CVS Encrypta and Big Black Friday on the horizon

Just wanted to mention something about CVS real quick - they have amazing prices. And they are a great company to their employees (so I've heard). Here in Massachusetts, they even have a van that drives around looking for stranded motorists called the CVS/Samaritan van. (Does anyone know if this is affiliated with the "Samaritans"? Just curious.)

Anyway, what I wanted to mention was that I saw one of their trucks on the highway recently, and it had an "Encrypta" seal on the back. That will definitely help items from "falling off the back of the truck"! Encrypta offers reusable time seals, so that you can tell if and when something has been opened. Very cool!

Besides that, the big news is that Black Friday is coming up, where all the retailers shine. So far, everyone is talking about the buy-online, pickup in-store phenomenon. I've used it myself, though I'm not crazy about it. I do expect to see more on-line / in-store integration though.

Electronic Shopping Carts

Super Stop & Shop has launched a new program for shopping cart guides. Called the "Shopping Buddy" the interactive LCD menu is like bringing the register along with you while you shop. You scan the products in as you go, and when you're finished, all you do is pay at the register.

This is a very cool concept, and will potentially save the store and customers a lot of time.

Update: My wife and I tried out the new shopping buddy at Stop & Shop over the weekend. It was actually very cool. It alerted you to savings, and while it took a little getting used to, I think it will actually save a ton of time while shopping. It would be extra awesome if you could setup your shopping list online, and then use the shopping buddy to help you keep track of it, as well as show you where everything is. It must have a GPS in it.

Linens and Things Review

My wife and I went to a Linens and Things store yesterday to return one of her birthday presents. It was a NuVue LCD picture frame whose quality was much less than expected. Unfortunately, we had thrown away the receipt, but they took it back anyway for merchandise credit.

Linens N' Things is a direct competitor to Bed, Bath & Beyond, but in my humble opinion, not as good. The product choice is good, but the layout is messier, and the coupons not nearly as ubiquitous.

I will still shop there from time to time, as the store nearby is convenient.

No more Staples coupons for me!

I went to Staples today to return some ink cartridges today and guess what - they don't take my brands anymore: Epson or Canon.