December 05, 2013

DECEMBER 5, 2013 A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO

ALBERNI VALLEY NEWS

Shopping Smart

How to prevent identity theft during the holidays

The Gift of Go

Unique gifts for the family globetrotter

Get an Early Start Strategies for shopping early

View this section online @ www.albernivalleynews.com Click on E-Editions

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December 5, 2013 • Alberni Valley News

24 Days of Christmas Winners Get caught shopping local and win a $100 gift card Chamber of Commerce 24 Days of Christmas to an Alberni business!

Kathy Ralston left, was the first winner of the 24 Days of Christmas. Kathy was presented with a $100 gift card for Trends Hair Design while shopping at Gayle’s Fashions.

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Tips for early bird holiday shoppers

5

Frugal gift wrapping ideas

6

Holiday shopping on a budget

7

‘Tis the season for shipping gifts

8

Use coupons to save on holiday purchases

9

Gifts for the outdoor enthusiast and globetrotter

10

Are cash gifts tacky or ideal?

11

Prevent identity theft during the holidays

Other winners: Sharon Hines won $100.00 to spend at Wynans Furniture while shopping at Salmonberry’s

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Tips for early bird holiday shoppers G etting a head start on holiday shopping has its advantages.

Holiday shoppers who begin their quests for the perfect gifts at the onset of the season or before the shopping season even begins often find the financial sting of holiday shopping is easier to manage when spread out over time, and starting early can save shoppers the hassle of navigating their ways through crowded stores and packed parking lots.

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Alberni Valley News • December 5, 2013

Keep your pet

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Bosleys

But even holiday shoppers who hit the stores extra early should do so with a plan in hand, which can help shoppers save money while still finding the right gifts.

• Establish and stick to a budget.

Just because you may be starting your holiday shopping early does not mean you should throw financial caution to the wind. Establish a budget so holiday shopping won’t find you facing significant debt, which is just as difficult to deal with in late fall as it is once the holidays have come and gone. If necessary, speak to family members before establishing your budget so you can all agree on holiday spending limits.

Once you have established your holiday shopping budget, stick to it and avoid the temptation of overspending just because you’re starting early.

• Take your time. Arguably the greatest luxury of getting a head start on holiday shopping is the ability to take your time so you don’t end up making expensive impulse purchases. Such purchases may be your only option if you wait until the last minute to start shopping, but starting early enables you to take your time and comparison shop so you can find the best deal. If you find a great gift in a store but want to find it for less money, shopping early allows you to shop around at another store or online to see if it’s more affordable elsewhere. Make the most of this extra time, and you’re liable to save a substantial amount of money over the course of the season.

• Take advantage of early bird offers.

Many online retailers want consumers to begin their holiday shopping early, so they offer incentives to shoppers who beat the holiday rush. Such retailers may waive shipping and handling charges or wrap gifts free of charge for shoppers

Locally owned & operated • bosleys.com • 250-736-1156 Getting a head start on holiday shopping gives consumers more time to comparison shop and find better deals. who begin their holiday shopping early in the season. These offers typically disappear once the season hits full swing, so early bird shoppers should take advantage of such offers whenever possible.

• Get creative. Starting early may allow some holiday shoppers to skip the process of shopping altogether. Creative men and women with unique skills such as woodworking or making pottery may be able to create their own holiday gifts.

Homemade gifts will likely take more time to create, but starting early allows you to go at your own pace while still ensuring your special gift will be ready to go come the holidays.

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DECEMBER 5, 2013 • Alberni Valley News

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Alberni Valley News • December 5, 2013

Frugal gift wrapping ideas H

oliday shoppers spend billions of dollars each year on gifts for friends, family and coworkers. But holiday shoppers also spend substantial amounts of money dressing up those gifts with bows and wrapping paper. Shoppers may not want to spend much more on wrapping paper, bags and other ways to dress-up their gifts, and by employing a few tricks of the gift wrapping trade, they may not have to. The following are some frugal, yet flashy, ways to wrap presents this holiday season.

