Another local hardware store bites the dust
            The door is locked and the windows are covered with fluorescent green and pink signs trumpeting the going-out-of-business sale at Fairfax Hardware, 5100 E. Colfax Ave., 303-320-6551. The 70-year-old store reopens for the sale at 9 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 28, and if you want a “special discount” that day, you might want to stop by before then to grab a “special invitation” from the envelope on the door.
            From the outside, at least, this sale looks a lot like the sale that closed the General Hardware store on South Broadway in 2008 -- similar long history, gimmicky liquidation, loyal employees and neighborhood customers.
            This time, the neighborhood is Park Hill, not SoBo, but the sense of loss feels familiar, too.
            “This wasn’t something we wanted to see happen, but due to the economic times, it was necessary,” said Shaw, who purchased the business four years ago with his wife, Susan.
            “We are a family business. Four family members work here, and it’s not unusual to see our grandchildren in here. We feel like our customers are part of our family, too. We know most of them on a first-name basis, and we’ll miss them all horribly.”
            Shaw said stores like his, which has a merchandise mix tailored specifically for the needs of the neighborhood, can’t be replaced.
            “Not a day goes by that we don’t hear from customers who have been told that they can find what they need if they come here,” he said. “And the level of service ...”
            Shaw’s voice trailed off.
            “Maybe what we found out is that mom and pops can’t make it anymore. I hope it turns around in the near future. It’s possible some of them might come back, but that’s up to someone else. We did the best we could, and now it’s time to move on.”  

Buy your work boots where the workmen shop
            According to a recent Denver Post fashion page, work boots are the latest thing in men’s fashion. But don’t spend a bundle buying them in some fancy-schmancy department store or even on-line, where, according to The Post, you’d do well to spend $120 to $180 on a sturdy pair.
            Get them where Denver’s construction workers and cattlemen have shopped for nearly 40 years, Hill Bros. Boots, 1901 S. Broadway, 303-722-4995, a local store “definitely geared to the working guy,” according to owner Brett Cutter.
            Cutter carries safety footwear from Timberland, Wolverine, Dickies and Carolina ranging in price from $60 to $160 a pair. And, through February, if you mention that you read about the store in Best Colorado Deals, he’ll give you a 10 percent discount.

Remember the homeless on PJ Day
             To honor PJ Day, Denver’s day to help end homelessness, Sassy Stuff, www.shopsassystuff.com, a Denver-based Internet accessory boutique, will donate 10 percent of all Web site sales through Thursday, Jan. 28, to the cause.

Got kids?

            All winter merchandise is 20 percent off its previously marked down price and new merchandise and large items are reduced by 10 percent during the semi-annual clearance Thursday, Jan. 28 through Sunday, Jan. 31 at Kid-to-Kid resale, 15035 E. Mississippi Ave., Aurora, 303-752-2757, www.kidtokid.com/aurora/.
            Fall and winter clothing and shoes are half price during the winter clearance at Petite Patoot, 1238 S. Broadway, 303-733-3337, petitepatoot.com. Storeowner Renie Mayfield reminds parents that there’s still (barely) time to order long-sleeve pink and red monogrammed Valentine’s Day T-Shirts, $18 apiece in sizes 0 through 12.

January’s almost over

            And that means Sunday is the last day for these winter clearances.

            Act II Consignment Boutique, 1500 W. Littleton Blvd.  Littleton, 303-795-1122, www.myact2.com. Women's clothing, shoes, purses, jewelry and household items half the previous marked price. Nothing held back.

            Cherry Creek Insidewalk Sale, with sales at dozens of outstanding independent shops and boutiques from Josephine Street east to Adams Street and First Avenue north to Fifth Avenue, www.cherrycreeknorth.com.
            The Papery, 728 S. University Blvd., 303-744-1642, www.thepaperydenver.com. All holiday paper goods, including cards, stationery and wrapping paper, are reduced by 50 percent to 75 percent.

            Repeat Boutique, 2725 S. Colorado Blvd., 303-757-0086, ARepeatBoutique.biz. All consignment winter clothing half price.
            Tagawa Gardens, 7711 S. Parker Road, Centennial, 303-690-4722, tagawagardens.com.  All ceramic pots and houseplants 33 percent off.
            Urban Roots, 1000 Acoma St., 303-893-4064, www.urbanrootsdenver.com. Indoor foliage, bulbs, planters, plants, tools, fountains, garden decor, perennials, books, iron garden decor and many more items are reduced by as much as 40 percent.

            The Women’s Bean Project, 3201 Curtis St., 303-292-1919, womensbeanproject.com. All soup mixes are $5 each, and Toni’s 10 Bean Soup seconds, usually $4.50, are $4. Available either at the Curtis Street shop or on line at womensbeanproject.com/online-store-bean-soup-mixes.

            Spread the word about the great deals you’ve found at locally owned retailers by sending an e-mail to Janet@bestcoloradodeals.com, and go to the BestColoradoDeals.com Web site to subscribe to the Best Colorado Deals newsletter. And don’t forget to catch her featured deals each Friday on Channel 9’s 4 p.m. news!