Whoa.
We decided to go the the semi-monthly REI garage sale yesterday, an event at which they sell off all the stuff that's been returned in the last two months (or I suppose is still left over from the previous sale). Unlike The Basement at the HQ store in Seattle (we had a lot of fun Bargain Hunting with Holly and Nathan a few weeks ago during our trip to the Emerald City), here in P-town they just save it up and have one mad sale. Fortunately, we were warned about the hard core shoppers who camp out overnight for prime location in line. Unfortunately, we're not hard core and just showed up at 6:30 am Saturday morning, a mere hour and a half before doors open. The line had already rounded 3 1/2 sides of the city-block building. I made a scout trip to hunt and gather some hot beverages and pastries, and then we waited in the cold autumn morning for things to Happen. At 7:45, the line started to compress due to the hard-cores at the front stowing their tents and gear. Then the line began it's slow lock-step forward. Since it's a crowded place, they only let a certain number of people in at a time, so it was closer to 10 am before we actually got our mitts on the goods. Our goal: winter gear for commuter biking.
You might be surprised at the stuff REI shoppers will return. REI has a great return policy and will take practically anything back for practically any reason. I found a pair of toddler Crocs, obviously worn for several months, with the reason "too small" attached to the return tag. Well, what a surprise! Your kid wears a pair of shoes for a few months and the shoes suddenly shrink! Must've put them in the dryer. :)
Also, there were reasons like "small hole in pocket" (totally snagged that $100 water-proof jacket for $40), and "didn't like the fit" (several items). We got practically everything we need for warm, dry biking through the winter months, including a nice pair of clip-compatible biking shoes for me and a standing bike pump, at a quarter of what we would have paid for in the main store (even after you factor in the parking ticket on our windshield from getting so wrapped up in shopping that we forgot to plug the meter). And after watching an OPB special on Coronary Artery Disease, I'm more motivated than ever to get my bike-freak on. Also, it gives me street-cred with the other nurses.
So, famished and exhausted, we took our bulging bags of victory booty back to our car and went Thrift Shopping, because we just can't get enough! Actually, James wanted to get some supplies for Halloween costumes for himself and some co-workers (if he pulls it off, I'll totally post pictures, but until then, mum's the word). In the process, we found a gold-mine stash of Pub Med scrubs (local, high-end scrubs that retail for $30 an article), so I got four tops for a little over $10. Score!
So, after a long day of bargain hunting, we went home to glory in (and wash) all our fabulous finds. I just love a good bargain!