• Children’s artwork: Over the course of a school year parents can accumulate dozens of original pieces of art from their children’s time in the classroom. Instead of relegating those pictures to a memory box or temporary glory on the refrigerator, turn them into unique gift wrap. Pair these pieces of art with colored ribbon, and everyone who gets a unique masterpiece will feel special.

• Newspaper: Recycle newsprint and comics into wrapping paper. Encourage everyone to wrap in newspaper for a cohesive look come Christmas morning.

• Cloth: Leftover cloth from Halloween or cloth purchased to create homemade curtains can be turned into giftwrap for awkward-shaped gifts. Use decorative ribbon to seal the bundle shut.

• Brown paper: Brown paper tied with twine or ribbon is inexpensive and can easily be recycled after use. Use a marker to put the names of gift recipients on each package to save on gift tags as well.

• Glass jars: Use mason jars when wrapping smaller gifts, including gift cards, to give them an arts-and-crafts feel.

• Fabric gift bags: If you’re handy with a needle and thread, sew sacks out of leftover fabric to make gift bags of various sizes.

• Cookie tins: Find unique cookie tins from yard sales or leftover tins from holidays past and use them as gift boxes.

• Recipes: If you will be giving a cookbook or foodthemed gifts, print recipes that can be used as gift wrap and then later used to make certain dishes.

• Baby linens: From blankets to wash cloths, use baby linens to wrap infant-themed gifts for new parents.

• Baskets: Wicker baskets are available in various shapes and sizes. They can be used to make a gift collection and then reused over and over again.

There are many creative and inexpensive ways to wrap gifts this year instead of relying on preprinted and often expensive wrapping paper.

All your Christmas entertaining Nicole Deli Manager

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wrapped up!

• Deli platters • Bakery • Floral decor

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December 5, 2013 • Alberni Valley News

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he economic downturn that began in late 2008 forced many holiday shoppers to curb their spending on gifts for friends and family. But even though the economy has since recovered, savvy holiday shoppers are still taking a conservative approach to their shopping, and saving lots of money along the way.

Shoppers often struggle with how much to spend on gifts for their loved ones come the holiday season. The quest for the perfect gift leads many to overspend, but there are ways holiday shoppers can give great gifts without breaking the bank.

• Leave credit cards at home.

Stretching a budget when holiday shopping can be tempting, especially when shoppers come across “can’t miss” gifts they know their loved ones will treasure. Succumbing to such temptation typically finds holiday shoppers using their credit cards to make purchases they otherwise cannot afford, and that only lands shoppers in post-holiday debt that can be difficult to pay off. Leaving credit cards at home when shopping for the holidays significantly reduces the likelihood that shoppers will overspend, and it guarantees they won’t be mired in debt come January.

• Whittle down your shopping list.

Many holiday shoppers find themselves in financial hot water come the end of the holiday season thanks in large part to seemingly endless holiday shopping lists. Lists may include coworkers, distant cousins, neighbors, and a host of other acquaintances. Whittling down holiday shopping lists can save shoppers money.

Contact loose acquaintances and distant relatives to suggest you stop exchanging

gifts come the holidays, saving both parties time and money.

• Make a list of gifts. Blindly shopping for holiday gifts can prove disastrous to your finances. Before heading out on a holiday shopping trip, make a list of gifts you intend to buy for each person on your list. This can help you focus your search and reduce the likelihood that you will make potentially costly impulse purchases as you wander around the mall for hours on end.

• Avoid last-minute shopping. Lastminute shopping may unearth some great deals, but it’s far more likely to back shoppers into corners as they race against time to complete their holiday shopping. When shopping is put off until the last minute, shoppers don’t have time to comparison shop and find better deals, and that can quickly turn a holiday budget upside down. Begin your holiday shopping as early as possible, and take advantage of holiday sales.

• Spread out your shopping. Holiday shoppers with especially long shopping lists can spread out their shopping over several months to reduce the likelihood that they will accumulate credit card debt or run out of cash during the holiday season. Begin shopping in late summer or early fall, periodically buying gifts for loved ones when you have the cash to do so. This has the added benefit of freeing up time during the often hectic holiday season, and it greatly reduces the risk of compiling post-holiday debt.

