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Open
and Clothed: For the Passionate Clothes Lover
Author
Andrea Siegel reads from her new book, which contains stories,
history and advice based on her costume library research,
museum investigation and interviews with passionate clothes
lovers.
7:30 pm Tuesday, Aug. 29. Powell's Books, 1005 W Burnside
St. Free.
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Kmart ain't what it used to be.
The blue lights marking hot deals along store aisles have
stopped flashing; they exist only at the company's website,
bluelight.com, and in shoppers' memories. The familiar red
and aqua giant letters on the signs of yore have been replaced
by shiny, modern BIG K signage. The revamped cafeterias
have lost that comfortable, dreary vibe--though you can
still buy delightful slushy Icees and soft pretzels there.
Sadly, kitschy Kmart stores are getting harder to distinguish
from encroaching Targets and Wal-Marts, thanks to sterility
makeovers intended to help them survive in an increasingly
competitive market. Kmart's sales and stock prices have
lagged considerably in recent years; top dog discount chain
Wal-Mart pushed Kmart Corp. a rung down the retail ladder
to number two. The company has strived to regroup more than
once, announcing a few weeks ago that it will close 72 of
its less profitable stores in 28 states, most of them by
Nov. 1 of this year.
In other words, Kmart is no longer King.
So why does the retail institution still hold a special
place in some shoppers' hearts? For one, it's reminiscent
of a time before giant, look-alike discount chains ruled
the suburbs. Maybe it's nostalgia for those '70s family
photographs from the Kmart portrait studio, or memories
of your parents giving in and buying you a coveted toy,
but only if you behaved while they shopped. Back then, Kmart
was the destination for cheap stuff, more affordable
than Sears. You may have resented having to get your back-to-school
clothes there while your friends went to J.C. Penney or
Meier & Frank. But I'll bet you have fond memories nonetheless,
and if you went back today, you would find something acceptable
to wear, even if it's just a headband.
Despite all the recent changes, there are still enough
cheap deals at Kmart to make it worth the occasional visit.
Next time you're out on Northeast 122nd Avenue and Sandy
Boulevard, or at Jantzen Beach Center, or smack dab in the
middle of Beaverton, grab a cart and get busy. But be warned:
The blue-light specials may be gone, but the long, frustrating
checkout lines haven't changed.
Here's a sampling of what you might find.
ACCESSORIES:
27 pairs of cheapo silver earrings (butterflies,
musical notes, seashells, etc.) with a Good Fortune purple
beaded bracelet. Sure, your ears might fall off, but
can you believe this price?! $9.99
Brunswick Axis sparkly purple bowling ball. No more
worrying about whether or not they ever clean those finger
holes in the balls at the bowling alley. (Ew!) $34.99
Gray or black furry pom-pom hair ties, barrettes or
bobby pins. $2.99
Chess set or Monopoly key chain. Apparently there's
a Ouija board version, too, but they were out when I visited.
Just don't play while you're driving. $1.99
Tigger-head insulated vinyl lunch box with Thermos.
Conveniently located next to the matching orange-and-yellow
Deer Drag straps, for you hunters who carry a lunch. $9.99
FOOTWEAR:
Texas Steer leather work boots. $39.99-$44.99
(On sale for $29.99 during a recent visit.)
Thom McAn men's black leather oxfords. $29.99
Soho big furry slippers in yellow, blue, aqua, cotton-candy
pink or black. The perfect excuse to have a Grease-themed
slumber party. $6.99
Thom McAn red leather step-in ladies' shoes with
cushy sole (and free theft-detection-device warning tag!)
$19.99
APPAREL:
Fruit of the Loom Superman boys' briefs, four pairs.
If only my waist were smaller. $5.49
Big Men's fleece vests, jackets and sweatshirts,
sizes 1x-3x. $11.99-$24.99
Winnie the Pooh pajamas for little ones. Just like
the ones you had as a kid! Will somebody please make these
in adult sizes? $11.99
Men's Basic Editions 100 percent cotton, black button-down
shirt. $12.99
You Glow Girl panties with glowing stars and angels
or wizard pattern. A great excuse to drop trou. $1.99
IMPULSE BUY:
Miss America pom-pom set, various colors. "Fluff,
shake and cheer!" Last time I checked, Miss America didn't
use pom-poms, but who cares? $4.99
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