A new place to hunt bargains

The former Food World location on Lorna Road has been filled by a store new to the Birmingham area: Bargain Hunt. The chain, which is owned by Nashville-based Essex Technology Group, has 18 locations and is looking to expand into the Birmingham market with this as its second location in the city. It is scheduled to open in early August.

“Bargain Hunt is a unique concept when it comes to clearance items,” advertising director Carman Gary said. “We sell all types of name-brand things at an average of 35 percent less than a regular store.”

The company, which buys items from major national chains that the chain cannot sell for various reasons, sells small appliances, clothing, toys, sporting goods, furniture and electronics. Electronics make up 60 percent of their sales.

Bargain Hunt also has an internal discount program with an automatic markdown pricing program that will mark down items based on how long they have been on the shelf for up to 90 percent.

“After 30 days, we start taking off 10 percent each week,” Gary said. “Most things sell quickly, but every once in a while you can find something great for a huge discount. That’s the beauty of the store, and that’s what makes us different from stores like T.J. Maxx.”

The other Bargain Hunt location in Birmingham is on Crestwood Boulevard. The company also has locations in Huntsville and Florence, as well as in Tennessee, Kentucky, Georgia and Mississippi. To find out more, visit bargainhunt.com.