Mechants Of Venice

The Harbour Hatties recently visited the Merchants of Venice.  Sounds like an educated group, right?  Well it was!  All eleven Hatties were well educated in shopping for savings as they explored the varied consignment and second hand stores that the city of Venice offers on Friday, August 27th.  

First stop was Fifi’s on W. Venice Avenue, owned by Heritage Harbour Loop’s Russ and Roberta Pettigrove.  The store is absolutely packed with clothing and home furnishings, including racks of clothing from Chico’s and brand new clothing from Ann Taylor.  Hatties delighted in finding the perfect purchase for others in the group!

Gathering their many packages together and stopping at the car to fill the trunk, the Hatties moved on to Russ and Roberta’s second store, Fifi’s Fine Resale Apparel on Miami Avenue.  This store was also packed with beautiful clothing, with an entire room devoted just to shoes!  Sorry husbands, but credit cards and check books were once again flying fast as more wonderful purchases were made.

All that shopping made for eleven hungry women, so the next stop was Upper Crust Café and Bakery on W. Venice Avenue.  Tough decisions had to be made because the Upper Crust has wonderful soups, salads, and sandwiches.  Afternoon tea is also available with delectable scones and mouth watering baked goods!  Many Hatties purchased baked goods to take home and enjoy with their spouses.  Everyone agreed that a return visit to sample other delicious menu offerings was a must!

Down the street to the next stop, Kilwin’s Chocolates and Ice Cream of Venice, also conveniently on W. Venice Avenue.  Hatties ate ice cream and sang Happy Birthday to Karen Vaklavik who was the only August birthday attending.  Everyone was happy to help celebrate Karen’s twenty-ninth birthday.

True shoppers, everyone was game to test out the rumor (given by Fifi’s owner, Russ) that Beall’s Outlet in Ospry was having a store clearance sale, with items marked 50 to 70 percent off, then an additional 40 percent off.   A shopping frenzy ensued as carts were filled and bags toted from the store.

Tired, but happy about all of the money SAVED, the group returned home late in the afternoon.  No one spent much, but everyone saved a lot!  Another great day of fun, laughter, and companionship!