Rachael Ray Is a TJ Maxx and Target Girl

SavvySugar — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 09:30:48 -0800

The queen of 30-minute meals, Rachael Ray, is an expert on whipping up family meals, and in her life outside the kitchen she loves to share more than just food with her own family. When Bankrate asked her if she treats herself to many extravagances, Ray said that now she's able to take her entire family on an annual Italian vacation and she enjoys doing things that are "emotionally profitable," like starting the Yum-O! organization.

While she's all for going splurging on her family and giving generously to charity, the bubbly cook doesn't spend much on her wardrobe. She said that she certainly has "more shoes than she did 15 years ago," but most of her shopping habits haven't really changed.

But in our everyday life, I wear literally the same pants I've had for 10, 12 years. I still shop at TJ Maxx and Marshalls and Target, and I do my own grocery shopping. I wander around in Adidas sweats and wear bluejeans most of the time.

Bankrate points out that we can all learn from Ray's habits of living below our means and sharing what we do have when possible.

Source

Filene's Basement Files For Bankruptcy

SavvySugar — Mon, 04 May 2009 14:00:35 -0700

Another retailer can be added to the growing list of recession victims. Filene's Basement filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection today, citing slow sales and tough competition from other discount stores like T.J. Maxx. Filene’s is selling 17 of its 25 stores to Crown Acquisitions for $22 million, and filing for bankruptcy protection will give the chain a clean debt slate. Still, The New York Times points out that overcoming a Chapter 11 filing isn't easy in this economic climate, citing the fate of the liquidated Circuit City chain.

We can thank Filene's for developing a market for discounted goods. It's credited as being one of the first retailers to offer automatic markdowns, the idea to reduce prices on items that have been on the floor for a certain period of time. Hopefully, the 100-year-old chain will emerge from its second bankruptcy as a stronger competitor.

Source