The holidays are filled with memories and gift-giving, but unfortunately during this same beautiful season, crime rates everywhere increase. As shopping for holiday gifts can get stressful at times, it’s important not to let the hustle and bustle of the season lull you into forgetting to shop safely. Shop smart and safe with Bradley Square Mall’s tips to staying safe this holiday shopping season:
Shop with a Friend
Shopping with a friend or relative makes for a fun outing and offers safety in numbers. Shop when the center is less crowded -- during the week, for example. Bradley Square Mall has extended holiday hours for your holiday shopping convenience.
Oh, Where Did I Park?
Park your car in a well-lit area and keep your vehicle doors locked and your windows shut. “Be aware of your surroundings and if you see anything suspicious or if something does not feel right, leave the area immediately and call security or 911," said Stacia Crye-Shahan, marketing manager of Bradley Square Mall. Shahan recommends keeping valuables out of sight including cell phones, digital devices, purses and packages. And, as you return to your vehicle, have your keys in hand. Remember to make a mental note of where you parked your car, or better yet, jot it down on your shopping list. Being unable to locate a car after a day of holiday shopping can cause undue confusion and stress.
Avoid Identity Theft
Keep your purse or wallet close to your body at all times and do not swing or carry a purse loosely. Carry only the identification information and the credit and debit cards that you'll actually need to shop. When paying for items, do not flash large amounts of money and keep cash in separate areas of your purse. When using a debit card, do not allow anyone to see you enter a pin number. Make a list of your major credit cards, their account numbers and the phone numbers to call if cards are lost and keep this list at home.
Carrying Packages
To help carry larger packages, rent a stroller or what is commonly called a “flip and shop” stroller. Avoid making multiple trips to your car with packages as someone may see the packages you are loading into your trunk.
Kids are Shoppers, Too!
Always keep an eye on your children. Remember to let children look around and have fun while they shop, but they also need to understand that it's important to stay near their parents. It is a good idea to bring a babysitter, friend or older child to help watch your youngest, especially when waiting in long lines. Teach your children what to do in the event you get separated. The best option is to instruct your child to look for a security guard or police officer, or go to the Guest Services Booth where trained individuals are there to help.
The ATM Machine
Always use ATM machines in a populated location and be aware of the environment around you. Try to use ATMs during the daylight hours. If you must go at night, pick a machine that is well lit and visible to passing traffic.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Day After Thanksgiving Shopping Tips
This year, as Bradley Square Mall prepares to open its doors to holiday shoppers at 6:00 a.m. on November 27 for the ultimate jump-start on Black Friday bargains, the popular holiday shopping destination wants their guests to be armed and ready to take advantage of every precious shopping minute.
“Preparation is the key to holiday shopping on Black Friday,” said Stacia Crye-Shahan, marketing manager for Bradley Square Mall. “It’s simple. The more organized and prepared you are, the more opportunity for getting the best deals.”
Bradley Square Mall, a shopping haven that houses a collection of brand name retailers including, Aéropostale, American Eagle, Bath & Body Works, Finish Line, Hibbett Sports, and Maurices, offers the following must-have advice for guests to gobble up the extraordinary savings on the first official holiday shopping day of the season.
1)Revitalize- Enjoy a hearty Thanksgiving meal and have someone else do the dishes so you’ll be energized and ready for a good dose of holiday shopping at 6:00 a.m. the day after Thanksgiving.
2)Be Savvy, Study!- To ensure a successful shopping experience, the day must be well researched and planned. Do your homework on big-ticket items ahead of time and create a master list of gifts you would like to purchase, so your day will go more smoothly.
3)Map it Out- After your list is complete, create a plan of attack. Be sure to consider the location of each store you want to visit, the items you’ll need from them and the times that coupons expire. Lucky for you, there are over 30 stores at Bradley Square Mall so you won’t waste any valuable shopping time.
4)Power Up!- The key to capturing all the great deals is to stay well nourished and hydrated. Pack some almonds and cashews and a water bottle along with tissues, hand sanitizer and anything else you may need throughout the day.
5)Be an Early Bird: Be among the first at the stores that matter to those on your list. Early openings were made for serious shoppers like you, so grab your coffee and get going!
6)Foot Fetish- Fashionable high heels and sexy stilettos may be on your master list of gifts, but they should not be on your feet while shopping! Wear comfortable shoes with cushioning at the ball and heel, or buy specially made gel inserts so you can travel comfortably from store to store.
