Friday, December 28, 2012
Do you give or get gift cards? Do you remember to use them?
Many Plum, Oakmont and Verona residents undoubtedly gave and received gift cards this holiday season. So how much of that money will go unspent? According to Business News Daily, just 75-percent of consumers will spend all the money on their gift cards this year. 85-percent of the U.S. population will give gift cards, with sales projected to pass the $110 billion mark, according to a survey by the advisory company CEB TowerGroup. So what's the grand total of unspent gift card money? Leave your best guess in the comments section below. The answer can be found on our Facebook Page. _____________________ Plum-Oakmont Patch is on Facebook and on Twitter. Don't forget to sign up for our daily email newsletter by clicking here.
Saturday, December 22, 2012
Wondering what traffic is like in the Monroeville area? Check out this map.
Plum, Oakmont and Verona residents heading out for last minute Christmas shopping won't be alone. As part of our mission to make your life ridiculously easy, click on "view larger map" (right underneath the map) for a live, interactive look at traffic conditions in the Monroeville Mall area right now—Route 22 has been a nightmare these days. Color Codes The maps are constantly updated, so check back anytime of the day (or night for you procrastinators) to get the latest traffic conditions around the mall. Not going to Monroeville? You can drag the map to your location then zoom in for a closer look at the traffic at your desired destination. ____________________ Plum-Oakmont Patch is on Facebook and on Twitter. Don't forget to sign up …
Sunday, November 25, 2012
Are you gearing up to let your fingers do the walking on Cyber Monday?
Plum, Oakmont and Verona residents who didn’t want to brave the crowds on Black Friday or Small Business Saturday still have one more big chance to save courtesy of Cyber Monday. Similar to the two other major shopping events, Cyber Monday differs in that consumers don’t have to leave the comfort of their own homes (or offices) to take advantage of some pretty big pre-holiday deals. All the bargains laid out for Cyber Monday are for online shoppers only. So how can you find the best deals online this Cyber Monday? Here are just a few stores that are planning Cyber Monday deals: What’s your favorite store to surf on Cyber Monday? Share your suggestions in the comments section. If you own or know of a local business that is participating in …
Saturday, November 24, 2012
Start your holiday shopping at locally owned stores during Small Business Saturday.
Small Business Saturday is today, Nov. 24. It is a day for everyone to support the small businesses that their community thrives on. American Express founded the day in 2010 to help small businesses get exposure during the holiday season, when they might be otherwise overlooked. With retailers buzzing around the holidays, it is important to support local small businesses that rely on their neighbors in order to continue prospering and building the local economy in Plum, Oakmont and Verona. Last year, 100 million people nationwide participated in Small Business Saturday by shopping at locally owned stores to help boost the economy and their communities. There are several small businesses in Plum, Oakmont and Verona—a list can be found on …
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Several Oakmont businesses will be offering special deals this weekend!
As you think about holiday shopping this year, why not take a stroll down Allegheny River Boulevard in Oakmont? The Oakmont Chamber of Commerce and several Oakmont businesses are participating in Small Business Weekend—running Friday, Nov. 23, to Sunday, Nov. 25—in an effort to encourage the community to shop locally. Participating stores will be offering special promotions and services for many of your gift-giving needs. Store hours in Oakmont are Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. Participating stores are: Visit www.oakmont-pa.com for more information. _______________________ Plum-Oakmont Patch is on Facebook and on Twitter. Don't forget to sign up for our daily email newsletter by clicking …
Monday, November 28, 2011
If it's too good to be true, it probably is, bureau says.
- BUSINESS
-
Monday, November 28, 2011
Today is Cyber Monday, the day that people who did not find all their holiday gifts over the Black Friday weekend turn to the Internet for other shopping deals. Scammers try to prey on Cyber Monday bargain hunters by advertising "one day only" promotions from recognized brands. Consumers should be on the watch for too good to be true emails from unrecognized websites. In advance of the holiday season, the FBI reminds shoppers to beware of cyber criminals and their aggressive and creative ways to steal money and personal information. Scammers use many techniques to fool potential victims including fraudulent auction sales, reshipping merchandise purchased with a stolen credit card, sale of fraudulent or stolen gift cards through auction …
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Oakmont businesses will be holding sales and offering deals Friday through Sunday.
Anyone who wants to shop locally for the holidays has a lot of options in the Oakmont business district. On Friday, Saturday and Sunday, the Oakmont Chamber of Commerce is hosting the Small Business Weekend, and encouraging people to shop at local stores and restaurants. The events brochure highlights free parking, fewer crowds and more personalized attention for shoppers because businesses are owned by individuals. Stores and restaurants each will be offering special sales and deals for customers. Store hours in Oakmont are Friday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. Participating stores are:
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Because of loyal local shoppers, many stores in the area are recording stable sales despite a fluctuating economy.
Big-box store sales might waver over the years due to the changing economy, but local stores in Plum and Oakmont have remained stable thanks to customer loyalty. Because of faithful shoppers, Carabella, an upscale woman's clothing and accessories shop in Oakmont, has experienced 14 steady years of holiday sales, according to owner Carol Kinkela. "Carabella is a traditional stop for shopping during the holidays," Kinkela said. "We're blessed to have people come back and bring their family members in to shop." Sweaters are big sellers, according to Kinkela, who calls herself the "sweater queen of Pittsburgh." The holiday shopping season usually picks up during the second week of December at Carabella, Kinkela — and she has no doubts that the…
40.515514
-79.843015
Carabella
328 Allegheny River Blvd, Oakmont, PA
/articles/faithful-shoppers-give-local-businesses-rich-holiday-season
827777
/locations/2665308
40.489755
-79.779819
The Greeting Gallery
321 Unity Center Rd, Pittsburgh, PA
/articles/faithful-shoppers-give-local-businesses-rich-holiday-season
1241823
/locations/2665309
40.520185
-79.842843
Golf Augusta Pro Shops
607 Allegheny Ave, Oakmont, PA
/articles/faithful-shoppers-give-local-businesses-rich-holiday-season
827473
/locations/2665310
Some local jewelers are selling as many refurbished family heirloom pieces as they are brand-new diamonds and gold in preparation for the holidays.
Diamonds and gold have been iconic holiday gifts for years, but local jewelers are reporting more customers are choosing sentiment over new carats more than ever. While trends in jewelry are not as overt as those in clothing fashion, there has been a distinct return to the use of family heirlooms in jewelry, said Robert Hallett, owner of Robert Hallett-Goldsmith in Oakmont. The trend, he said, is likely a mix of eco-consciousness and recession-induced smarter spending. Gold and diamond mining wreak havoc on both the environment and delicate social structures of the third world countries where they are sourced, Hallett said. Wanting to create jewelry that keeps working families safe and the earth protected, he opts to use gem stones from …
40.47569
-79.77767
Joseph Anthony Jewelers
7621 Saltsburg Rd, Pittsburgh, PA
/articles/refurbished-heirlooms-join-classic-diamonds-for-holiday-gift-season
1242030
/locations/2665244
40.517807
-79.842738
Robert Hallett, Goldsmith
518 Allegheny River Blvd, Oakmont, PA
/articles/refurbished-heirlooms-join-classic-diamonds-for-holiday-gift-season
827566
/locations/2665245
