Fab Finds at Bargain Carousel

It’s time for one of my favorite shopper-tunities:  Bargain Carousel!

A 1000-family garage sale, Bargain Carousel has been labeled the “largest garage sale in Birmingham.” Through member donations, Bargain Carousel provides shoppers with quality items, including many of life’s necessities, at very affordable prices.  In return, proceeds are returned directly to the Birmingham community through the Community Projects the Junior League of Birmingham supports.

It takes over 7,000 volunteer hours to produce Bargain Carousel, and there will be over 100,000 items for sale! Find out more at http://bargaincarousel.net/.

You can shop for a fabulous cause ahead of the rush at Bargain Bash on Thursday, April 25. Bargain Bash offers exclusive access to all the merchandise that will be sold at Bargain Carousel. Enjoy fabulous food and tasty beverages from local businesses, incredible auction items and private shopping at bargain prices.  Be a part of this wonderful night as the Junior League of Birmingham raises awareness and funds for its 38 community projects, which have made a positive impact on the Birmingham community for over 96 years.   (Items purchased at Bargain Bash are double the price marked during the weekend sale.)

TIPS: Get there early, wear comfortable shoes and bring a big tote or cart!

Check out some of my favorite finds from this year’s sale!

Want to go? Comment “Send me to bargain Carousel!” on this post, or on the associated posts on Instagram (@samechicdifferentday) and SCDD’s Facebook page!

Happy Shopping!

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Find your #CarouselCatch at Bargain Carousel!

Haute off the press:

For some there is nothing more fun than bargain hunting! What if you could find a wide variety of unbelievable items at low prices and buying them would mean you were improving lives for women and children? The Junior League of Birmingham’s (JLB) annual Bargain Carousel makes this shopping experience a reality. (I have a things for unique housewares and always find something distinctive and fun at Bargain Carousel. Check out what I have my eye on in the photo gallery…I hope no one beats me to the punch!)

Bargain Carousel will kick off on Thursday, April 26 this year with Bargain Bash.

Bargain Bash is a casual cocktail party that offers first-chance shopping of Bargain Carousel items and impressive silent and live auctions including more than 150 items, such as original artwork and VIP travel packages. This year’s Bargain Bash is a fabulous fiesta sponsored by Publix Super Market Charities and catered by Taco Mama. Fun activities will include a tequila toss and piñatas with amazing prices. Har Megiddo, who was a crowd hit last year, is returning to spin the soundtrack for the evening.

For shoppers wanting the best selection and smaller crowds, VIP admission is the best choice, with 6 p.m. entry at $40 a ticket. Shoppers receive one hour of early bird shopping before general admission patrons enter. All guests enjoy food, beverages and the auctions. VIP admission is $40 a ticket and general admission (7 p.m. entry) is $30 a ticket. All Bargain Carousel items sell for double the ticket price during Bargain Bash.

Saturday and Sunday are a bargain hunter’s paradise, with more than 100,000 items for sale including art, appliances, furniture, heirloom items, baby and children’s clothing and furnishings, home décor, outdoors and sporting goods, and much more. Additionally, crafters and Pinterest lovers will be thrilled with the project pieces available. Bargain Carousel 2018 will begin on Saturday, April 28 (8 a.m. – 5 p.m.). Tickets from 8 – 12 Noon are $10/ticket and from Noon – 5 p.m. they are $5/ticket.   It continues Sunday, April 29 (1 – 5 p.m.) with free admission and half price merchandise.

“Bargain Carousel’s purpose is two-fold,” said JLB volunteer and Bargain Carousel chair, Marianne Gilchrist. “The sale raises money for the League’s 32 projects serving women and children in the metro area and it allows us to sell items at deeply discounted prices to individuals who can benefit from them.”

“Many people return to the event year after year,” Kristen Osborne, Junior League of Birmingham. “We have our Bargain Bash faithful who come in and buy antique pieces at double our retail price and we have hundreds of people who line up overnight for the general sale because they know they can get gently-used necessities at a price they can afford.”

Thanks to Baptist Health Foundation, Bargain Carousel will be held in Hoover just off of Exit 10 from I-459 in the old Princeton-Hoover location. The sale encompasses the entire shopping center with the main portion occurring in the former Winn-Dixie grocery store.

