Stretch that dollar

Having a limited budget for Christmas is not a problem. After all, it is the season for counting your blessings. This is also about being smart with your money, about stretching those dollars for your Christmas gifts.
Here is a list of shops in the CNMI that offer big sales and discounts so you can breeze through the holidays without breaking the bank.

Lollipops

This year, Lollipops in Garapan offers a selection of affordable toys for those on a tight budget and for those buying in bulk for many children. Charlotte Castro, sales associate and cashier at Lollipops, said that their store is the perfect kid’s store. “We have been getting a lot of shoppers…because we have a 50-percent off section for selected toys and clothing.”

“Another promo that started last Friday and will run for seven days is the 20-percent off in the entire clothing department,” she added.

This week, Lollipops is open Monday to Saturday from 9am to 9pm and on Sunday from 10am to 6pm.

Girl Talk

Girl Talk on Micro Beach Road, which caters to girls ages 7-16, has a special sale on “dressy” clothing.

Starting Dec. 14 to Dec. 20, there will be 20-percent discount on these types of clothes.

For a budget of just $100, Girl Talk customers can get a lot of items already as they have shirts that are priced at $8. With the sale, the price can go down to $6.

Hot Deals

Hot Deals in Garapan has had an ongoing promotion that started right after Super Typhoon Yutu.

“Our sale started on Oct. 27 to help the community replenish items they lost or got destroyed during the typhoon,” said owner Arthur Miron. “We have 10-20-percent discount on selected clothing. Aside from this, some clothes may have a special markdown.”

“For shoes, we have 10 percent discount on selected items and some have markdown prices. For electronics, we have 10 percent off on 32” TVs. For selected phones, [there is a] 10 to 20 percent off,” he said

The store does have a Facebook page but Miron said he does not post everything there “to encourage people to actually come here to the store so that they can see and probably touch the products.”

Triple J Truckload Store

It’s raining toys at Triple J Truckload Store, with its 20 percent off on all toys. The store is open from Wednesday to Friday from 11am to 8pm; on Saturdays, from 9am to 8pm; and on Sundays, from 11am to 6pm. For more information, call (670) 322-0430. They will also be open on Christmas Eve, from 11am to 5pm.

Joeten

Joeten Susupe is celebrating Christmas with a splash. Ladies dresses, blouses and skirts, and girl’s dresses go for 25 percent off. Girls tees are priced at only $6.99. The men also get 25-percent discount on shorts and slacks and boy shirts. Household items such as rugs and linens get 25 percent off as well.

Bali Fashion

Bali Fashion on Middle Road is giving 15-20 percent discount on most clothing, according to owner and president Shabbir Shakir.
“Our games, consoles, accessories, and other electronic items are [also] on sale until [Dec.] 31,” he said.
Store hours are from 10:30am to 9pm but one week before Christmas, “we start at 10am or maybe 9:30am, depending on the customers who come early to the store,” he added.

I Love Saipan

This store knows that quality clothes does not have to be expensive. They have racks that carry clothes that cost $1 to $10, clothes that includes brands such as Heart & Hips, Lydelle, and Chocolate USA with discounts of up to 50-percent, and a set of clothes that include DNA Couture and Vivace that are up to 70-percent off. Sale will be ongoing until supplies last.

Lollipops sales associate and cashier Charlotte Castro shows off the array of toys that are available in the store. (Bea Cabrera)