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In Store:Holiday Shopping
With Janet Bennett
washingtonpost.com
Wednesday, Nov. 21, 2001; 1 p.m. EST
Americans look forward to spending time together for Thanksgiving, but many families also spend the day after Thanksgiving in a yearly rite -- shopping. Thanksgiving weekend has become the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season and many frantically indulge in trips to the mall. Most stores will hold sales and malls across America will be packed.
Janet Bennett, shopping producer for washingtonpost.com, talks about the holiday deals and latest sales from local small boutiques to the department stores. She'll also talk about options for getting your gift-buying done online far from the hustle and bustle of the mall. Map out your holiday shopping course with Janet!
Bennett was born in New York and considers it her birthright to
shop. She inherited the shopping bug from her mother and grandmother
before her who were regulars at the original Loehmann's in Brooklyn.
After leaving the Big Apple, Bennett proudly took up the gauntlet in
D.C. and has been pounding the pavement here for washingtonpost.com
since October 1999.
Below the transcript follows.
Editor's Note: Washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control
over Live Online discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions.
Janet Bennett: Hi, everyone, and welcome to today's discussion on holiday shopping. The day after Thanksgiving is traditionally the beginning of the hectic holiday shopping season. And although this year the season is overshadowed by a shaky economy and the spectre of terrorism, no one believes holiday gift buying will be put on hold. Still, there's no question the tenor of the times will change the quantity and the substance of our giving patterns. Extravagance is out; patriotism is in, along with anything that says warm and cozy. And in light of the fact that forecasters are predicting a cold winter, warm and cozy may be appropriate in more ways than one. Enough said, let's hear from you now!
Mt. Lebanon, Pa.:
I never leave home to go shopping except for groceries. In the last two years I bought online: piano, wine, books, office furniture, electronics, birthday gifts, clothing (suits and tux), pet supplies, flowers, office supplies, cell phone and service, music (sheet and CDs), appliances (washer, dryer, refrigerator), the complete list boggles the bank account. Without naming the usual suspects, can you offer up a list of some of your favorite shopping websites, offering perhaps items exotic or out of the ordinary? Happy Shopping. Thanks much.
Janet Bennett: I'm a big supported of shopping online, and I often cruise websites to look for what's new out in cyber shopping. For the tried and true, I like Williams-Sonoma, Target, Smith and Hawken and Girlshop as well as L.L. Bean, Land's End and J. Crew. Some of the more fun places I like are eziba.com, wisteria.com, designwithinreach.com, dailycandy.com and hammacherschlemmer.com, to just name a few I can think of right off the bat. I'm always looking though and welcome your suggestions.
Washington, D.C.:
How late do you think it is okay to order things online so that they'll arrive in time for Christmas? I'm planning to order everything online this week to play it safe. Have you heard anything from the major online retailers about their recommendations?
Janet Bennett: I think your strategy of the earlier the better is very prudent. From my experience last year, I've found that you still have some time to make your purchases. Many retailers will tell you right on the site when you have to order before so as to make sure your gifts arrive on time.
Washington, D.C.:
Is D.C. offering tax free shopping beginning on Nov 23? Will Md. or Va. be doing this as well?
Janet Bennett: According to a tax official with the D.C. government, D.C. is indeed offering tax-free shopping beginning on Friday, Nov. 23 and lasting through Sunday, Dec. 2. I don't know whether Maryland or Virginia will be following suit, but if so, I'll be sure to include in my weekly column, Sales & Discoveries.
Windsor Mill, Md.:
I am a tall and large size woman (28/30) and other than Lane Bryant and the Avenue I am having a hard time finding clothes - therefore, I am having a hard time telling my husband or anyone else for that matter, where to shop for me. There are plenty of bargains that I am able to find for him a large and tall man, but not that many for large and tall women. Do you know of any stores in Maryland?
Janet Bennett: Hi, Windsor Mill,
I don't know if this exists anymore, but there used to be a chain called Tall Girl. I would suggest checking the telephone directory to see. Also, have you by chance any back copies of More Magazine? They have ceased publication, but they were devoted to tall and large-size women, and I'm sure they would have ads for stores. Let me know how you progess.
Falls Church, Va.:
I plan on trying to do as much shopping on-line as possible- it forces me to start early (though not yet). In the past I have purchased a bunch of different spices from Penzeys and given three or four bottles to friends. I works out to about $7.00 each and everyone likes to experiment with the spices I give them. I would love to find a cooking related idea for around the same amount of money each- any suggestions? Thanks
Janet Bennett: Hi, Falls Church,
My associate who writes our restaurant column has two suggestions: Fresh Fields sells fig preserves for a price between $4 and $7; they're an excellent and unusual complement for cheese. Another idea: bread or cookie mix at Trader Joe's.
Alexandria, Va.:
Do you know of any on-line websites that offer a nice selection of men's jewelry?
Janet Bennett: I know that Costco has men's watches; Tiffany's selection of cuff links is not as pricey as one may think, given the name. Another possibility is ebay.com.