In 2017, more than 500 tickets were presold the day before Bargain Carousel opened its doors. People began lining up the night before to reserve their spot to pre-purchase tickets. This year, the pre-sale will be held at the sale location on Friday, April 27 from 2 – 6 p.m., where shoppers may purchase up to four tickets at $10/ticket to the Saturday sale.

A special note for the Saturday sale, all tickets are numbered, and shoppers will enter Bargain Carousel in the order of their ticket number. For information about Bargain Carousel 2018, call 205-879-9861, visit www.bargaincarousel.net“Like” Bargain Carousel on Facebook, or follow @jlbbargaincarousel on Instagram.

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Want a chance to win a ticket to Bargain Carousel next Saturday? Comment “I want to find my #CarouselCatch” on this post! You can get extra entries by posting the same comment on the Bargain Carousel posts on the blog’s Facebook and Instagram pages. I’ll draw one winning entry on Saturday, April 21 at noon.

Bargain Carousel is this week!

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SCDD is sending one reader (and a guest) to Bargain Bash! Comment “Send me to Bargain Bash” on this post to enter (receive additional entries at the posts on Facebook and Instagram). Winner will be drawn on Wednesday, April 26.

Haute off the press (release):

For some there is nothing more fun than bargain hunting! What if you could find a wide variety of unbelievable items at low prices and buying them would mean you were improving lives for women and children? The Junior League of Birmingham’s (JLB) annual Bargain Carousel makes this shopping experience a reality.

Bargain Carousel will kick off on Thursday, Apr. 27 this year with Bargain Bash.

Bargain Bash is a casual cocktail party that offers first-chance shopping of Bargain Carousel items and impressive silent and live auctions including more than 150 items, such as original artwork and VIP travel packages. For shoppers wanting the best selection and smaller crowds, VIP admission is the best choice, with 6 p.m. entry at $40 a ticket. Shoppers receive one hour of early bird shopping before general admission patrons enter. All guests enjoy food, beverages and the auctions. VIP admission is $40 a ticket and general admission (7 p.m. entry) is $30 a ticket. All Bargain Carousel items sell for double the ticket price during Bargain Bash.

Everything IZ Inc., B&A Warehouse, and Ashley Mac’s will each be providing food at the event. Shindig’s Catering Food Truck will also be on-site during Bargain Bash.

Saturday and Sunday are a bargain hunter’s paradise, with more than 100,000 items for sale including art, appliances, furniture, heirloom items, baby and children’s clothing and furnishings, home décor, outdoors and sporting goods, and much more. Additionally, crafters and Pinterest lovers will be thrilled with the project pieces available. Bargain Carousel 2017 will begin on Saturday, April 29 (8 a.m. – 5 p.m.). Tickets from 8 – 10 a.m. are $10/ticket and from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. they are $5/ticket. It continues Sunday, April 30 (1 – 5 p.m.) with free admission and half price merchandise.

“Bargain Carousel’s purpose is two-fold,” said JLB volunteer and Bargain Carousel chair, Emily Norkus. “The sale raises money for the League’s 31 projects serving women and children in the metro area and it allows us to sell items at deeply discounted prices to individuals who can benefit from them.”

Bromberg’s is donating a John Hardry necklace that can be purchased during the Auction at Bargain Bash.

“Many people return to the event year after year,” said Norkus. “We have our Bargain Bash faithful who come in and buy antique pieces at double our retail price and we have hundreds of people who line up overnight for the general sale because they know they can get gently-used necessities at a price they can afford.”

Thanks to Brookwood Baptist Health™, Bargain Carousel will be held in Hoover just off of Exit 10 from I-459 in the old Princeton-Hoover location.

In 2016, more than 500 tickets were pre-sold the day before Bargain Carousel opened its doors. People began lining up the night before to reserve their spot to pre-purchase tickets. This year, the pre-sale will be held at the sale location on Friday, April 28 from 2 – 6 p.m., where shoppers may purchase up to four tickets at $10/ticket to the Saturday sale.

