Stores dedicated to themes are great. Need tires? Go to the tire store! Books? Go to the bookstore! A Pedi Pistol? Go to the —

Um.

That’s where there’s something to be said for the eclectic approach.

The Off Price Store on Route 202 in Winthrop is nothing if not eclectic. The cowboy hats/beef jerky/collapsible cooler-flanked entrance was a clue. The salad dressing/socks aisle simply cemented it. 

Bag Lady and Shopping Siren love eclectic shops. Almost by definition, they have the most unusual items and often the biggest (if sometimes hidden) bargains. Sure, a stable inventory isn’t an eclectic store’s strength — and though we don’t know, we have a feeling that’s true of the Off Price Store, as well —  but that just means more amazing finds more often. If you’re willing to invest a little shopping time.

Oh, and look — Pedi Pistols! (Intrigued? We hope.)

— Hats, $2.99

Shopping Siren fell in love with the felt cowboy hats (Brown! Gray! A different shade of brown!) while Bag Lady swooned over a camouflage cap with netting along the back. We’re both right.

— Powerful Mini Crossbow, $10

“Do not aim at people,” the package says. Good advice, that.

— Thermos Cold’n Fold cooler with collapsible sides, $20

Holds up to 108 cans. Quick math says each of Bag Lady’s closest friends would have to drink 7.2 cans in one night for maximum cooler enjoyment. Sounds like a party.

— Turkey Roasting Kit for Dummies, $12.50

Initially, Shopping Siren felt dummies really shouldn’t be attempting to roast a turkey, what with the oven and everything. Then she remembered her last attempt at Thanksgiving. Kit includes instructions, non-stick roasting pan, non-stick rack, baster, stainless steel turkey lacers and cooking string. Shopping Siren has no idea what turkey lacers do or why you’d need string. Might be why her last Thanksgiving is best forgotten.   

— Slap Chop, $2.99

As seen on TV! Be careful where you put your fingers, just our own words of caution.

— Sink Snake, $2.99

A carbon steel cable designed to get the gunk out of the drain. The package says it’s “plumbers quality.” We’ll avoid any cracks on what that might mean.

— JS Sanders Collection sheet sets, $20

King, queen and full in myriad colors, from beautiful blue to oh-my-god-who-would-buy-that gold. Package says Egyptian cotton, 1,200 thread count. Yes, 1,200.  At some point don’t those last 900 threads or so become superfluous?

— Oak TV stand, $175

Yes, in addition to crossbows and luxury sheet sets, the Off Price Store had furniture. It wasn’t a large selection — a few kitchen tables, a couple of couches and a couple of bedroom sets. We were partial to this 48-inch oak TV stand with a glass-front cubby. With the savings you can afford to upgrade your TV … and then tune in tonight to “Say Yes to the Dress Atlanta!” More endearing crazy with a southern accent. We can’t wait.

Best find: Pedi Pistol with 10 attachment heads, $8

So here’s the story: Give yourself a pedicure at home without bending over! It’s sort of a gun with an elongated snout and attachment heads, like an emery board and bullet cone (yup, bullet cone). The comical hijinks are nearly guaranteed as you pedi off a little toe. Er. Not that we wish for that. But if you do, please send the tape.

Think twice: HDS Bath faux-oak-finish plush toilet seat, $8

A foamy, grainy beaut. The faux finish simply puts this lid over the top.

Bag Lady and Shopping Siren’s true identities are protected by a pair of stylish, sweater-wearing Doberman pinschers (who could take down a sink snake. Totally.) and the Customer Service counter at the Sun Journal. You can reach them at baglady@junjournal.com and shoppingsiren@sunjournal.com.

Copy the Story Link