7)Walk it Out- While the spot near the entrance may be calling your name as you circle through the parking lot over and over again, save yourself the time and energy and choose the spot farther away. Not only will the fresh air keep you awake and on your toes, but you’ll also avoid the traffic of the parking lot the closer you are to the exit!
8)Get in the Spirit- Mood has a lot to do with your success- stay positive and you’re sure to find the best holiday gifts!
“Preparation is the key to holiday shopping on Black Friday,” said Stacia Crye-Shahan, marketing manager for Bradley Square Mall. “It’s simple. The more organized and prepared you are, the more opportunity for getting the best deals.”
Bradley Square Mall, a shopping haven that houses a collection of brand name retailers including, Aéropostale, American Eagle, Bath & Body Works, Finish Line, Hibbett Sports, and Maurices, offers the following must-have advice for guests to gobble up the extraordinary savings on the first official holiday shopping day of the season.
1)Revitalize- Enjoy a hearty Thanksgiving meal and have someone else do the dishes so you’ll be energized and ready for a good dose of holiday shopping at 6:00 a.m. the day after Thanksgiving.
2)Be Savvy, Study!- To ensure a successful shopping experience, the day must be well researched and planned. Do your homework on big-ticket items ahead of time and create a master list of gifts you would like to purchase, so your day will go more smoothly.
3)Map it Out- After your list is complete, create a plan of attack. Be sure to consider the location of each store you want to visit, the items you’ll need from them and the times that coupons expire. Lucky for you, there are over 30 stores at Bradley Square Mall so you won’t waste any valuable shopping time.
4)Power Up!- The key to capturing all the great deals is to stay well nourished and hydrated. Pack some almonds and cashews and a water bottle along with tissues, hand sanitizer and anything else you may need throughout the day.
5)Be an Early Bird: Be among the first at the stores that matter to those on your list. Early openings were made for serious shoppers like you, so grab your coffee and get going!
6)Foot Fetish- Fashionable high heels and sexy stilettos may be on your master list of gifts, but they should not be on your feet while shopping! Wear comfortable shoes with cushioning at the ball and heel, or buy specially made gel inserts so you can travel comfortably from store to store.
7)Walk it Out- While the spot near the entrance may be calling your name as you circle through the parking lot over and over again, save yourself the time and energy and choose the spot farther away. Not only will the fresh air keep you awake and on your toes, but you’ll also avoid the traffic of the parking lot the closer you are to the exit!
8)Get in the Spirit- Mood has a lot to do with your success- stay positive and you’re sure to find the best holiday gifts!
BLUE Friday!!
This is my last and final post of the season! I can't believe how quickly November has come and gone. Seems like just yesterday I was stressing over trying to FIND all these deals, and now here we are at the end. But don't think I slacked off for this last post! I most certainly did NOT. I've got some great, GREAT items for you from our very own KMart! Kmart has an event called "Blue Friday" on the day after Thanksgiving and there are sales and discount store-wide that are awesome. I've featured so many great clothing deals, ways to dress the whole family and where to buy the best shoes of the season. I've given you advice on "guy hobbies" and jewelry buying. But my LAST and final post is about one thing and one thing only: toys!
Tonka Mighty Dump Truck or Tough Crane for just $14.99. What little boy doesn't need a Tonka Truck to play in the dirt with? Give the gift of dirt and memories with a Tonka Truck for that special little boy in your life!
Boardgames are Buy One Get One Free (of equal or lesser value)! All of my favorite family memories involve a boardgame, someone getting ticked off and stomping out of the room until the whole family marched up to their room and persuaded them to come back downstairs for hot cocoa and popcorn. Make some special memories this holiday season with a never-ending game of Life, or a suspenceful game of Clue!
And last but not least, the Friday and Saturday sale items! Disney Princess Teapot and set is on sale for $9.99! Start teaching etiquette now with this little tea set. Invite her favorite stuffed animals and maybe a few dolls to enjoy a sweet tea party with you, her and this cute little tea set!
Take your little guy on his first camping trip into the living room with this Koolaroo 6 piece kids' Construction Zone tent combo for just $17.99. The set includes a tent, sleeping bag, backpack, flashlight, water bottle, and whistle with compass. Have so much fun, just dad and son, telling ghost stories with the flashlight. Then, snuggle into your tent for a good night's sleep!
Looking for fun the whole family can enjoy? Check out this 44 inch portable Lifetime basketball hoop for just $69.99. It features a telescoping height of 7.5 to 10 feet high. It includes a 5-year warranty and is perfect for a family game of three-on-three!
