Gabe'sWhat to buy and what discounts there are

Gabe's is an off-price chain from West Virginia, with about 160 stores in 20 states, mostly in the East and Southeast. Clothing and shoes for the whole family, accessories, beauty and home goods - up to 70% below department store prices. The model is similar to TJ Maxx and Ross, but the brand selection is more modest and prices are often lower. A good option for budget shopping if there's no Ross or TJ Maxx nearby.

The company Gabriel Brothers has operated since 1961, and its stores are big warehouse-style halls, most of them in Ohio, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia. Besides clothing and shoes there are bags and luggage, beauty and hair care, toys, furniture and decor, pet food and even groceries. The stores of the former Rugged Wearhouse chain have already become Gabe's, and Old Time Pottery is now being converted to this banner. The chain's official website is gabesstores.com (gabes.com is a different company).

The merchandise is overstock, surplus and closed-out lots from brands, so brands show up in chunks: Michael Kors, Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger, Nine West, Steve Madden, Skechers, Adidas, Carhartt. There's a lot of mass-market, the selection is less predictable than at TJ Maxx, and the floor can be messy - allow time for sorting through.