Robot Builder’s Sourcebook

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up to determine which stuff is useful in your robotbuilding
endeavors.
Several of the big discount chains, such as Kmart and
Target, are also ideal sources for robotic toys. Watch for
regular clearance sales, which occur in the months
before Christmas and immediately after the holidays.
Additional clearance sales may be held in late January
or February, after the annual toy convention held in
New York.
Do consider there are many more discount and department
stores than those listed here. In your area may be
a number of smaller chains, even independent stores.
Don’t forget to include them your regular “parts
hunts.”
SEE ALSO:
retail-discount & department
Retail (various): Additional product-specific
retailers
Toys: Toy-specific retailers
99 Cents Only Stores 203889
4000 Union Pacific Ave.
Commerce, CA 90023
USA
� (323) 980-8145
� (323) 980-8160
� (888) 582-5999
� contact@99only.com
� http://www.99only.com
Operating mostly in the western U.S., 99 Cents Only
Stores sell everything at 99 cents. Much of it is common
staples and food, like candy bars, soda pop, toothpaste,
and soap. But you’ll also find (primarily name brand)
batteries, tools, even some discontinued toys that can
be hacked for different robot projects. The company is
owned by a wholesale importer that caters to other
retailers, so they aren’t at risk from running out of
things to put in their stores.
You may not have a 99 Cents Only Store near you, but
odds are, something similar will be in your town. The
idea is the same.
�
Big Lots 203890
300 Phillipi Rd.
Columbus, OH 43228-0512
USA
� (614) 278-6800
� (614) 278-6676
� http://www.cnstore.com
You may know them as Odd Lots, Big Lots, Pic ‘N’ Save,
and Mac Frugal’s. They’re all owned by the same outfit,
and they’re all pretty much the same kind of store:
closeouts and “surplus” goods, including mostly name
brand household items. Stuff for robot builders include
batteries, hand tools, and toys (okay, and the occasional
Milky Way candy bar).
As I write this, all the stores (about 1,300 in total) are in
the process of being renamed to Big Lots, but their
merchandise will remain the same. Refer to the Web
site for a store locator.
�
Find-a-store search for the Big Lots discount
chain.
BJ’s Wholesale Club, Inc. 203891
1 Mercer Rd.
Natick, MA 01760
USA
� (508) 651-7400
� (508) 651-6114
� http://www.bjswholesale.com/
BJ’s is a membership (gotta pay to shop) retailer,
mostly in the eastern U.S. (Costco and Sam’s Club
have a lock everywhere else). The attraction ofmembership
stores is that you buy in bulk. Don’t pay $5 a
pack for a set of four AA alkalines; they’re a lot
cheaper in packs of 24. You’ll also find office supplies,
books, and even toys. Except for office supplies, these
aren’t in bulk, but you still save. Check the Web site for
a store locator.