Annandale, Va.:
Re: "Tax Free Shopping"
One of the most misunderstood aspects of the sales tax holiday enacted by the D.C. Council is that it applies only to D.C. residents and retailers subject to the D.C. sales tax. Thus, a person who lives in Virginia and comes into the District to purchase something "tax free" is still subject to the Virgina use tax on that purchase. It is misleading to suggest otherwise by failing to note the limitations on the holiday. The Commonwealth's budget is in bad enough shape without losing this revenue.
Janet Bennett: Hi, Annandale,
According to Herbert Huff, Director of Taxation and Revenue for D.C., you don't have to be a D.C. resident to get the benefit of the District's tax holiday. If you're a Maryland or Virginia resident and you shop in D.C., you don't have to pay the D.C. sales tax.
Fairfax, Va.:
My 8 year-old brother loves to cook. He has really enjoyed a muffin cookbook that he has, so I was thinking of getting him a cookbook for Christmas. Can you recommend any stores, either online or off, that sell good kids' or beginners' cookbooks?
Janet Bennett: Hi, Fairfax,
My associate Alexa Beattie, who is our restaurant columnist, suggests Fanny at Chez Panisse, written by the San Francisco's famed chef for her daughter. It consists of 46 simple recipes. You can find it on Amazon.com.
Princeton, N.J.:
Is now a good time to buy a car? I noticed the US companies were offering great financing, and now it looks like some foreign companies (Toyota?) are doing the same.
Janet Bennett: Hi, Princeton,
Although this is somewhat out of my league, I've been hearing that at least this was a good time to buy a car because car dealers were offering all sorts of good financial deals. Whether this is still so, I can't really vouch for it.
Fairfax, Va.:
Thank you for chatting today. I do a great deal of shopping online. Do you know of any good source for "greener" products: cruelty-free cosmetics, clothes made by people making a living wage, chemical-free cotton, and so on?
Janet Bennett: Good question. For cruelty-free cosmetics, there's the Body Shop, and I'm fairly sure that Aveda practices the same policies. I don't know whether you can get clothes at eziba.com, but you might give that a try.
Do you know of a store called Pangea in Rockville? I don't know if they have a website, but they do have a brick and mortar presence for sure.
Arlington, Va,:
OK, I'm confused by all the bargains out there and yet don't want to drive around chasing them. In general and in this season which is a better bet, outlet stores or malls/department stores? Thanks!
Janet Bennett: In light of recent events, I'd be surprised if you couldn't get as big a bargain at the department stores as you can at the outlets. Stores like Macy's and Bloomingdale's as well as Hecht's have been and continue to have good sales.
Alexandria, Va.:
Which is cheaper, buying books via the Internet or in person?
Janet Bennett: It depends whether you're buying more than one book. If you're buying several, then the shipping charges you have to pay are worth it for the money you save. Currently, Amazon is offering free shipping on orders over $99, and they also have a 30 percent off sale on books over $20. Check it out.
Dulles, Va.:
Hi Janet,
Can you give me some ideas for a gift for my boyfriend's elderly grandmother? We are visiting in December and I'd like to give her something. I don't want to get her something boring like chocolates or something she'll never use, but I don't know her well enough to know what she needs or wants. Any suggestions? And don't tell me to ask my boyfriend--he's no help!
Janet Bennett: Mmm. Your boyfriend's grandmother. How about sachet (there are some nice ones at Saks Fifth Avenue) or a plant like lucky bamboo that doesn't need much care?
For greener products:
care2.com
gaiam.com
realgoods.com
bodytime.com
just to name a few.
Janet Bennett: For the person in search of sites for greener products, there you go. Thanks!
Silver Spring, Md.:
For the plus-sized reader - there's always the online world. I wear 26/28, and buy most of my clothes from landsend.com and justmysize.com. L.L. Bean now has extended sizes, too.
Lord & Taylor in White Flint has a huge plus-size department, but it seems to stop at size 24 (as does Nordstrom's).
Janet Bennett: Thanks, Silver Spring. Appreciate your input.
Washington, D.C.:
Hi there. Can you tell me where I can find clothing by the design label "Paul & Joe?"
I really like the few things I have by them and I have been searching on the web for any sort of information about this label.
I can't seem to find anything.
Thanks.
Janet Bennett: There used to be a store called Turquoiz in Georgetown that carried Paul & Joe, but unfortunately they closed. I would try Luna's in Bethesda or Hysteria in Alexandria to see if they may carry that line.
Washington, D.C.:
Not sure if this is an appropriate question, but I always have the hardest time trying to figure out what to get a friend of mine who has more money than some small countries?! I, on the other hand, live quite happily and modestly on a $50,000 a year job. In years past, I have given him coupons for home-made dinners, etc (that he absolutely loved and thought was the best present he ever got!). Unfortunately he now lives in another part of the country and does not have a sweet tooth so sending baked goods wouldn't quite cut it. Any suggestions? Thanks!