Many people stretch their budgets during the holiday season. But savvy holiday shoppers can employ several strategies to keep themselves out of debt this holiday season.

NAlberni Valley News • December 5, 2013

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Alberni Valley

NEWS Every home U Every Friday U Every day online

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ravel is a staple of the holiday season. Many men and women find themselves spending a significant amount of time in the air or on the road, whether traveling to visit family or embarking on a holiday getaway.

For those who must fly to their holiday destinations, travel can present certain obstacles, as baggage restrictions and fees have made it more difficult and more expensive to travel with gifts in tow. But savvy holiday shoppers need not worry about fitting all of those gifts into their overstuffed luggage. Shipping gifts is a far more convenient way to get all those precious presents from point A to point B, and it saves travelers money on airline baggage fees. When shipping gifts this holiday season, consider the following tips.

• Use the right box. Boxes come in all shapes and sizes, and there are packing methods to ensure gifts arrive intact. The gift should not have much wiggle room inside the box, as the more the gift can move around the more likely it is to break.

Gently shake the box before closing it, adding any padding if the gift is moving around too much, otherwise move the gift to a smaller box. A box also should not be too small, as it may break before reaching its destination.

• Wrap each individual item. When shipping holiday gifts, it’s often most convenient to include several items in one large box. When doing so, wrap each item separately in air-filled wrapping or newspaper. This reduces the risk of items breaking during shipping.

• Line the interior of the box with a garbage bag. A garbage bag lining along the inside of the box can help to prevent

potential water damage from rain, snow or other leaky packages.

• Tightly tape the box. Once items are inside the box, be sure to use professional packing tape. Though there are cheaper alternatives available, professional packing tape is far more likely to hold up as the item travels from your home to its ultimate destination. Low quality tape could split or tear, resulting in a situation where boxes break open and items fall out.

• Pay attention when reusing boxes.

Reusing boxes is a great way to benefit the environment when shipping holiday gifts, but carefully examine the box before shipping it. Old labels and bar codes should be removed so packages ultimately end up in the correct destination. In addition, check any boxes for wear and tear before reusing them. Avoid using any boxes with previous water damage or tears.

• Double check addresses. Before shipping items, double check the address, making sure the name, address and ZIP code are correct. Confirm the information with the recipient as well. Be sure to write the address and full ZIP code in the method the shipping company requires to ensure prompt delivery.

• Include an extra mailing label inside the box. Inclement weather is common come the holiday season, and some packages may fall victim to the elements.

In such situations, shipping labels can be compromised, and some shipping companies have admitted they will open the box to look for a backup label if the exterior label has been soiled. Include an extra mailing label inside the box as a backup plan.

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December 5, 2013 • Alberni Valley News

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Use coupons to save on holiday purchases C oupons have long been helping consumers save a few dollars on everything from supermarket staples to toys and more. Scouring for coupons and using them effectively has evolved into an art form, with some savvy coupon users paying next to nothing for carts full of merchandise.

The average shopper may have little experience at finding coupons, but he or she can still save some money. As the holiday season approaches, it’s likely that coupon usage will once again be widespread. Here are some ways to put coupons to good use.

• Shop at stores that allow coupon stacking. Many store policies only allow shoppers one coupon per purchase.

But a select few allow shoppers to stack coupons to save more money. In such situations, shoppers may be able to combine dollar-value-off coupons with percentage-off coupons. In addition, some stores may not limit the number of coupons shoppers can use on a single transaction. Shopping at these stores with more flexible, consumer-friendly coupon policies can add up to significant savings over the course of the holiday shopping season.

• Check the restrictions before heading to the store. When planning to use coupons, shoppers should verify the fine print on the coupon before entering the store. Some coupons restrict which items can be purchased in conjunction with the coupon. For example, some stores may prohibit shoppers from using coupons when purchasing brand name or designer products, while others may limit when the coupon can be used.

Blackout dates could apply, so shoppers should visit stores when no such restrictions apply.

