Seen On

3 On Your Side: Going Out Of Business Sales

PHILADELPHIA (CBS 3) ― Thinking of hitting the stores this holiday weekend? How do you know when a sale offers a rock bottom bargain?

Earlier this month, Boscov's filed for bankruptcy and announced it was closing ten locations, among them, the Oxford Valley and Montgomery mall stores. Bargain hunters reveled in the thought of deep discounts. But as 3-On Your Side's Jim Donovan found, you may be able to get a better deal elsewhere.

The signs on the building say 'store closing,' and 'nothing held back.'

The Boscov's at Montgomery Mall is shutting its doors and prices are dropping fast!

Shopper Steve Scarpa says, "Boscov's has a reputation for being a discounter to start, they would expect even better prices."

But Scarpa was surprised to find lower prices at another Boscov's that is staying open than he could get at the Montgomery Mall location that is closing down.

According to Scarpa, "Here they are paying twice, three times as much as the ordinary Boscov's price."

Just days ago, 3-On Your Side did a spot check of prices with our hidden camera and found the going-out-of-business price may not always be the lowest around.

For instance, a two-piece Calphalon skillet set at the Montgomery Mall Boscov's was on sale for 30-percent off. The final price was $112.

But at the Plymouth Meeting Boscov's store, we found it for only $49.95. That was $62 dollars less than at the store that's shutting down!

So what's the deal?

According to Scarpa, "I found out that there was a liquidator coming in and he or she controlled the prices."

3-On Your Side found that's right.

Even though Boscov's name is still on the building, a spokesperson tells me at the ten stores that are closing; a liquidator is now in charge and is setting their own prices.

During our shopping trip, we found a West Bend crock pot that normally is priced at 49.99, being sold at the Montgomery Mall Boscov's store for ten percent off, $44.99.

But at the Plymouth Meeting Boscov's that is remaining open, it rang up at $19.95. That is $25 less!

3-On Your Side contacted the liquidator but never heard back.

When we checked the prices Thursday, more discounts have been made at the Montgomery Mall Boscov's store.

But the skillet and crock pot that we just mentioned, along with several other items are still cheaper when purchased in Plymouth Meeting.

(© MMVIII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

---