Retail Therapy: Don’t be blue on Black Friday
Work smarter, not harder: If the idea of poring through a stack of Black Friday newspaper ads has you breaking out in a cold sweat, never fear. Websites like bfads.net have done all the work for you, leaving you with a searchable database of offers. For instance, type in “microwave” and all of the store ads for bargain microwaves will be displayed for you.
Black Friday and beyond: Members of the IKEA Family program will be able to take part in three days of special offers this weekend at IKEA in Costa Mesa, 1475 S. Coast Drive. In addition to special prices on a variety of products, the first 50 customers each day from Friday through Sunday will receive an IKEA gift card with a surprise value of up to $150. The first 100 customers each day will receive a free small breakfast. The first 200 customers each day will receive a free 10-gallon storage bag. Information: ikea-usa.com.
Ditch the leftovers: SOCIAL Costa Mesa, 512 W. 19th St., will launch a new brunch menu Sunday. Enjoy dishes like gumbo, ceviche mixto, a croquet madame, cinnamon French toast, and chicken and waffles. Brunch cocktails round out the affordable menu. Singer-songwriter Michael Cartwright will bring a Dave Matthews-esque vibe to the brunch service. Information: socialcostamesa.com.
Tasty downsizing: If you would like to give experiences rather than dust collectors this holiday season, consider a restaurant gift card. Dozens of area restaurants from Native Foods Café to California Pizza Kitchen are bringing back their “Buy $100 Get $20” gift card promotions, meaning you can get a bonus gift or plan a night out in January. Check recent emails from your favorite locations, or give them a call.
So Cal Santa: The Irvine Spectrum Center debuts Selfies with Santa on Friday. A Hawaiian shirt-clad Santa will hang out in a Crystal Cove-inspired beach house, where shoppers will be welcome to take two complimentary selfies with Santa on their own mobile devces. In addition, a free digital photo will be taken and emailed. Those who wish to order printed photos will have the option.
Just do it: Nike has opened a new women’s store at Fashion Island, 363 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach. The new location, totaling more than 6,000 square feet, also includes an in-store fitness studio that will offer weekly classes like a Saturday run club, Monday training club and Thursday yoga, as well as footwear and apparel trials. Other services include a run analysis, bra fitting and pants hemming. Information: gonike.me/orangecounty.
Gift goodness: Makeup mavens are invited to take part in a holiday open house from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday at Beach Beauty Bar, 1120 Pacific Coast Hwy., Suite C, Huntington Beach. Enjoy snacks and drinks while perusing a selection of holiday gift items, from candles to day planners. Information: beachbeautybar.com.
Wrap it up: The Container Store will give those who spend $100 in November a $15 gift card valid from Dec. 1 to 23. In addition, a gift-wrapping and bow-tying class will be held three times a day through Dec. 21. One winner at each demonstration will get a $15 gift card. Information: containerstore.com.
Have a hot sale tip, or know about a new local business that you think deserves a little attention? Contact CANDICE BAKER at [email protected].