Toys play an essential part in Christmas for kids. I can't remember a Christmas as a kid that wasn't made PERFECT by that one toy I had been nagging my parents about for months. Here are some deals at KMart that might help make Christmas for your kids as special as mine were:
Starting with the Thanksgiving Day Sale items... that means that these items are ONLY on sale on Thanksgiving Day! Barbie Pink Doll with Fashion is on sale for just $9.99. This Barbie is so cute with two extra outfits and a doll! Check out this deal!
Tonka Mighty Dump Truck or Tough Crane for just $14.99. What little boy doesn't need a Tonka Truck to play in the dirt with? Give the gift of dirt and memories with a Tonka Truck for that special little boy in your life!
Boardgames are Buy One Get One Free (of equal or lesser value)! All of my favorite family memories involve a boardgame, someone getting ticked off and stomping out of the room until the whole family marched up to their room and persuaded them to come back downstairs for hot cocoa and popcorn. Make some special memories this holiday season with a never-ending game of Life, or a suspenceful game of Clue!Now for the Doorbusters, that are only on sale Friday from 6am to 11am. The Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Raceway is on sale for just $29.99. Have an intense race with that special "race-loving" child in your family this Christmas! See who makes it to the Finish Line first: Mickey, or Goofy!
Huffy Major Trouble bicycles for boys and Huffy Major Flirt bicycles for girls on sale for $69.99. These bikes include a rear pedal brake for safety as well as a rear and front hand brakes for training purposes.
And last but not least, the Friday and Saturday sale items! Disney Princess Teapot and set is on sale for $9.99! Start teaching etiquette now with this little tea set. Invite her favorite stuffed animals and maybe a few dolls to enjoy a sweet tea party with you, her and this cute little tea set!Polly Pocket Limo and Polly Pocket Sea Chic Boutique Bag are both on sale for just $9.99 each. Polly is quite the rage these days, and I know what my little sister will be getting from me this Christmas: a Polly Pocket Limo from KMart. Be careful of small parts with these toys. Spend time changing Polly's wardrobe several times over with the Sea Chic Boutique Bag, and then sed her off to the party in her own limo!
Take your little guy on his first camping trip into the living room with this Koolaroo 6 piece kids' Construction Zone tent combo for just $17.99. The set includes a tent, sleeping bag, backpack, flashlight, water bottle, and whistle with compass. Have so much fun, just dad and son, telling ghost stories with the flashlight. Then, snuggle into your tent for a good night's sleep!Watch your skateboarding daredevil scoot up and down the street with this Light-Up Scooter on sale for $19.99. The wheels and standing board light up, and the adjustable handle raises or lowers to fit your child's height.
Looking for fun the whole family can enjoy? Check out this 44 inch portable Lifetime basketball hoop for just $69.99. It features a telescoping height of 7.5 to 10 feet high. It includes a 5-year warranty and is perfect for a family game of three-on-three!I hope you've enjoyed this blog as much as I have! Spend time with your family this holiday season and make lasting memories that will always be special to you and your loved ones. Come by Bradley Square Mall for the Day After Thanksgiving Hullabaloo event including several contests and drawings for giveaways and even a Grand Prize of getting your electric bill paid by Bradley Square! Stop by Guest Services for more information! Check Facebook.com/shopbradleysquare for more information on store hours and the Hullabaloo event! Thanks for shopping, bargain hunters, and as always... thanks for reading!
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
"Baby it's cold outside..."
It's getting colder and colder as we get further into November and closer to December. That means everyone needs a good coat. That brings me to JCPenney's Big Buys this Thanksgiving sale time! Big Buys are the items that will be marked down not only the day after Thanksgiving, but also the Saturday after. These deals are too good to pass up. Check out these coats for his and her:
St. John's Bay peacoats in nine different colors for her at only $49.88... The coats are a wool/nylon/cashmere mixture and will look fabulous this season. If you make it to JCPenney on the day after Thanksgiving before 1pm, you can also pick up a great St. John's Bay rugby scarf to match for only $11.99. Be sure to check these coats out!
St. John's Bay leather coats for him at only $69.88... These coats look great for this cold weather season, feature styles with a zip-up front for a more casual look as well as an open bottom style for a more formal look. They come in men's sizes and will be on sale all weekend.
Don't think I've forgotten about the kids! Boys' and girls' outerwear is also on sale in select styles for just $17.88. The boys' coats come in sizes 4 to 20 and the girls' coats come in sizes 7 to 16. Come to Bradley Square to put coats on every person in your family for this season! Also, the entire stop of a.n.a. cold-weather accessories are 50-65% off all weekend, so be sure to pick a matching scarf and gloves for that brand new girls jacket!
