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Broken zipper emergency? It'll be fixed in three hours You can get fast food in minutes and pick up a prescription at a drive-through pharmacy, but ask to get your clothing alterations on the same day, and you're likely to get a "Who died and made you king?" look. Most alteration shops take two to three weeks, except Perfect Fit by Clinton Kelly in the Mall of America (across from Sea Life on the first floor between Sears and Bloomingdale's, 952-854-5723).
The shop specializes in fixes that can be completed within a few hours to a few days. "We see people who want jeans hemmed or a hockey jersey shortened who want to wear them later that day," said fit stylist Denise Sanford, who trained with "What Not to Wear" TV host Clinton Kelly on proper fit and style. Even with the short turnaround time, prices are competitive, including $9 for a plain hem on jeans ($17 for a Euro hem) and $15 to replace a zipper on dress slacks. Perfect Fit also helps travelers whose luggage is lost. They buy clothes at the mall and have them altered for events later that day. Clothes do not have to be new or purchased at the mall to be altered by Perfect Fit.
Free cosmetics with purchase Through Feb. 3, Neiman Marcus (505 Nicollet Mall, Mpls., 612-339-2600) is giving away a fashion tote with a cork-like exterior, a 14-day supply of Re-Nutriv Ultimate Lift Age Correcting Creme, a compact with eight eye shadow and three lip gloss colors, lipstick and mascara with any Estée Lauder purchase of $70 or more (a value of $195, Neiman's says). If you like the cork finish on the bag, head to the shoe department for a near match by Stuart Weitzman, although other shoe retailers may also have them.
Home furnishings resale shop opens New Uses (Ridge Square strip mall, 13029 Ridgedale Dr., 952-681-7744, www. newuses.com) opened to buyers last week, a couple of weeks earlier than expected. Similar to Plato's Closet, Clothes Mentor or Once Upon a Child, New Uses pays cash for your used goods, including furniture, kitchen items, electronics, home furnishings, furniture, small appliances, lighting, artwork and pet supplies such as aquariums.
The most popular sellers so far have been art pieces and small appliances such as blenders, mixers and food processors and electronics. "IPods for $20 to $50 flew out the door," said Chad Olson, chief operations officer for New Uses and Clothes Mentor. "So did man-cave stuff like mirrors with Grain Belt etched on top."
The store allows store credit for returns within seven days, except on electronics, furniture, media and vacuum cleaners, which are final sale. Hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays and noon to 5 p.m. Sundays.
John Ewoldt • 612-673-7633 or jewoldt@startribune.com. If you spot a deal, share it at www.startribune.com/dealspotter.
