Store Shopping Guides and Checklists

These links lead to checklists you can print out and use as planning guides in your shopping excursions to local retail stores. No doubt you already know what all these stores carry, but we tend to forget, at least I do, and these lists should help to jog your memory a bit. To save time and frustration, you will be well advised to study the list and make your choices, or at least narrow them down, before you actually enter the store--This is especially critical if you are in Extreme Last Minute mode!

The lists are not all inclusive of each store’s complete inventory, only the types of merchandise I think could be appropriate gifts for ladies. These lists are a continuing work in progress—Your suggestions are invited.

  • UPSCALE DEPARTMENT STORES
    This list is typical of what you’ll find in upscale department stores normally found in regional shopping malls—Stores Like Macys, Saks, Lord & Taylor, Dillards, Nordstroms, Neiman Marcus and so forth.

  • REGULAR DEPARTMENT STORES
    Here’s your Sears and JC Penney type stores.

  • LARGE DISCOUNT RETAILERS
    Target, Wal-Mart, K-Mart type stores.

  • WAREHOUSE CLUBS
    Costco, Sam’s Club, BJ Wholesale

  • ELECTRONICS STORES
    Best Buy, Circuit City, et cetera

  • SUPERMARKETS
    You’d be surprised what you can turn up in your local market!

  • DRUG STORES
    Walgreens, CVS and competitors offer a handful of gift items, especially smaller stuff for adding to a gift bag.

  • CONVENIENCE STORES
    Good old 7-11 has a few last minute selections, especially if you’re on the run

  • HOME IMPROVEMENT STORES
    Home Depot, Lowe’s and your local hardware store—Hey, you never know. If you're lucky, your lady likes this stuff.

  • OFFICE SUPPLY STORES
    Office Depot, Office Max, Staples, etc.--I’m sure you realize these stores sell lots more than pencils and legal pads these days!