A special note for the Saturday sale, all tickets are numbered, and shoppers will enter Bargain Carousel in the order of their ticket number. For information about Bargain Carousel 2017, call205-879-9861, visit http://www.bargaincarousel.net, “Like” Bargain Carousel on Facebook, or follow @jlbbargaincarousel on Instagram.

***

 

Get ready for Bargain Carousel 2016!

IMG_6234Haute off the press (release):

For some there is nothing more fun than bargain hunting! What if you could find a wide variety of unbelievable items at low prices and buying them would mean you were improving lives for women and children? The Junior League of Birmingham’s (JLB) annual Bargain Carousel makes this shopping experience a reality.

Called the “largest garage sale in Birmingham,” the event offers two distinct experiences. Bargain Bash, held this April 21, is a casual cocktail party that offers first-chance shopping of Bargain Carousel items and impressive silent and live auctions, with more than 150 items, including original artwork and VIP travel packages. For shoppers wanting the best selection and smaller crowds, VIP admission is the best choice, with 6 p.m. entry at $40 a ticket. Shoppers receive one hour of early bird shopping before general admission patrons enter. All guests enjoy food, beverages and the auctions. Guests will also enjoy entertaining commentary from Mark & Stephanie with 93.7 WDJC. VIP admission is $40 a ticket and general admission (7 p.m. entry) is $30 a ticket. All Bargain Carousel items sell for double the ticket price during Bargain Bash.

Saturday and Sunday are a bargain hunter’s paradise, with more than 100,000 items for sale including art, appliances, furniture, heirloom items, baby and children’s clothing and furnishings, home décor, outdoors and sporting goods, and much more. This year, a local business liquidated their office furniture, providing Bargain Carousel with dozens of high quality desks, chairs and other office furniture.

“Bargain Carousel’s purpose is two-fold,” said JLB volunteer and Bargain Carousel chair, Haley Holden. “The sale raises money for the League’s 31 projects serving women and children in the metro area and it allows us to sell items at deeply discounted prices to individuals who can benefit from them.”

Both Magic Moments and Every Moment Matters will benefit from a portion of the funds raised at Bargain Carousel 2016.

“Many people return to the event year after year,” said Holden. “We have our Bargain Bash faithful who can afford to come in and buy antique pieces at double our retail price that night and we have hundreds of people who line up overnight for the general sale because they know they can get gently-used necessities at a price they can afford.”
Thanks to Baptist Health System, Bargain Carousel will be held in Hoover just off of Exit 10 from I-459 in the old Princeton-Hoover location.

In 2015, more than 500 tickets were pre-sold the day before Bargain Carousel opened its doors. People began lining up the night before to reserve their spot to pre-purchase tickets. This year, the pre-sale will be held at the sale location on Friday, April 22 from 3 – 7 p.m., where shoppers may purchase up to four tickets at $10/ticket to the Saturday sale.
Bargain Carousel 2016 will begin on Saturday, April 23 (8 a.m. – 5 p.m.). Tickets from 8 – 10 a.m. are $10/ticket and from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. they are $5/ticket. It continues Sunday, April 24 (1 – 5 p.m.) with free admission and half price merchandise.

A special note for the Saturday sale, all tickets are numbered, and shoppers will enter Bargain Carousel in the order of their ticket number. For information about Bargain Carousel 2016, call 205-879-9861, visit http://www.bargaincarousel.net,“Like” Bargain Carousel on Facebook, or follow @jlbbargaincarousel on Instagram.

***

Ready to enter to win a ticket? Here’s how to receive an entry: Comment “Send me to Bargain Carousel!” on this post by Thursday, April 21 at 6:00 PM CST. One winner will be drawn to receive two tickets at 6:30 PM Thursday.   All decisions final.

We’re giving away passes to JLB Bargain Bash!

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***THIS GIVEAWAY HAS ENDED. Congrats to M. McGlamery for winning the VIP passes!***

It’s time for Bargain Carousel, Birmingham’s 1,000 family garage sale, benefiting the community projects offered by the Junior League of Birmingham! On April 26 and 27, you can shop the sale at the former JC Penney/Century Plaza Mall and find deals on everything from gently used clothing, appliances, furniture and home decor, electronics, art, sporting goods, heirlooms, antiques and baby items – all at terrific prices! Even better: your shopping will help women and children in the Birmingham area.