Doorbusters start on Friday at 4am, so make plans to come early to take advantage of these awesome deals! Happy hunting, bargain shoppers!
St. John's Bay peacoats in nine different colors for her at only $49.88... The coats are a wool/nylon/cashmere mixture and will look fabulous this season. If you make it to JCPenney on the day after Thanksgiving before 1pm, you can also pick up a great St. John's Bay rugby scarf to match for only $11.99. Be sure to check these coats out!
St. John's Bay leather coats for him at only $69.88... These coats look great for this cold weather season, feature styles with a zip-up front for a more casual look as well as an open bottom style for a more formal look. They come in men's sizes and will be on sale all weekend.
Don't think I've forgotten about the kids! Boys' and girls' outerwear is also on sale in select styles for just $17.88. The boys' coats come in sizes 4 to 20 and the girls' coats come in sizes 7 to 16. Come to Bradley Square to put coats on every person in your family for this season! Also, the entire stop of a.n.a. cold-weather accessories are 50-65% off all weekend, so be sure to pick a matching scarf and gloves for that brand new girls jacket!
Doorbusters start on Friday at 4am, so make plans to come early to take advantage of these awesome deals! Happy hunting, bargain shoppers!
Monday, November 23, 2009
Holiday Hullabaloo at Bradley Square
Shop November 27 to Enter and Win Your November Electric Bill Paid by Bradley Square Mall!
WHAT
All the Holiday Hullabaloo Starts Friday, November 27 at 6:00 a.m. at Bradley Square Mall. We want to help stretch your Holiday budget just a little farther by paying your November Electric Bill. Visit the Guest Services Booth between 6:00 am and 10:00 am on November 27 to enter to win. The winning name will be drawn at 10:00 am on November 27. The first 200 shoppers to visit Guest Services will receive a FREE tote filled with coupons and other goodies!
Rules and Regulations Apply. See Guest Services for Details.
WHEN
Holiday Hullabaloo
November 27 between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m.
WHERE
Guest Services Booth
Bradley Square Mall
Cleveland, TN
I-75 at Exit 27 Paul Huff Parkway
WHY
Because Bradley Square appreciates you, the customer! Come join us to celebrate the season of gratitude and appreciation!
WHAT
All the Holiday Hullabaloo Starts Friday, November 27 at 6:00 a.m. at Bradley Square Mall. We want to help stretch your Holiday budget just a little farther by paying your November Electric Bill. Visit the Guest Services Booth between 6:00 am and 10:00 am on November 27 to enter to win. The winning name will be drawn at 10:00 am on November 27. The first 200 shoppers to visit Guest Services will receive a FREE tote filled with coupons and other goodies!
Rules and Regulations Apply. See Guest Services for Details.
WHEN
Holiday Hullabaloo
November 27 between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m.
WHERE
Guest Services Booth
Bradley Square Mall
Cleveland, TN
I-75 at Exit 27 Paul Huff Parkway
WHY
Because Bradley Square appreciates you, the customer! Come join us to celebrate the season of gratitude and appreciation!
Dress the Whole Family
I don't know about you, but I know that when my mom goes shopping before Christmas, she has two main goals: to find gifts for everyone, and to find nice looking outfits for my family. Now, let me start by saying that the second goal doesn't sound like it's all that difficult, however you should know that I'm 21 and my siblings are 17, 15, 8, and 4 with three boys in the middle and a little girl at the end. That makes things a little more involved. You can imagine her struggle to find outfits for this size range at decent prices.
55% off entire stock of juniors' fashions tops... Sometimes those dress pants you bought last year just need new shirt to make them look brand new! These shirts are so cute and will make your holiday "dress up event" extra special. Pick up a new pair of boots to finish the outfit and you're set!
60% off Saddlebred sweaters and sportshirts and Chaps sweaters... Dads everywhere will look great in a new sweater from Saddlebred or Chaps. They come in several different colors and sizes, so be sure to take a look at these great sweaters!
50% off Timberland fleece and crewneck waffle knits... Ever feel like teenage boys are the hardest to shop for? Especially for nice shirts that keep them looking their age, but also a step above skater shoes and a Tshirt?? These fleece accomplish JUST that: not too dressy, not too casual. They come in six different colors and sizes from medium to double XL. It's the perfect compromise for the holiday season!
These are all DoorBusters, so be sure to come in between 6 A.M. and 1 P.M. to get these awesome deals, and dress the whole family in ONE STOP! You can't put a price on convenience! These are bargains if I ever saw one! Happy hunting!
