CHEAP CHECKLIST: Bargains for deal hunters, classic films and carousel rides
COOL PRICES
The store’s name may sound chilly, but the savings are hot. In the tradition of dollar stores, Five Below has a simple pricing plan, but with a youthful twist. The vast majority of items are priced from $1 to $5, with a handful of “extreme value” items priced up to $10. The difference is that the chain’s target audience is tweens, teens and savvy shoppers who are young at heart. The chain has eight shopping categories: Style, Room, Play, Create, Party, Candy, New & Now and Tech. For frugal families, it’s the perfect spot for budding bargain hunters to stretch their allowance. At the end of June, the retailer opened six locations in Colorado, in Aurora (three), Lakewood, Littleton and Westminster. fivebelow.com
MONTHLY PERKS
Panera Bread has brewed up a big deal for coffee lovers. It’s estimated that Americans spend more than $1,000 each on coffee annually. However, with the fast-casual restaurant’s coffee subscription program, that price could drop to just $108 every year. The service offers unlimited hot coffee, iced coffee and hot tea for $8.99 a month, any size, any flavor. (Cold brew iced coffee, espresso, cappuccino beverages and other beverages are excluded.) The program pays for itself in just four visits, based on the purchase of four 12ounce cups of coffee. If you took advantage of the benefits once every day, the cost per cup is just under 30 cents. Sign up by July 4 and the program is totally free through Sept. 7. Even if you don’t make the deadline, the industry-first subscription is still overflowing with savings. panerabread.com/en-us/mypanera/mypanera-coffeesubscription.html
FESTIVE FEAST
Parents can spark big savings at Applebee’s Grill & Bar over Independence Day weekend. On July 4 and 5, kids (12 and under) eat free with the purchase of an adult entrée. Children may choose from a variety of entrées from the chain’s kids menu, as well as a choice of a side dish and juice, milk or chocolate milk. Even better, up to two kids can eat at no cost with each purchase of an adult entrée. While many locations are now open for dine-in service, the offer is also available for orders placed by phone for pickup. The offer is not valid for online orders or delivery. applebees.com
GRAPHIC ARTS
It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s Free Comic Book Day! Every superhero knows that plans change in a flash, so this year, there’s a plot twist. It’s now Free Comic Book Summer. From July 15 to Sept. 9, participating comic book shops will receive five to six complimentary titles in their weekly shipments. The distribution of those titles will vary by location, as each shop will determine the specific details best suited to meet their needs. The change is designed to be flexible, so retailers and fans can get the most out of the event. The giveaway will feature 45 titles from a variety of publishers, designed to appeal to a broad range of tastes. They run the gamut from superhero stories to
TV and movie tie-ins, to sci-fi adventures, all-ages tales and more. freecomicbookday.com
LIGHTS! CAMERA! REOPEN!
For many, it’s just not quite summer without watching larger-than-life characters zoom across the big screen or laughing at the colorful antics of the latest animated blockbuster. And Cinemark is getting ready to welcome customers back to its theaters for fun and savings. Originally planned for early July, the theater chain is now scheduled to being its reopening process on July 24. To get the party started (again), they’re offering Comeback Classics with some of pop culture’s most iconic films, as well as those most requested by its customers. For a limited time, once they’ve reopened, tickets for the series will be $5 each for adults and $3 for children and seniors. And you can’t go to the movies without snacks, so they’re also offering discounts at the concession stand, including a large popcorn for $5, large fountain drink or ICEE for $3.50 and candy for $2.50. cinemark.com/ comeback-classics
SUMMER BREAK
This summer, sip on juicy savings at Dunkin’. With the weather heating up, the donut and coffee shop is offering customers a boost of cool refreshment with its new Dunkin’ Refreshers. The iced beverage is available in two varieties: Strawberry Dragonfruit and Peach Passion Fruit. Made with iced green tea, flavored fruit concentrate and B vitamins, each beverage is under 200 calories. Through July 28, the shop is offering all customers a medium Dunkin’ Refresher for just $2, all day. If you like your deals a little hotter, DD Perks members can enjoy a medium hot
(or iced) latte or cappuccino for $2 every day from 2 to 6 p.m. (also through July 26). dunkindonuts.com
ROUND AND ROUND
Everyone is spinning a little right now, but going in circles can be fun. Families may want to get out of the house this summer and take a little road trip to The Carousel of Happiness (20 Lakeview Drive) in Nederland. The “magical menagerie” features 56 whimsical, handcarved animals on a restored 1910 Looff carousel. Riders spin to the music of a 1913 Wurlitzer ban organ. A ride is only $2. Visitors can also enjoy picnicking at Barker Reservoir, hiking the trails of the Mud Lake and Caribou Ranch open space areas or just taking in the beauty of the Indian Peak Wilderness Area. For now, the carousel is only open Friday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. However, hours may be expanded, as they look to fully reopen. Plus, the attraction has implemented new safety measures, including the requirement that riders over the age of three must wear a mask. The carousel is located just off Colorado 119 in the Caribou Village Shopping Center, between the Train Cars and the Wild Bear Nature Center. carouselofhappiness.org
WORLD OF SAVINGS
Pier 1 Imports is closing its doors for good. The home décor retailer has begun its going-out-of-business sale, which is expected to run through September. As of now, most everything is up to 30% off, with discounts varying by department. (You might also find some seasonal clearance at 75% off.) The shelves are full of merchandise now, so it’s the perfect time to shop for the best selection. However, bargain hunters know to play the waiting game for bigger savings. As with most close-out sales, the discounts get bigger as the final business day approaches. You may want to wait until August for bigger savings, though the selection may not be quite as good. There are eight locations closing in Colorado: Denver, Durango, Fort Collins, Grand Junction, Lakewood, Lone Tree, Loveland and Thornton. If the locations are inconvenient (or you prefer to avoid any crowds), the close-out sale is also available online.pier1.com