Aug. 10--Based on the number of e-mail messages and phone calls I get with this question, an update is in order, so I'll cut to the chase.

Yes, the Apple Store at Friendly Center is still coming.

And yes, I know, it didn't open this spring when an official initially said it would.

But there's a good reason: Apple decided to expand the store's footprint, meaning a bigger store is coming to this market, according to officials with Friendly Center. The store expansion contributed to the delay.

The News & Record reported in November that Greensboro would join the hip and trendy of the tech world with a bricks-and-mortar Apple Store.

A Triad location would spare local Mac lovers from the frustration and expense of traveling to Durham, Raleigh or Charlotte when their computers go on the fritz or a new Mac toy is unveiled.

Apple aficionados, hold tight. Your Mac mecca is coming -- but probably not until the early part of 2009.

Tax-free weekend sales strong despite economy

Tax-free weekend often means less elbow space as a crush of shoppers try to maneuver store aisles. And despite the slow economy, it seems that remained the case for last weekend's tax holiday in North Carolina, retailers have reported.

Overall, reports point to a "very successful" weekend, said Andy Ellen, general counsel for the N.C. Retail Merchants Association.

While family budgets may be tighter this year, there are some supplies that are still necessary, Ellen said. And, in addition to the tax holiday, many merchants ran special sales to lure shoppers.

"If (shoppers) went out while the item was tax free and on a good sale, maybe they bought another notebook or something for their child's class or another pair of jeans with the savings," Ellen said.

Family Christian store moves to Wendover

Greensboro's Family Christian store has moved.

The old store, at 300 E. Cornwallis Drive, closed shop on July 30 to make way for a new Walgreens, said store manager Sherri Griffith.

The new store opened July 31 at 4205 W. Wendover Ave., in Wendover Village (the Costco shopping center).

While the store is already open for business, the site will celebrate a grand opening Saturday. Included in the festivities will be appearances by Bob and Larry from the popular "VeggieTales" series. The characters will be at the store at 10 a.m., 12 p.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.

Another popular book character, Hermie, will be at the store at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Aug. 24.

Tuesday Morning opens location in Burlington

Burlington bargain hunters no longer have to trek to Greensboro to browse closeout retailer Tuesday Morning. A new location opened closer to home last week at 3394 S. Church St. in Burlington's Rosewood Village Shopping Center.

How to describe a Tuesday Morning store? Think of a slightly more upscale Big Lots that carries goods for the home. Merchandise includes wine chillers, kitchen faucets, glassware and dinnerware, dorm accessories and the like.

Store hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. on Sundays.

Savvy Shoppers unite at the Bargain Blog at news-record.com. Do you have a retail news or shopping tips for Savvy Shopper? Contact Lanita Withers at 373-7071 or lanita.withers@news-record.com.

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