• Do your research before leaving the house. Just because you don’t have a paper coupon from a mailer or newspaper doesn’t mean such coupons are nonexistent. Search popular coupon Web sites for online coupon codes or printable in-store coupons. Merchandise can even be shipped to the store, which is usually free, to save you even more on shipping costs for items purchased online.

• Purchase more to save. It may seem counterintuitive, but very often

Holiday coupons can be found in the mail, newspaper advertisements and even online. larger purchases qualify shoppers for steep discounts. Consider doing all of your shopping at one retailer and then taking advantage of coupons that deduct a certain percentage of your total purchase. It could be worth it if you spend just a little bit more.

• Keep track of your coupons.

Coupons are no use to you if you lose them before you begin your holiday shopping. Keep them in a safe location and then remember to bring them with you when shopping for the holidays.

Some coupons can be used repeatedly, so do not discard them after use.

When used effectively, coupons can save holiday shoppers a substantial amount of money.

Gifts no outdoor enthusiast can resist

Alberni Valley News • December 5, 2013

Unique gift ideas for the family globetrotter

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loved one’s valuables are fully protected on rainy treks through the forest.

• Water filter: Drinking straight from natural water sources may seem like a genuinely adventurous thing to do, but it’s genuinely dangerous as well. A hiker’s water filter greatly reduces his or her risk of suffering illness after drinking water tainted with bacteria such as E.coli. Even the most serene streams or isolated rivers can contain harmful bacteria, so a portable water filter is a necessity.

• Compass: Many of us have grown to rely on our smartphone apps to get us ps from point A to point B. While such apps may do the job when we are near cell phone towers, phone signals are often less reliable in more remote locations, such as forests and national parks. A rreliable compass is all one may need to make his or her way through the w wilderness.

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he great outdoors rs is even greater when you’re prepared for all of the things Mother Nature can throw your way. Holiday shoppers with a person who enjoys the outdoors on their shopping list can turn this holiday season into a truly joyous occasion with the following gifts tailor-made for tackling the great outdoors.

• Folding kayak: Kayaking is a great way to take in the great outdoors, but not everyone has the room at home to store kayaks when they aren’t being used to traverse nearby waterways. Those who live in apartments, condominiums or smaller homes with limited storage may appreciate a folding kayak, which can be stored in a closet or beneath a bed and put together in a matter of minutes.

Folding kayaks that can be stored in vehicle trunks and quickly assembled once you arrive at your kayaking destination also can save kayakers money on roof racks for their vehicles.

• Waterproof backpack: A good outdoor person knows never to leave home without a waterproof parka, but what about his or her backpack? A waterproof backpack protects valuables, including cell phones, cameras and tools, from the elements. Look for backpacks with waterproof zipper systems to ensure your

• Hot dog roasters: No trip to the great o outdoors is complete without roasting ssome hot dogs over an open flame. But fa far too many hot dogs have been lost to the fire thanks to traditional campfire forks that don’t provide adequate hold as hot dogs cook over an open flame. Curly hot dog roasters wrap around the hot dogs, snuggly holding them in place as the franks cook.

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passion for traveling leads many people to go abroad and experience other cultures or explore the sites closer to home. Those with an avid traveler in their midst can tie into this love of exploring and give travelthemed gifts.

Gifting the family globetrotter is not always easy, however. Travelers tend to bring home mementos of their trips and make it seem as if they already have everything they need. Gifts purchased at the local store may seem to pale in comparison to more exotic trinkets.

But gifting travelers doesn’t have to be difficult. The following gifts should make great gifts for your favorite adventurer this holiday season.

• Travel journal: Many people love to document their trips, describing journeys to exotic locales or simply a family trip to a nearby campground. Travel journals make great gifts for those travelers who want more than just visual memories of their trip. Be sure to buy a journal that’s sturdy enough to handle all the bumps and bruises that accompany a nomadic lifestyle. Leatherbound or hardcover journals should suffice.

• Travel kit: Travelers know the value of a good travel kit, which can help them freshen up during long layovers at the airport or once they arrive at their destinations. In addition, a travel kit allows travelers to pack some of the comforts of home, such as moisturizer, shaving gel or a particular type of toothpaste, that might not be readily available at their destinations. When

Holiday shoppers have a number of travel-themed options at their disposal when finding the right gift for that special someone who loves to travel.

gifting a travel kit, place some of those favorite products, such as travel-size mouthwash or some luxury moisturizing creams, inside the kit for a special giftwithin-the-gift.