But that’s not all. Bargain Bash – the event’s preview cocktail party – kicks off tomorrow night and we’re giving away passes to one SCDD reader today! These VIP passes will allow you (and a friend!) to attend the Bargain Bash preview party with early entry at 6:00 PM on Thursday, April 24. Early entry means one extra hour of pre-sale shopping before general admission entry begins at 7:00 PM and “first dibs” on sale and over 150 live/silent auction items.  The live auction will feature items including SEC Championship tickets and a New Orleans Saints Experience!

Want a chance WIN Bargain Bash VIP tickets?

Simply comment “It’s CHIC to be VIP!” on this post! The winner’s name will be drawn at 6:00 PM today. Please use a valid email address where you can be contacted if you win.  The winner (and guest) may report to Will Call at Bargain Bash tomorrow evening for wristbands and auction bid cards. All decisions final.

***THIS GIVEAWAY HAS ENDED. Congrats to M. McGlamery for winning the VIP passes!***

If you don’t win, you may purchase VIP tickets ($40) or General Admission tickets ($30) to Bargain Bash by clicking HERE.

Tips to remember:

Arrive early for Bargain Bash (and for Bargain Carousel, if you plan to shop this weekend)! Lines will form.

Bring a bag or two (or even a cart!) to Bargain Bash and Bargain Carousel; you’re probably going to want to load up on deals.

During Bargain Bash, items will be sold at double the marked/listed sale price.

Bargain Bash parking is at the back of the mall; enter at the JC Penney entrance closest to Entry 4.  Century Plaza is located at 7580 Crestwood Boulevard, Birmingham, AL 35210.

Pre-sale tickets for Bargain Carousel will be available Friday, April 25 from 3-7 PM; shoppers may purchase up to 4 tickets at $10 per ticket to the Saturday Sale.

Bargain Carousel 2014 will open its doors on Saturday, April 26 (8 AM-5 PM). Tickets from 8-10 AM are $10 per ticket and from 10 AM-5 PM they are $5 per ticket. It continues Sunday, April 27 (1-5 PM) with free admission and half price merchandise.

A special note for the Saturday sale: all tickets are numbered, and shoppers will enter Bargain Carousel in the order of their ticket number. For information about Bargain Carousel 2014, the most exciting spring shopping event in Birmingham, call 205-879-9861, visit www.bargaincarousel.net or “Like” Bargain Carousel on Facebook.

Happy shopping!

*Full disclosure: I am a member of The Junior League of Birmingham.

Image via The Junior League of Birmingham

 

Bargain Carousel kicks off this week!

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If you’ve never been to Birmingham’s biggest garage sale, your opportunity is here. Bargain Carousel spins its way into the community tonight with its Bargain Bash, benefitting the projects of the Junior League of Birmingham!  Bargain Bash gives shoppers the chance to browse and buy items before the official sale begins on Saturday at the former JCPenney at Century Plaza.  To purchase a $40/VIP or $30/General Admission ticket, click HERE. Bargain Bash features “food, beverages, and first dibs on over 300 cash-and-carry auction items.”  Note: pre-sale items are sold at double the sticker price during the Bargain Bash.

“The proceeds that are raised through this event are used to support more than 30 Community Projects with the Junior League’s partner agencies, which depend on the funds raised to support their missions,” said Valerie Ramsbacher, President of the Junior League of Birmingham. There will be over 100,000 items for sale including adult clothing, appliances (large and small), art, books, music, children’s clothing, electronics, furniture, heirloom items, holiday decorations, home décor, infant furniture and accessories, kitchen items, lighting, linens, office equipment and furniture, outdoors and sporting goods, rugs and toys.