But, never fear!! The bargain hunter is here! And I've got great news for all those moms looking to clothe their family this season: Belk has some awesome deals for the Day After Thanksgiving sale that will help you not only find those cute outfits for everyone in your family, but also do it in ONE STOP! Check out these DoorBuster deals:
55% off entire stock of juniors' fashions tops... Sometimes those dress pants you bought last year just need new shirt to make them look brand new! These shirts are so cute and will make your holiday "dress up event" extra special. Pick up a new pair of boots to finish the outfit and you're set!
60% off Saddlebred sweaters and sportshirts and Chaps sweaters... Dads everywhere will look great in a new sweater from Saddlebred or Chaps. They come in several different colors and sizes, so be sure to take a look at these great sweaters!60% off kids' pant sets and dresswear... Including brands like Headquarters, Rare Editions, and Good Lad, these kids' outfits are adorable! These are a "must look" for the Day After Thanksgiving sale!
50% off Timberland fleece and crewneck waffle knits... Ever feel like teenage boys are the hardest to shop for? Especially for nice shirts that keep them looking their age, but also a step above skater shoes and a Tshirt?? These fleece accomplish JUST that: not too dressy, not too casual. They come in six different colors and sizes from medium to double XL. It's the perfect compromise for the holiday season!
And mom can find a nice outfit during this sale, too! Don't forget to get a little something for yourself! 55% of entire stock of misses and petite dresses and pantsuits... look fabulous in a great new "little black dress" that never gets old for a formal event. Be sure to check out the shoes too! A great shoe really finishes an outfit.
These are all DoorBusters, so be sure to come in between 6 A.M. and 1 P.M. to get these awesome deals, and dress the whole family in ONE STOP! You can't put a price on convenience! These are bargains if I ever saw one! Happy hunting!
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Items We Use Everyday
I starting thinking about it, and I wondered: what are the items in my life that I use everyday and probably couldn't function without? I wanted to know what items I cared enough about and used enough everyday that their quality really counts. I listed:
- toothbrush (that's just bad hygiene not to use this everyday and low quality ones hurt your gums!)
- Starbucks travel mug (if you're anything like me, you literally CAN NOT function without coffee and a good travel mug makes all the difference in my mornings)
- deodorant (self explanatory... and there are some out there who need to take this more seriously!)
- planner
- cell phone
There are obviously many more objects that I use daily that are vital to my everyday success, but the last one is what I want to focus on: a cell phone. I can't tell you how many times I've heard the phrase, "I just use my cell phone for making calls and receiving calls... that's IT! Why do I need some fancy phone??" Well, I'll tell you why: cell phones are the ONLY kind of phones anymore. The landline rate has dropped significantly in the past 3 years and more and more people are cancelling their landlines because they only ever use their cell phones. I don't have a landline. The only landline I even use is at work. Things are changing and to keep up, you need to maintain the quality of the products you buy.
AT&T Cellular Sales in Bradley Square has a few really great deals on phones that you should know about. The first is the LG Xenon. The Xenon is offered in red, black and blue, features a 2 megapixel camera with flash and has video abilities built in. It has a 2.8 inch touch screen on the front that slides back to display a full Qwerty keyboard. The phone costs $100 after a mail-in rebate and is a "big bang for your buck" phone. This phone would be for that person that uses their phone primarily for calling and texting, but also occassionally needs to download something or check their e-mail. This phone is Bluetooth and USB ready and also features the AT&T video share ability that makes sharing special moments with others quick and easy. The phone is great quality for a low price so check it out!
What about the person who wants to use their phone for everything from e-mailing to texting, to picture sharing to checking Facebook? We have a phone for you too. Check out the Blackberry Curve 8900. It features a 3.2 megapixel camera with flash and video recording. This Blackberry has a quicker, faster processor that makes e-mailing and picture sharing faster and easier. It can hold up to 10 different e-mail accounts from virtually any e-mail provider. It has an expandable memory of up to 32 gigabytes with an added memory card. The phone costs $200 after a mail-in rebate, but the pay off is fabulous. You can use this phone for pretty much everything including event reminders, Internet searches and entertainment when you're stuck in a 3 hour lay over at JFK. Be sure to put a Blackberry Curve on not only your Christmas List, but also your birthday list, Easter list and St. Patty's Day list!
These are both great phones at awesome prices and deserve a look. Stop by AT&T Celular Sales in the mall to talk to a sales representative about these phones! Happy hunting!