From Taking Stock

Retail reporter and coupon queen Sue Stock offers news and shopping tips on her blog, Taking Stock. Each month, we run excerpts of some of her best stuff. For her full report, or to share a tip, visit: takingstock.newsobserver.com.

Warehouse deals from Amazon

I got an interesting e-mail from Amazon.com, touting a new Web site where the online retailer is offering warehouse deals. So items that are slightly damaged or otherwise imperfect are sold at an even steeper than normal discount. If you don't mind a ding or two, it can be a really good way to pick up a book or CD on the cheap. You can find the deals at www.warehousedeals.com.

Just in time for turkey day

I was trolling around the Internet and found a whole page of special deals and printable coupons from Butterball. Many of them are for Butterball products such as ground turkey and lunchmeat, but there is a $1 coupon all the way down at the bottom for $1 off a whole Butterball turkey. There are also a few random coupons for things such as Goya products and Bruce's canned yams. And as an added bonus, these offers have looong expiration dates. Check them out at www.butterball.com/promotions.

Pet costume contest

OK, if you go to this, I want you to send me a picture!

Today, Suite Paws Pet Resort & Spa will host its inaugural pet costume contest from 1 to 4 p.m. The business is at 100 Rogers Lane in Raleigh. Dogs and cats in costume are welcome to enter to win prizes. Contest participants must enter by 2:30 p.m., and prizes will be awarded at 3:30 p.m. There will be kids' activities, pet portraits and other entertainment.

Holiday Shoppe is coming

If you like to look for unique holiday gifts, mark your calendar for the weekend of Dec. 4-6. That's when the Cary Academy will hold its annual Holiday Shoppe event, featuring local artists and craftspeople.

Ikea is hiring

Here's an encouraging sign for all you Ikea fans. The retailer is officially beginning to take applications for the 400-member staff at its under-construction Charlotte store, which will be the first Ikea in North Carolina. To apply, visit www.ikea-usa.com. Jobs are available in home furnishings sales, interior decoration, customer service, safety and security, cashiers, maintenance, goods flow, receiving, warehouse and stock replenishment. There are also 75 food service opportunities in the store's Swedish Foodmarket, Cafe Bistro and co-worker cafeteria.

And before you ask, no ... IKEA hasn't said anything beyond "Spring 2009" for the opening. ...

Recycle old cell phones

If you've got an old cell phone you want to recycle, here's a deal for you.

Through Nov. 15, Staples is offering $30 in Staples Rewards credit for bringing in your phone. Of course, nothing is ever truly free. You get the credit only if you buy a new phone from among certain GE or RCA phones.

No chocolate fountain for you

I wrote a few weeks ago about how smaller electronics are expected to be the hot sellers this year. For instance, flat-screen TVs are out and $49 iPod shuffles will be very in.

But here's some more news on consumer electronics that you may find amusing. According to the NPD Group, in the 12 months that ended in August, the categories with the largest percentage growth in sales among specialty kitchen electronics were jar openers, electric kettles, popcorn makers and tea makers. The biggest decliners were chocolate fountains, electric rotisseries, pizza ovens and roaster ovens. I can't imagine why cash-crunched consumers would be cutting out their chocolate fountain purchases.

Free Dr Pepper

I'll post a reminder as we get closer to Nov. 23, but on that date, Dr Pepper will give away coupons for free 20-ounce bottles of the soft drink.

The giveaway is part of a promotion of the new Guns N' Roses album, "Chinese Democracy." Now I am definitely not a Guns N' Roses expert, but from what I can gather, this album has been a looong time coming. And since the release is on the 23rd and Dr Pepper touts its "blend of 23 flavors," a promotional partnership was born. You will be able to request your free coupon on the Dr Pepper Web site (www.drpepper.com) starting 12:01 a.m. Nov. 23.

Teens are cutting back, too

Here's another bad sign for the economy: Teens are curtailing their spending. Usually teenagers are seen as almost recession-proof, since often their money comes from Mom and Dad and they have fewer bills to pay. But the latest research I received from WSL Strategic Retail in New York says 84 percent of teens say they are being affected by rising prices. Thirty five percent are buying less expensive brands of clothing; 28 percent are buying less expensive brands of beauty products; 20 percent are cutting back on salon manicures and haircuts; and 19 percent are having to cut back on sports and lessons that cost money.

I'm actually encouraged to see kids making adjustments so they can live within their means.