Local Surplus Stores Beat Amazon On Price

(Each Friday Bargain Hound will look at how to save money and have fun in San Leandro and vicinity. Past columns have looked at thrift stores as well as  imported foods and meat outlets.)

Hunting for a new TV, vacuum cleaner, clothes or toys? What about diapers and pet food? Or exercise equipment?

The Hound has flushed out local surplus stores that have way-below Amazon prices on new merchandise that you can take home today.

Everything is new with the original packages and tags. But it pays to be flexible. You never know what you are going to find but expect to see lots of clothing, small appliances and electronics packed floor to ceiling. And customer service comes with a smile.

Thrift store rules apply: If you see it and you want it get it. Their inventory changes constantly and may be completely different a few weeks from now.

Destination shopping in San Leandro? Surplus Town moved to San Leandro from Concord six months ago because so many of their customers live in San Jose and Fremont and they needed a more central location.

At the prices this Hound saw, it's clear why South Bay buyers make the drive.

This big warehouse space is a treasure trove. One quick look around turned up:

• Nordic Track electronic folding treadmills at $700;
• Toshiba 19" HDTV/DVD players at $147;
• Wetlands Canine Formula dog food at $20.00 for a big bag;
• Seventh Generation diapers at $8.00 a pack.

And that was just the tip of the iceberg. Surplus Town has everything from toys to clothes to Milwaukee tools and remote control helicopters so it pays to check through the nooks and crannies.
Surplus Town, 950 Aladdin, San Leandro (510) 351-5430

This old dog has been an HD Electronics Outlet customer for years and never cease to be blown away by the prices. It's a small place hidden away on Industrial Boulevard in Hayward -- so you will have to leave town.

But it's worth the border crossing.

Right now the Outlet is packed with shoes and clothes but the big deal here is electronics. Particularly TVs. So how about an Aquos 60" HDTV for $999 or the 60" Aquos HDTV with 3D for $1399?

Don't want a TV? What about  a Shark Navigator bagless vacuum for $100? The clothesare similar values but the electronics are top name and great value.

HD Electronics, 28970 Hopkins (off Industrial) Hayward. (510) 265-0291.

Trans Brand Name 4 Less also requires a border crossing, to San Lorenzo. This small but jam packed store has big deals on kitchenware, small electronics and lots and lots of clothes.

The shelves and racks are totally jammed but I picked out a Offiice Jet 8500 wireless printer for $120; a Canoscan 8400F for $81.99; a PUR water filter for $19.99; and a Levi platinum fit dress pants for $19.99. Nice!

Trans Brand Name 4 Less, 18050 Hesperian Boulevard, San Lorenzo, (510) 258-0453.

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