Building#19: I'd like the bench, please.

I've got a funny story to share with you!

It's been almost 11-years since I moved to Worcester, and when I did, I lived within walking distance of the Building #19, on Grafton Street.

You see, I love a "come up"! Allow me to explain: A "come up" is where you spend very little money for something that is perceived to be of good quality and value. OK, I totally made that up, but this is MY definition.

So, I frequently shop at Building #19, and have scored some unbelievable "come ups";Ralph Lauren pants and shirts for as little as $10, or Nike and Reebok sneakers for $12. My mantra is "if you're willing to hunt, then you can score some good stuff!"

About 2-years ago, when my aunt was starting a catering business, as a side-business, she needed some chafing dishes and Sternos to keep the food warm. The plan was to hit a few of the restaurant supply-like stores in Worcester, but something said to stop by Building #19. Low and behold, they had received a shipment if chafing dishes and cases, and I mean cases, of Sternos, so I was able to buy 6 chafing sets and a few cases of Sternos.

When I needed to buy Christmas presents for the office "swaps", you guessed it, I'd make my way to Building #19.

Well, amongst all my visits to Building #19, I have NEVER sat on the "Husband's Bench", but I always look at it and smile.

So, since Building #19 lost their lease, I feel that it's only right for Building #19 to give me a gift for my patronage over the years.

I'd like the Husband's Bench, please.

I'm not asking for alot. and I think the bench will make a great conversational piece in my office.
There it is, all tied up with a nice bow on top.

Building #19, just let me know when I can pick-up my "new" piece of furniture. Thank you.

Building#19 Worcester Store Closing

After 19-years and what I'd consider a staple on Grafton Street in Worcester, Building19 has lost their lease.

Having experienced Building #19 for the first time in 1994, when I lived in Rhode Island, I have to admit that I quickly became a fan and a frequent shopper. (Shoot, I take my family there every time they visit from the Virgin Islands!)

So, yes, I'm saddened to hear that the Worcester store is closing and who knows what will be replacing that cavernous space on Grafton Street?

http://www.building19.com/events/worcclosing/worc050711.htm

Spags: How I Miss Thee!

I miss SPAGS, and my relationship goes back to the late-90s when I lived in East Boston and then Somerville, but would trek to Central Massachusetts to shop at the Worcester Common Outlets and then hit SPAGS on the way home.
It was SPAGS where I would find awesome houseware, particularly bed sheets & towels. The good stuff, and not the poly-cotton crap found at Woolworth in Downtown Crossing.
SPAGS was that store that I raved about when I worked at Boston College and so many of my colleagues would say that Shrewsbury was, "too far and not worth the trip.....especially when I can shop at Bed Bath Beyond."
Alright, I'll be the first to say I love a sale like a fat kid loves cake, and whenever there is a bargain to be had, I can sniff it out. It's the Dane in me, what can I say.
On more than one occasion, I did my entire family Christmas shopping at SPAGS. I hooked everyone up with just what they wanted and I even had some left over cash to take my cousins to the movies when I visited them in NYC. I was ecstatic!
So, SPAGS I miss you and just wanted to let you know.
Peace!

Best Buy: Millbury Opening 04/23/10

Earlier today, while waiting for my car to be serviced, I was speaking with the cashier whom I asked if she was going to be able to get out early enough to enjoy this wonderful weather to which her response was, "I go from one job to the next one." (This just confirms what we already know about the jacked-up economy and the fact that people are working multiple jobs to put food on the table and keep a roof over their head.)

I inquired where her second job was, because I'm naturally curious where people work and what they do for a living, she commented that she's working at the new Best Buy at the Shoppes at Blackstone. Of course, I wanted to know when the store was planning to open, to which she said, "April 23rd."

Now knowing that the Millbury Best Buy is going to open on April 23rd, I wonder if this is going to have any impact on the Best Buy at the Greendale Mall? I don't think so, from the fact that they've updated their display cases and seem to be trying to "brighten" the place up.

Bill Randell, over at Worcester Blog, posted a picture of the Millbury store sign on Sunday (4th).

Stay tuned!

Konnie puttin' in Work: Reusable Bag Debate

Wow, I guess now that Konnie is no longer the Mayor, but rather a Councilor-at-Large, she feels the collar has been removed and is ready to revisit an old proposal?

The plastic bag debate has been going on for sometime, but it is time for the City of Worcester to get with 20X and be a leader on this cause.

Konnie's pushing for reusable bag program in Worcester.

Black Friday: The List part 2

The Black Friday list continues grow, and thus far this is the BEST list I've seen thus far.

Hat tip to Gizmodo for the list!

Eddie Bauer: Crushing Rumors

Because there are number of businesses that are closing stores and filing for bankruptcy, there are businesses, such as Eddie Bauer, that were part of a bad email hoax that's affecting their bottom line. Check out this email that I received from Neil Fiske, President and CEO for Eddie Bauer.

To our valued customers:

It has come to our attention that misleading information is circulating via email as part of a hoax intended to discourage consumers from buying gift cards from a number of retailers including Eddie Bauer. We want to set the record straight.

Eddie Bauer has been in business since 1920 and operates 376 retail stores throughout North America. We also have a robust online and catalog division. In our March 2008 annual report, we announced both the opening of new locations as well as the closing of some older locations as part of our normal course of business. The stores referenced were all closed in January 2008. In 2009, we will again open and close a handful of stores as part of our normal business plan.

Eddie Bauer remains committed to providing our customers with outstanding quality, value and service, now and for many years to come. Our gift cards are a great option for the holidays. You can purchase and redeem them at any of our retail stores, through our catalogs or at eddiebauer.com. We look forward to serving you this holiday season.

Neil Fiske
President & CEO
Eddie Bauer