2009 Savvy Reno Visitors Bargain Guide

Manufacturers' Outlets, A Deparment Store's Special Floor and More

Sep 12, 2008 Connie Emerson

From children's clothes to top-of-the-line sportswear, furniture to formal attire, used cars, houses and condos, Reno offers cut-rate prices to shoppers

As Reno keeps growing, so do opportunities for bargain shopping. From outlet stores to department store sale areas, savvy shoppers can save money if they know where to go.

Manufacturer’s Outlets

One of only four Patagonia outlets in the U. S., the Reno operation (8550 White Fir, off West Fourth Street) is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream. Recently relocated in larger quarters, this is a well-organized store, with bins containing items like expedition-weight underwear, bathing suits and sports bras. Jackets -- different types for fishing, skiing, mountain climbing and other sports -- comprise a large part of the factory seconds, which are sold at discounted prices. Surfboards and other equipment is also on display. Sales are held on Thanksgiving, Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends.

Sportif, which manufactures mens’ and women’s active wear, also has an outlet store (1415 Greg Street, Sparks). Racks of pants, shorts, jackets ,shirts and other sports clothes sell at from 50 to70 percent off retail prices. About half of the merchandise consists of seconds and samples. The rest is said to be first quality. Sales are held during April and October.

Bargain Stores and Areas

Looking for pants originally priced at $44 that’s selling for half price? Or a $3 book? Clothing bargains can be found at discount chain stores such as Ross and Marshall's (usually last season’s garments). Other stores have special areas where they display discounted items. A table at the entrance to Office Max, books displayed near the checkout at Barnes & Noble are only a few of the businesses that contain bargains marked down 50 to 80 percent. Savvy Reno bargain hunters advise shoppers also to be on the lookout for racks in department stores such as Macy's where every item is on sale for a fraction of its original price.

Thrift Stores

WARC (201 Keystone Ave.), Salvation Army (341 S. Wells Ave., 1925 Sutro St., 2300 Valley Road), Easter Seals (1270 E. Plumb Lane), St. Vincent’s (500 E. 4th Street), Goodwill (2424 Oddie Blvd., Sparks), Reno-Sparks Gospel Mission (145 W. 3rd St., SPCA (903 E. 4th St.) and the Assistance League of Reno-Sparks (1701 Vassar St.) are among the organizations that raise money through the sale of used items. Their store hours and policies vary, but almost all of them have special bargains on certain days of the week. For instance, the WARC store features weekly bargains such as a 25 percent discount to seniors on Wednesday and manager’s specials on Friday when all customers spin a wheel to determine which size discount they will receive. The thrift shops are great places to save on seasonal items such as Halloween costumes and Christmas decorations.

Consignment Shops

Among the most popular consignment shops are 2nd Time Around (clothing; 143 Keystone Avenue), Labels Consignment Boutique (designer clothes; 3350 Lakeside Dr.), Purple Pumpkin (children’s clothing; 180 W. Peckham) and What’s Mine is Yours (furniture: 1185 California Ave.). Several stores, such as Rad Betty’s Fresh Thrift (141 W. Vesta) sell vintage clothing. However, be aware that although you can buy vintage clothing at these stores, you cannot sell your clothes for money as you do at consignment stores at some of them, but rather must exchange your castoffs for other clothing/accessories.

Physicians’ Spouses Rummage Sale

Visitors who are in Reno during the first part of March can check out this annual sale, held in the Reno Livestock Events Center (2009 will mark its 58th year). It’s a huge sale with a solid reputation for top quality cast-offs – everything from upscale clothing and cut-glass punch bowls to wallpaper sample books and antique rocking chairs at bargain prices.

The copyright of the article 2009 Savvy Reno Visitors Bargain Guide in SW U.S./Hawaii Travel is owned by Connie Emerson. Permission to republish 2009 Savvy Reno Visitors Bargain Guide in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Used furniture is bargain at consignment shops

Pawn shops require bargaining skills.

Thrift shops carry lots of holiday items.