If you are a “Do-It-Yourself” (DIY) enthusiast, you will want to make sure to visit the “DIY Duds Corner” featuring donated pieces by JLB Members that have been transformed into treasures for your home. Join Marianne Strong of Marianne Strong Interiors; Bargain Carousel Chair-Elect, Sarah Peinhardt, Designer with Gresham Smith Partners; Interior Designer Marianne Gilchrist; and Sidney Bragiel, Stylist for Entertain Decorate Celebrate magazine, to see their vision of upgrading Bargain Carousel merchandise to make it your own.“There will be lots of washers, dryers, refrigerators, bedframes, antiques and baby furniture,” said Elizabeth Burgess, Chair of Bargain Carousel. “These are always our most popular items.”

In 2012, over 1,400 tickets were presold the day before Bargain Carousel opened its doors. People began lining up six hours in advance. This year, patrons may pre-purchase up to four (4) tickets at $10/ticket for the Saturday Sale on Friday, April 27 from 3 p.m. – 7 p.m. Bargain Carousel 2013 will begin on Saturday, April 27 at 8 a.m.  Tickets for Saturday are $10 a ticket from 8 a.m. – 10 a.m. and $5 a ticket from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.  Bargain Carousel continues on Sunday, April 28 (1 p.m. – 5 p.m.) with free admission and half price merchandise. A special note for the Saturday Sale is that all tickets are numbered and shoppers will enter Bargain Carousel in the order of their ticket number. 

To order Bargain Bash tickets and for more information about Bargain Carousel 2013, the most exciting spring shopping event in Birmingham visit www.bargaincarousel.net or call 205-879-9861.  Century Plaza is located at 7580 Crestwood Boulevard, Birmingham, AL 35210.

Haute deals to be found at tonight’s Bargain Bash

Calling all savvy shoppers and bargainistas!  The Junior League of Birmingham’s Bargain Carousel (AKA “Birmingham’s Biggest Garage Sale”) is this weekend! From clothing for the whole family to gently used baby equipment, toys, housewares, furniture, exercise/sports equipment to electronics and more, you can find SERIOUS deals at the former Mazers location on Greensprings.   And the proceeds benefit the Junior League’s community projects!  

 Full disclosure: as a new member of The Junior League, I had an opportunity to volunteer at the venue last weekend in Ladies Clothing, and was able to get a sneak peek at some of the deals.  And there was plenty to love, including brand new and “gently loved” items by Ann Taylor, J. Crew, Bebe, and Kristin Davis for Belk. There was a fabulous bronze bedazzled top by Ann Taylor, an ivory evening gown with jet beading and a cowl neckline, straw handbags and white denim that are perfect for Spring and Summer, and a lovely LBD with jeweled neckline by David Meister.  Love vintage? I spotted a lime green and orange Christian Lacroixknit set and a to-die-for wool coat with mink collar (from a former Birmingham department store!) Some of the items still sport their original sales tags.

Jade and gold Bebe blouson top

Sundresses, separates, casual pieces and cocktail wear have been separated to give shoppers a taste

"Girlfriend" strikes a pose in David Meister LBD and vintage coat.

of how to mix and match when one has a budget, a little time to look and a lot of creativity!  One of my duties involved dressing the mannequin in Ladies Clothing, whom we nicknamed “Girlfriend”; what do you think?

Bargain Carousel kicks off TONIGHT with the Bargain Bash, featuring “show-stopping” deals ahead of the official sale dates this Saturday and Sunday.  Amanda LeBlanc of the Style Network’s The Amandas, will appear from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., and will organize certain pieces from the sale into a display. The event will also feature a silent auction, cotton-candy cocktails and carnival treats; feel free to come dressed in casual attire.  VIP Patron Tickets allow guests in for 6 P.M. shopping and are $40; general admission tickets for 7 P.M. entry are $30; click HERE to purchase.  Note: items will be sold for double the price marked during the VIP Patrons’ Party and Bargain Bash. 

Bargain Carousel welcomes weekend shoppers this Saturday, April 28 from 8:00 AM to 5:00 P.M.  Tickets can be purchased at the sale site this Friday from 3:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M, and there is a four ticket limit on advance tickets.  Expect plenty of bargain hunters when the doors open, but purchasing a numbered ticket ensures your spot in line.  Admission is free this Sunday, April 29; doors will be open from 1:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. 

The former Mazers Superstore is located at 816 Greensprings Highway in Homewood.

See you there!

Images via The Junior League of Birmingham and yours truly

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