NOTE: Printed in special “Gift Guide” section.
By Brenda Maguire
Correspondent
With the holiday season upon us, there are deals to be found for the discerning shopper, even when it comes to such disparate gifts as diamonds versus toy train sets.
If jewelry is on the gift list, head over to Polumbo’s Jewelers at 438 East St. in New Britain.
“We are selling a lot of sterling silver,” said owner Fred Dibattista, noting that gold jewelry sales are down.
New items this holiday season will include what Dibattista described as “interesting handbags” and “interesting pearl jewelry,” which would make great gifts for a wife, girlfriend or daughter.
“Those are the big things,” Dibattista said.
Polumbo’s Jewelers will be running sales of 20 to 60 percent off on select items through Jan. 1.
Jewelry gifts can also be found at J.P. Jewelers at 47 Whiting St. in Plainville, which will be offering 20 to 50 percent off on most items in the store.
Mary Polumbo, store owner, said sterling silver jewelry and Ice-Watch watches are popular, as well as Pandora beads.
“Pandora is always strong and they’re coming out with a Black Friday piece.” Polumbo said, “We carry the top designers.”
For watches, check out Shannons Jewelers at 74 Farmington Ave. in Bristol, which will have Citizen Eco-Drive Watches on sale for 20 percent off and Pulsar Watches for 25 percent off.
Scott Fournier, owner of Shannons Jewelers, said the store also has a wide variety of diamond earrings and pendants.
“Diamond jewelry is always in season,” he said.
The store also has plenty of engagement rings in stock. Fournier noted that the holiday season is “a popular time to be engaged.”
Amato’s Toy & Hobby will not just be providing great holiday deals, but will also offer a fun outing with their train event on Saturday and Sunday.
Everything in the train department will be on sale with train sets starting as low as $34.99.
Owner Steven Amato said the trains are the biggest-selling item for the store at Christmas time because people like to put them around their Christmas tree. He said that helicopters are also a popular gift.
On those days there will also be “train experts” on hand who can suggest which train sets are best for customers based on whether they are being used for a Christmas tree or for a full train model.
“A lot of our customers come to us, not just for the price, but for the advice,” Amato said.
Santa Claus will be at the store at 283 Main St. in New Britain on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Connecticut author Kevin Ferrisi will be holding a book-signing from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for his book “Kids Can Too.”
Select items at Amato’s will be 10 to 50 percent off through Wednesday and there will be various specials throughout the holiday season including reduced prices on starter sets.
Brenda Pantano 