• Noise-cancelling headphones: A set of noise-cancelling headphones is a gift no globetrotter should go without.

These headphones reduce ambient noise and can make it easier to doze off comfortably on a flight or to enjoy a music playlist while sightseeing in a busy city.

• Maps: Domestic travelers may be able to rely on their smartphones for directions, but overseas travelers may need to keep their phones off when traveling overseas to avoid heavy surcharges. In such instances, maps make great gifts, especially if you find out in advance where your special traveler will be visiting next and gift a map of that particular locale.

• Gas card: For some, the joy of travel stems from getting behind the wheel and hitting the open road. If that’s true of your favorite travel aficionado, consider a gas card that can alleviate some of the cost of his or her next trip. Gift cards to filling stations can be purchased in just about any denomination, and your loved one will appreciate their free pass at the pump on their next road trip.

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December 5, 2013 • Alberni Valley News

Are cash gifts tacky or ideal?

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hen faced with a gift list a mile long and no idea what to get certain individuals on that list, many holiday shoppers opt to give cash as a present. Cash gifts are easy, one-size-fits all and no one will request a receipt to return a cash gift. Still, some people are not quite sure if it is socially acceptable to give a gift of cash.

There are many pros and cons to giving cash as a gift. Once a person weighs the advantages and the disadvantages to giving cold hard cash as a gift, then he or she can decide if cash is an ideal present or one that’s best avoided.

Advantages One of the advantages to giving cash is it eliminates waste.

Unlike gifts that will never be used and simply take up space, cash will be used sooner or later. How often have you received a sweater you won’t wear or a trinket you won’t use?

Sometimes people return these gifts, but very often they get relegated to a pile of belongings that will end up in the garbage

or stashed in the back of a closet. Cash eliminates this waste by giving a person the opportunity to buy exactly what he or she wants.

Cash gifts may be ideal for older people to give because they have limited mobility and cannot get out to the store to shop for presents. And grandparents unaware of the latest trends can give cash in a card and instruct grandchildren to purchase something they like.

Some people overextend themselves during the holiday season, and a cash gift can soften the blow of holiday spending.

Cash is very portable, which can make it easier for those who travel for the holidays to avoid shipping costs or extra baggage fees to take gifts on airlines.

People are inundated with a lot of stuff already, and a cash gift might be just what the doctor ordered.

Disadvantages Cash gifts may be considered impersonal and lacking in creativity. It does not take much effort to stash a dollar amount inside of an envelope and present it, so gift recipients may question their relationships with gift givers who give cash.

For many people, the excitement of the holidays has a lot to do with seeing a giant pile of gifts waiting to be unwrapped.

Gifting cash removes that excitement of presents under the tree. Although items can be purchased later on, the immediate gratification of tearing through boxes and bags simply is not there.

Some people find it awkward to receive

cash because the value of the gift is right there in black and white. It puts both people on the spot and may create some uncomfortable moments if the value of a cash gift does not match up to what the cash recipient spent on the cash giver.

When gifting standard gifts, many people are unaware of what the other spent and if the item was purchased on a discount.

If you gift with cash, there is no hiding the value.

Another disadvantage is if a person gives cash and receives cash in return. Do the two gifts cancel each other out? What if the amounts are different? Dealing in cash alone can be awkward.

There are ways to make giving cash a little more acceptable. If you get creative when handing over the money, this may take away from the fact that cash does not make a very dramatic gift.

• Try pairing the cash with a wallet or purse to make the presentation a little more interesting.

• Send the recipient on a scavenger hunt for the money, writing clues and hiding them around the house.

• Create a money tree or wreath that displays the cash in an interesting way.

• Fold bills into bows or tape together to make wrapping paper for a small token gift.

• For children, roll up bills and put it into a crayon box or pencil case.

• Fill up a large box with a lot of filler and hide the cash inside of a smaller box tucked inside.

