Wise buys ahoy at Stupid Prices

Good news for the thrifty-minded: Stupid Prices is expanding.

The nine-store network of liquidation outlets (www.stupidprices.com) features prices of at least 50 percent off retail, and shoppers don't pay sales tax. Sales are final. The 2-year-old, Washington-based enterprise already has outlets in Kenmore, Kent, Federal Way and a furniture/electronics outlet in Woodinville. A new Stupid Prices will open in the old Chubby & Tubby building at 7906 Aurora Avenue N. in Seattle on Wednesday. A store opens in Monroe on Dec. 8.

On a recent visit we found a suede coat with a retail price of $90 at Costco, marked down 70 percent; a multipack of Kodak Advantix film half off its Costco price of $24.80; a $1,677 sofa for $799; and a $4 six-pack of toothbrushes for 79 cents.

Stupid Prices contracts with more than 500 national retail chains and suppliers to take the items they can't sell. Partner Bruce Martin said he can't name names as part of the agreement with suppliers.

Jolayne Houtz, Seattle Times consumer reporter