How to shop savvy and spend less
SOUTH BARRINGTON, Ill. (December 3, 2008) – By polling key retailers at The Arboretum of South Barrington, staff members at the new lifestyle center developed a list of gift suggestions that look high-end but are priced at a value that would fool anyone.
Even Arboretum developer Michael Jaffe of The Jaffe Companies was able to tick off a few items from his gift list using this guide. “The list is by no means comprehensive,” says the owner/developer of the 600,000 square-foot retail center. “But it will get you started and inspired to look around. We know value is in everyone’s mind this season. And a lot of us don’t want to give up quality in the process.”
The Arboretum’s Top 10 List of Holiday Gifts That Only Look Expensive:
1. L.L.Bean Galway Jacket (women’s, solid wool and herringbone)
Looks like jackets that sell for twice as much. A versatile style that completes almost any outfit. Layers over a lightweight sweater, shirt or tee, and made of a soft, warm wool blend for years of wear. (#TA55741) $99 from L.L.Bean.
2. Anna Shea 24-Piece Signature Boxed Chocolates: Jewel-like chocolates are meticulously handcrafted and designed to represent the inspiration behind each of the 24 different flavors in this signature gift box. The velvety smooth ganache, balanced in flavor and texture, leaves different notes of cacao and other ingredients slow dancing on the tongue. Buy now, and get 10% off a bottle of wine. $46 from Anna Shea Chocolates & Lounge
3. Village Roadshow Gold Class Cinemas Premium Luxury Theatre Tickets – Now through December 2008, Village Roadshow Gold Class Cinemas will offer a movie ticket purchased in advance for $22. That’s a discount of nearly 30% on the regular $32 ticket price. Each ticket is good for one admission anytime within a year of purchase. For purchase information please visit www.GoldClassCinemas.com. $22 from Village Roadshow Gold Class Cinemas.
4. Pinstripes Italian/American Brunch for Two – Purchase a Pinstripes Gift Card covering the price of a delectable brunch for two at Pinstripes Bowling, Bocce & Bistro. Kids 12 and under are free. The brunch fare includes complimentary Mimosa, fresh-squeezed juice, steaming omelettes, carved prime rib, delicious seafood, chocolate fountain and delectable desserts for the sweet tooth. $52 from Pinstripes Bowling, Bocce & Bistro.
5. Nordic Ware Holiday Pancake Pan – A festive start to the day – durable cast aluminum pan makes seven 3” dollar pancakes or blinis with charming holiday designs. Nonstick finish for easy release and quick cleanup. Made in USA. (#557298) $29.95 from Sur La Table
6. Initialed Glass Set -- Perfect for gift giving and self-purchases alike, the new glass double-old fashions are sure to make a statement. Each 14-oz. tumbler features a beautifully satin-etched initial. Sold as a set of four and strikingly packaged in a black and white striped gift box with a black grosgrain ribbon and bow. $29.95 from Swoozie's.
7. L.L.Bean Emergency Weather Radio (with carrying case) Simple hand crank powers news and weather broadcasts. The hand crank power generator charges an internal NiMH battery for power in case of an emergency. Features an AM/FM tuner, audio from TV1 and TV2 (VHF channels 2 to 13) and all seven NOAA Weather Radio channels. Nylon carry case for traveling Portable and practical for traveling Includes siren, built-in flashlight, and more. (#TA51498) $49.95 from L.L.Bean.
8. Gourmet Popcorn Gift Set includes the necessities of truly gourmet popcorn: a jar of premium White Gold Popcorn, Grapeseed Oil Spritzer, 4 oz., plus Asiago and Cracked Pepper, Caramel Corn, and Dill Pickle seasonings, 3 oz. each. Once the gourmet popcorn is popped, give it a light spritz of the grapeseed oil. Seasonings will easily stick to the popcorn. Liberally sprinkle seasoning onto freshly popped popcorn for a delicious boost of flavor. (#644355) $20 from Sur la Table.
9. Marshmallow Bathrobe Deliciously soft and snuggly, Soft Surroundings’ cozy spa bath robe is perfect for after a shower or bath. The elegantly simple wrap styling of this women’s bathrobe features ribbing all around the front opening and neckline, self-fabric tie belt and loops, inside security ties, and a pair of patch pockets. This ultra soft bath robe is so soothing and comforting it makes the perfect holiday gift. (#16403) $79 from Soft Surroundings.
10. L.L.Bean Canteens Eco-friendly alternative to disposable water bottles – no spending money on water – good for the environment and your wallet! Made of 100% recyclable stainless steel, this reusable, recyclable bottle is made of food-grade stainless steel, so water comes out tasting fresh and clean every time. Super durable construction will not degrade over time or need replacing. Won’t retain flavors or odors. Starts at $15.95 from L.L.Bean.
BONUS: Beginning December 1, shoppers can get a free polka-dot Christmas stocking in red or green with same-day Arboretum store and/or restaurant receipts totaling $150 or more. They’re available at Swoozie’s while supplies last. By spending an additional $50 at Swoozie's, you can have your stocking personalized free.
The Arboretum of South Barrington is located on the corner of Route 59 and Higgins Road, North of the I-90 Interchange. For more information call 847.426.6200 or visit www.ShopTheArboretumSB.com.
The Arboretum of South Barrington is a 600,000 square-foot retail town center in Chicago’s affluent northwest suburbs that opened in September 2008. The open-air center is named for the lush treescapes and gardens, and for the large tree farm that formerly stood on the site. Among retailers at The Arboretum of South Barrington are three unique anchors, including LL.Bean’s first Midwest outdoor gear and apparel store; the country’s first Village Roadshow Gold Class Cinemas, a luxury cinema experience and new way to go to the movies; and Pinstripes, Chicago’s own bowling, bocce and bistro concept. An upscale mix of fashion apparel brands, home furnishings, restaurants and other retailers will occupy spaces set amidst fountains, pathways and plazas -- all less than a mile from the four-way interchange at I-90 (the region’s major transportation artery), at the highly coveted intersection of Illinois Routes 59 and 72. The center is a joint venture between The Jaffe Companies in Northbrook, Ill., and RREEF Alternative Investments, based in New York.
The Jaffe Companies, developer of The Arboretum of South Barrington, has been developing successful shopping centers and mixed-use projects for nearly three decades across the US, primarily in the Midwest. Firm principal Michael Jaffe has been involved in several notable projects, including Huebner Oaks Center, a 400,000-square-foot lifestyle center in San Antonio, Texas; Geneva Commons, a 450,000-square-foot lifestyle center in Geneva, Ill; and The Arboretum Shopping Center in Austin, Texas.
RREEF Alternative Investments, the financial partner in developing The Arboretum of South Barrington, is the global alternative investment management business of Deutsche Bank’s Asset Management division. RREEF Alternative Investments consists of three businesses: Real Estate, Infrastructure and Private Equity. Headquartered in New York, RREEF Alternative Investments employs more than 1,400 investment professionals in 17 cities around the world to help investors meet a wide range of objectives – from diversification, to preservation of capital, to long-term performance. Named one of the world’s largest alternative investments managers in Global Investor/Watson Wyatt’s Alternative Survey, June 2008, RREEF has €55.2/$87.0 billion in assets under management worldwide as of June 30th, 2008. For more information, visit www.rreef.com
WEB LINKS:
The Arboretum of South Barrington: www.ShopTheArboretumSB.com
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The Arboretum of South Barrington
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