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Alberni Valley News • December 5, 2013

11

Prevent identity theft during the holidays

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s the holiday shopping season approaches, consumers are once again preparing to do a significant amount of their holiday shopping online, while many others will rely on debit and credit cards to make their in-store purchases. Though banks and online retailers have made holiday shopping easier in many ways, that convenience has also made shoppers more vulnerable to identity theft.

The hectic nature of the holidays season can make it harder for holiday shoppers to recognize if their personal information has been compromised. As a result, many men and women do not realize that they have been victimized by identity thieves until after the season has come and gone.

shoppers should consider the following safety measures to reduce their risk of identity theft.

• Confirm the legitimacy of online retailers. Many online scammers masquerade as legitimate businesses.

Some may even steal logos or information from real businesses to make their scam appear more legitimate. When shopping online, stick to well-known retailers or verify with the Better Business Bureau or another watchdog organization that a Web site is operated by a reputable business.

wallet or purse. Some devices can block the capture of signals from the cards. But even consumers who have such devices should still check their bank and credit card statements to determine if their cards have been skimmed.

According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, identity theft affects

• Check for a secured browser.

Reputable online retailers encrypt their customers’ personal information. Look for a “locked” icon on the browser before entering payment information, or check to see if the URL has an “https” prefix, which means the site is secured.

• Promptly check credit and debit balances for accuracy. Routinely check purchases against the records of credit card companies and banks. Log into online accounts to verify any purchases and report any inaccuracies immediately.

Recognizing fraudulent activity early on can help consumers recover their money quickly and prevent any further problems.

Americans aren’t the only ones at risk of identity theft, which can victimize holiday shoppers whether they’re shopping at the nearby mall or from the comforts of home.

When shopping this holiday season,

• Beware of credit card skimmers.

Skimmers are devices that read the information on the magnetic strip of a credit or debit card. Some are planted on ATM machines or self-service kiosks at stores. They can be hard to detect.

Certain skimmers can even skim the information off a card while it is still in a

• Opt for credit over debit. Credit cards come with zero liability policies, which means consumers will not be held responsible for fraudulent purchases.

Debit cards do not always offer the same level of protection, and debit cards linked directly to a bank account could put consumers at greater risk.

10 million Americans each year, costing individuals and businesses $52 billion. But

• Keep receipts. Being cautious with receipts doesn’t just facilitate potential returns. Receipts often include a lot of personal information, including the shopper’s name, signature and credit card number. These receipts could be the doorway to identity theft.

• Password protect everything. A lost smartphone or tablet could provide a thief with a lot of personal information if it is not locked down with a password.

Also, always use a secured wireless signal when shopping online or accessing personal account information.

• Don’t carry extraneous information in a wallet. A lost wallet is less problematic when it isn’t filled with scores of credit cards and a social security card.

Consumers should limit the amount of personal information stored in their wallets.

Send your best wishes of the season in our Holiday edition Dec. 19.

Filled with stories written by local children, theADHoliday edition is a popular way to send your 1/8 PAGE 1/8 PAGE AD greetings to the Alberni Valley.

Call 250-723-6399 to book.

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DECEMBER 5, 2013 • Alberni Valley News

SALES are RINGING Sale ends Dec 24, 2013!

SOCKS

Under Armour

20

20

%

OFF

Viberg Sweaters

30

$

OFF

CAT Clothing

30

%

OFF

Clothing

including BELTS & WALLETS

Stihl Clothing

%

BOOTS

99

OFF

%

OFF

All Hats

95

Each

CLEARANCE RACKS UP TO

40 - 70

GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE

20

%

LB Woodchoppers

% OFF

20

20

Thermos Reg. $2995

%

OFF

Back Pack & Sackpacks

SALE $ 17 95

%

OFF

Duck Dynasty

SWEATERS

39

$

95

Each

CLOTHING

20

%

OFF

Monday - Friday: 8 am - 5 pm; Saturday: 9 am - 5 pm

lbwoodchoppers.com • 3509 3rd Avenue

250 -723-5841

20 - 30 % OFF