SALE RACK: Holiday sales to start earlier

By Debra Melani, Special to the Rocky

Friday, May 9, 2008

If you're the kind of person who likes to be a step ahead, check out Memorial Day sales - this weekend. Some merchants are already gearing up for the big shopping day, launching spring sales that run through the holiday. And, as a bonus for procrastinating Mother's Day shoppers, there's a chance for a last-minute find.

For the rest of the month, customers can count on discounts of up to 60 percent at The Collection, 899 Broadway, which boasts a large array of artwork, antiques and home and garden decor (303-623-4200).

Just in time for graduation parties, Trunk Full of Treasures, 1539 S. Broadway, has cut prices 15 percent through Memorial Day on its large selection of vintage jewelry, dresses and hats. Also find cuff links starting at $10 (303-952-4100, trunkfulloftreasures.com).

Tesori Italian Pottery, 3300 E. Third Ave. (the former Cook's Mart space in Cherry Creek North), kicks off its annual spring sale Friday. Save up to 30 percent through May 18 on Majolica pottery, hand-formed, hand-painted pieces from Italy (303-907-9837, tesoriitalianpottery.com).

Jewels for Hope, which benefits the Children's Diabetes Foundation, hosts a sale from 1 to 4 p.m. today at the Koelbel Library, 5955 S. Holly St., in Centennial, with a large selection of jewelry, some pieces as low as $5 (303-628-5103).

Next weekend is the 15th Antique and Collectible Postcard and Paper Show and Sale at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds Exhibit Hall, 15200 W. Sixth Ave., Golden. The event runs from noon to 8 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 17. Admission is $4, good for both days (303-667-6212, 303-220-9116).

Cherry Creek's annual fundraiser for The Denver Hospice is under way at the shopping center, with nearly 500 masks by celebrities, artists, sports figures and political leaders on display. Bid online at themaskproject.org through May 30. All proceeds from this event, including The Mask Project Gala May 31, go toward end-of-life care in the Denver community. Purchase gala tickets at blacktie-colorado.com.

The Farmer's Market at Cherry Creek runs from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday on North Cherry Creek Drive and South University Boulevard behind Bed, Bath and Beyond. Find fresh produce, flowers and other goods from local farmers through October, with a Wednesday session from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. added in June. Visit coloradofreshmarkets.com for information on this and other markets.

Have a tip on a good sale? Send it to Debra Melani at dmelani@ msn.com.