AUTUMN GREETINGS TO YOU ALL

Well, according to the date, it is now officially Autumn. I’m quite sure I’m not the only one who enjoys this time of the year with its pleasant balmy weather. It’s one of my favourite seasons as the cooler weather definitely has a more energizing effect on me and as the lethargy of the long hot summer dissipates, I too, like the squirrels in my garden, become a lot more active.

Unfortunately the cooler weather hasn’t had an energizing effect on our floundering currency, which sadly is affecting us all and making us seek ways to stretch our budgets.  I’ve always maintained that factory shopping is one of the best ways to save money and since way back in 1985, when more and more factories started opening to the public and the first edition of The A-Z of Factory Shops in the Western Cape was published, this form of shopping has continued to grow in popularity. When I look back over the past 30 years I often wonder how different my life would have been had I not succumbed to my first bargain and felt the need to tell everyone about the wonderful savings that were out there for them. I still love spreading the word about bargains I’ve found and it’s always wonderful to hear from readers who feel the same way. I loved the email I received recently from an enthusiastic factory shopper from Port Elizabeth.  Cape Town boasts the largest number of factory outlets in the country and it’s great to hear it’s not only Capetonians who take advantage of the bargains on offer but the many visitors as well.

The following is an excerpt from the email:

“With your valued book in my handbag I know that I can go on holiday to Cape Town with the knowledge that I will be shopping for bargains and still have change in my pocket. I hear everyone from my home town saying that Cape Town is so expensive and then I ask the question “which century are you living in” if you don’t possess the A – Z on factory shopping in the Western Cape you are losing thousands of Rands."

Easter

EASTER SHOPPING HOURS

Whilst some factory shops are open over the Easter weekend others are unfortunately closed so it is always advisable to contact them first before visiting to find out their hours, especially if you are travelling a long distance.

Factory Shop Specials

EASTER SPECIALS

I visited the Glodina Towel Factory Shop in Wellington (page 294) recently and was very pleased to find they had some great Easter specials. I was thrilled with the bath sheets and other towels I found at excellent prices. This shop will be closed over the Easter weekend.

A1 Hyper Chickens in Epping (page 110) has always been a very popular shop to visit for chickens at bargain prices and they have some great Easter specials. These are boxes of catering breasts (variable weight of plus/minus 6kg) for R19.99 per kg and also boxes of catering braai cuts (boxes weigh plus/minus 6kg) for R23-99 per kg. Their shop is closed on Good Friday and Family Day (Easter Monday) but open on Easter Saturday from 6.45am to 11.30am. This shop is always busy so it is best to get there early.

Bee Line Factory Shop in Lansdowne (page 160) manufacture for a leading retailer and the garments they sell are usually well below retail prices. It’s always been a great place to shop for children’s clothing and their winter stock is now arriving daily in their store. They also have specials on at present on gents' good quality T-shirts available with either crew necks at R39.00 each or V-necks at R59 each.  If you buy ten T-shirts you only pay R29 each!  Bee Line will be closed over the Easter weekend.

Playtex Factory Shops (page 256) are inviting everyone to get active this Easter. If you buy one Shock Absorber brand bra you get one free! Sale on from 23 to 26 March. T&C's apply. Open Easter Saturday 8.30-1.00.

Factory Shop News

I HEARD IT THROUGH THE GRAPEVINE

Diarise now! :  Bee Line Factory Shop (page 160) half price sale is taking place on the 1st and 2nd April, 2016.

The Shop in Salt River (page 259) is the place to visit for top branded designer clothing for ladies and gents and those attending the popular Cape Town Jazz Festival at the beginning of April will be pleased to hear that during the weekend of the Festival they will be offering extended shopping hours. On Friday 1 April they will be open until 5pm and on Saturday 2 April until 4pm. They will also be open on Easter Saturday from 8.30 to 1.00.

Just in time as the chilly season starts to set in, Studio 21 Knitwear Factory Shop in Maitland (page 171) have lovely new winter knitwear for ladies and gents arriving weekly. They also have a small amount of knitwear for girls. They will be closed over the Easter weekend.

Factory Shop News

SCHOOL HOLIDAY IDEAS

This year the March school holidays coincide with the Easter long weekend and remember, if you are heading into the countryside you can still continue factory shopping as my book  The A-Z of Factory Shops in the Western Cape covers factory shops as far as George.  Another good reason to always ensure a copy of the book is kept in the cubbyhole of your car.

If you are looking for ways to keep your children busy during the holidays, the Bargain Books Factory Shop in Diep River (page 84) is a great place to visit as their very large warehouse houses an extensive range of books on all manner of subjects. They have a great holiday promotion (on until 31 March 2016) with sticker and activity books, puzzles and lots more on sale.  They will be open over the Easter Weekend on Good Friday, Easter Saturday and Family Day (Easter Monday) from 9.00-2.00pm

If you are heading in the direction of Kommetjie another good place to visit with your children is the Bean Factory Shop in Fish Eagle Park (page 143). Their shop, which is set in a small area of the factory, sells the unique bean products they manufacture. When these beans are placed in water the outer layer of the bean dissolves and magically reveals the sponge animal or figure inside - everything from alligators and submarines to fairy folk, animals of the world and more. (Please note that due to their size the beans are only suitable for children over 3 years.) The fizz balls at their factory shop are also very reasonably priced and you can find reject ones for as low as R2 each (a great way to make pocket money go further!). They are closed on Saturdays.

While you are in Kommetjie why not pop into Slivers Biltong and Nuts Factory Shop (page 143) near where Compass Bakery used to be.  (Compass Bakery still has a factory shop in Diep River (page 83). Slivers Biltong & Nuts offer a good range of dried fruit and nuts (useful for school lunches), and also a varied selection of sweets including old favourites like jelly babies, wine gums, chocolate coated peanuts and more. They are well known for the variety of biltong on offer, which is available either in whole pieces or sliced. They will be open on Easter Saturday from 8.30-1.00 but closed on Good Friday and Family Day (Easter Monday).

My two granddaughters came to spend the night recently and before they came I paid a visit to Merrypak in N’dabeni (page 204) and stocked up with some interesting stationery items like coloured paper and board, colourful stickers (including ones saying Happy Easter) paper flowers, press out letters and lots more.  What followed was a fun and creative afternoon spent together around the dining room table making Easter cards for members of the family.  I was impressed with their finished articles, complete with a sticker on the back proudly stating ‘Handmade in Cape Town South Africa’.  If you enjoy creative activities Merrypak is the shop you need to visit.  They also have a good range of Easter eggs, chicks, etc.  Merrypak is open on Easter Saturday 9.00 -1.00pm but closed on Good Friday and Family Day (Easter Monday).