011.  Click here to check out the Sears Outlet.

Thanks to everyone whom notified me of this sale.

Mmmmnnn free pie.  Well, thats what my husband said not me.  I’m not a huge fan of apple pie.  Spend $30 or more this weekend at M&M’s and receive a free apple pie!  You can even place your order from home and just pick it up later.  Click here for locations and for their e order.

Pricematters.ca has great prices on apparel for men and women.  The Calvin Klein pajamas are so cute, and under $15.  That makes them so much more cuter at that price.  Click here to look at apparel.  A great feature for those that live out West near a location is the pay and pickup option.  You pay then pickup in a few days at one of their locations, all ready to go.