Cashmere comfort
By Rita Demontis, Toronto Sun

There are days when only cashmere will do. And you're in luck -- there's a wonderful women's fashion sale taking place today to Sunday featuring major deals not only on cashmere but handbags and the most gorgeous jewelry around, all at unbelievable prices -- up to 75% off the retail.

There are Italian-made leather, designer-inspired handbags and baubles from around the world. Plus major savings on Heaven Cashmere. Line up early and stock up.

- Designer Sample Sale and Trunk Show, March 2-5, 890 Caledonia Rd. (south of Lawrence Ave. W.), Thu.-Fri. 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Sat.-Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Speaking of fashion, Bayview Village Fashion Outlet is a designer clearance store that's worth more than one visit. And at prices up to 90% off at any given time, you're in for a real treat. Right now the company is currently have a jewelry sale with deals starting at $3 on such names as Anne Klein, Givenchy, Garbo and more. The company is basically an off-price boutique (three blocks west of Bayview Village Shopping Centre) that provides women from sizes 0 to 22 with a broad selection of designer fashions and brand name clothing and accessories at prices normally 60% to 80% below retail. And then they have sales upon sales! It's based on an interesting pricing strategy -- in order to guarantee the fast flow of goods, all merchandise is priced at 60% below retail when it first arrives. The longer an item remains unsold, the more the price would automatically be reduced, first 25%, then 50%, and finally 80%. What is not sold is given to charity.

After designers and manufacturers ship their current season merchandise to stores, they all have ending inventories to clear with off-price stores. Bayview Village Fashion Outlet purchases such merchandise and sells them at wholesale or below wholesale prices. It is creative clothing, and people really appreciate what they find: Racks of clothing from various designers from Canada, USA, France, Italy and around the world.

- Bayview Village Fashion Outlet, 326 Sheppard Ave. E. (at Longmore), Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Closed on Sunday. 416-226-4232 or 416-226-1625.


There's a new flea market in town -- well, a little out of town, in Newmarket! Starting this Saturday, the New World Flea Market will be opening its doors to more than 80 vendors featuring everything from artwork to cowboy boots, bakery goods to an on-site butcher, beauty supplies to jewelry and much more. Organizers say this is the first stage of the flea market -- additional dealers will be coming on board in the coming months, and spring promises a huge event. Until then, go for a drive and enjoy the deals.

- New World Flea Market, 514 Davis Dr. (Yonge St., east of Main St. Take Hwy. 401 to 400, go north to Hwy. 9, exit on Hwy. 9, go east for about 10 minutes and you're there). 905-952-0815, Sat.-Sun. 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Deals at your fingertips

Speaking of markets, don't forget the Downsview Park Merchants Market, considered one of the largest in Ontario, with more than 700 booths of pure shopping pleasure. Everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to seafood, plus antiques, collectables, clothing, furniture, electronics, accessories and much more. All under one roof!

- Downsview Park Merchant's Market, 40 Carl Hall Rd. (2nd set of lights east of Keele St., on Sheppard Ave. Turn right at the big green doors), 416-638-2525, Sat.-Sun. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., dpmarket.com.

There are two big bankruptcy sales currently taking place, both under the Danbury name. One involves the brankruptcy of The Home Company stores. Everything is discounted from 40%-50% on quality furniture, glass and stemware, home accessories, mirrors, artwork, accent pieces, linens, floor coverings and much more. Sale's on for the next while, several locations to choose from. Please note, both sale hours are based on mall times and hours, which are your standard seven-day a week schedules.

- The Home Company Bankruptcy Sale, Hillcrest Mall, Sherway Gardens and Markville Mall.

As well, there's a major bankruptcy of Silver Dollar stores featuring savings from 30%-50% off the retail. Again, you're looking to save on health and beauty products, toys, housewares, stationary, seasonal stuff, some foods, party goods and more.

- Silver Dollar Bankruptcy Sale, Hillcrest Mall, Erin Mills Town Centre, Eastgate Square, Promenade Mall and Limeridge Mall.


- Check out danburysales.com for more information on times, dates and addresses.