Janet Bennett: Since we can't compete monetarily, how about a silver-plate bottle stopper that has snow globe on the top? It's at Neiman Marcus for the surprisingly reasonable price of $25.
Otherwise, Acqua di Parma is a great after-shave, worn by the likes of Cary Grant.
Centreville, Va.:
For the tall/large woman: There is now a Talbot's Woman store in White Flint Mall. They have a great selection, and wonderful people there to help you find things. (No, I don't work there, I'm just a very satisfied customer!)
Janet Bennett: Thanks for your input, Centreville. That's very useful info.
In the 'burbs:
Re: books online
Barnes & Noble offers free shipping if you buy two or more items, and prices are comparable to Amazon's. If you're really frugal, join Ebates and get a 4% cash rebate when you shop at B&N.
I love online shopping...
Janet Bennett: Thanks, in the 'burbs. Love online shopping, too.
Arlington, Va.:
Annandale is wrong about purchases being made in DC by Virginia residents being subject to VA use tax.
However, VA residents buying items over the Internet are subject to use tax, and if VA ever decided to enforce this, they could be made to pay a 4.5% tax on every purchase they've made (where they didn't pay tax), plus a hefty fine.
Janet Bennett: There you go, Annandale. Thanks, Arlington.
Riverdale, Md.:
Is the Christmas shopping seaon a good or bad time either for or crowds (needless to say I wish to vaoid crowds and spend least money) to shop used silver, old china or used linens. These items are for me (I always buy myself a Christmas present) and may be postponed.
Janet Bennett: If you can wait, that would be my advice. The crowds after Christmas will definitely be lighter and shopping can't help but be easier.
Fairfax, Va.:
What do you get for parents and in-laws that have everything or can buy anything they want and still give a thoughtful, nice gift? I've done the pictures in frames thing. I was thinking maybe something Washington, D.C.-ish since they are both on the west coast and my husband and I just moved here. What are your ideas? Where should I look?
Janet Bennett: Hi, Fairfax,
Not to sound self-serving, but what about a subscription to The Washington Post? That way your parents and in-laws will get a sense of where you live and what you may be up to. Alternatively, Political Americana (there's one in Union Station) has lots of Washingtonian memorabilia, including coffee table books about D.C.
Re: kids' cookbooks:
Please thank Alexa for the cookbook recommendation--it looks great! I am going to get it for my brother.
Janet Bennett: Done!
Rockville, Md.:
I'm submitting this a few days early, because I will be out of town, but I am desperate for help! I'm basically BROKE this year. But I do not want this to compromise the heartfelt quality of my gift giving this year. Do you have any ideas for how to proceed? See, usually, I'm Miss Moneybags this time of year, but this year I'm forced to be more creative, which I'm actually excited about. But one word of caution, I am not "artsy-craftsy," so I cannot MAKE anything. Some ideas I've had so far is to burn a CD for my boyfriend, consisting of love songs. I'm definitely doing that one, but I'm stumped on other things. HELP!
Janet Bennett: Does putting photos in a photo album really qualify as "making" something? I like your idea of burning a CD for your boyfriend; could something similar work for others on your list?
Washington, D.C.:
What are the best places to shop for electronics the day after Christmas in the DC area? I need to purchase DVD, DVD/VCR Player, CD's and a laptop. Also, do departments stores like Ann Taylor usually offer great Day-after-Thanksgiving sales?
Janet Bennett: For electronics, try Best Buy and Circuit City anytime. They
re always discounting merchandise.
As for an Ann Taylor sale the day after Thanksgiving, I'm not sure. I do imagine that they will have some discounts on selected stock. It's worth a try definitely, given the fact that almost every retailer is discounting.
Silver Spring, Md.:
Where will the best holidays sales be this year?
Janet Bennett: The answer is that there are and will be holiday sales all over town. Every retailer is going to put some of their merchandise on sale this season. Try Bloomingdale's, Macy's and Hecht's for good deals.
Washington, D.C.:
I plan to do all of my shopping the day after Thanksgiving. Where are the best places to shop for electronics? What times are stores opening the day after Thanksgiving? Will the local paper have coupons for department stores? Where will the best deals be for laptops and DVD players?
Janet Bennett: Most malls have special holiday hours that start the day after Thanksgiving and extend through New Year's. Some, like Leesburg Premium Outlets, open as early as 7 a.m. Search on our site under "mall" to find out more holiday hours.
The best places to shop for electronics are Best Buy and Circuit City.
Looking for a mall:
Janet, do you know of any storewide sales in Columbia, Montgomery Mall or Tysons Corner?
Janet Bennett: I'm not sure about storewide, but Nordstrom's in Montgomery Mall and Tysons Corner is having a sale on women's and children's shoes. Most department stores will have a selection of merchandise in many department stores on sale. I'd just pick a mall most convenient to my home.
Janet Bennett: Thanks everyone for calling in. Great to hear from you, and I wish you all a very happy Thanksgiving and a particularly productive shopping weekend.
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