Lots of glossy flyers in the paper, an abundance of advertisements on TV, and websites like BlackFriday.Net, BlackFriday.Info, and Black Friday Ads to guide you on the big box retailers, here's a few local indies that are offering their own post-Turkey Day deals.
Enjoy a free Black Friday drink with your purchases at Buffalo Gal Vintage, which is holding a storewide post-Turkey Day sale — 15 percent off vintage sweaters, 20 percent off vintage coats, purses and hats, and much more. Plus, the place also carries some pretty killer looking reproduction vintage clothing by Stop Staring (like the emerald dress pictured at right), sassy rockabilly clothing by TVK and other fun lines. 11 a.m.-7 p.m., St. Petersburg.
ARTpool Gallery and Boutique holds a Black Friday Sale, with 50 percent discounts on men and women's vintage clothing and $50 gift certificates for $25. Noon-5 p.m., St. Petersburg.
Mojo Books and Music opens early and offers 20 percent off all used merchandise and 10 percent off new merchandise (books, music, CDs, vinyl, DVDs and pop culture goodies — posters, figurines, t-shirts and more). Surprise buy-1-get-1-free and buy-2-get-1-free deals are scattered in random sections throughout the store, and all Mojo punch cards used between 9 a.m. and noon get an early shopping bonus — instead of the usual one stamp for every $10 you spend, you get two. 9 a.m.-8 p.m., Tampa.
Second Image Thrift Store is also getting in on the Black Friday sales bug with half-off sales on all clothing except boutique items, 25 percent off shoes, and 25 percent off jewelry; sales on books and other items TBA. You can also print out a $5-off coupon at the website. 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Tampa.
Perfume World, a family owned and operated designer fragrance retailer in Westshore Plaza, offers 20 percent off select fragrances with a special Black Friday ad that's actually good through Dec. 10. 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Tampa.
A new store in St. Petersburg, Higher Self Gifts and Tea, stages its grand opening celebration today and offers a storewide sale on its merchandise — oraganic teas, blown glass, local art, jewelry, footwear, oils and incense, clothing and more. Regular Friday hours are 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; tonight's party with a tea tasting, live art demos and music takes place from 5 to 9 p.m.
Today and tomorrow, Twice as Nice — a quaint upscale ladies boutique located in a bungalow in downtown Dunedin — offers 40 to 50 percent discounts on apparel and gifts throughout the store. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Dunedin.
The Designer's Consigner offers various in-store specials, including 20 percent off the current price of all black items. 11 a.m.-7 p.m., St. Petersburg.
Hula Hula hosts a Holiday Sale of tropical gifts — retro flamingo pattern tablecloths and napkins, lotions, bath gels, Hawaiian perfumes, and plenty elses. Mention you heard about the sale on LocalShop1.com and get a 10 percent discount. (Thanks to LocalShop1 for this one.) Noon-6 p.m., Gulfport.
Who've I forgotten? I'm certain there's places I've left out. If you know about a sale at a local indie store that takes place today or even this weekend, leave your suggestions below.
This article appears in Nov 26 – Dec 2, 2008.