Too often, what we get from the news is all gloom and doom. Sometimes, it’s nice to read an article that is about someone doing a good thing. Such was the case with an article that appeared in yesterday’s Virginian-Pilot:
In an industrial park near railroad tracks and a union hall lies one of the region’s best-kept shopping secrets.
Every year for the past few decades, General Foam Plastics Corp. assembles its array of artificial Christmas trees and other holiday decorations in its warehouse and sells them to the public. The manufacturer and importer – which wholesales its products to stores such as Wal-Mart, Kmart, J.C. Penney and Home Depot – offers discounts from retail prices, say those who flock to the warehouse annually.
[…]
General Foam’s pre-lit trees stand as tall as 12 feet and cost as much as $300. Options include types with short, dense, dark needles; long, silky, moss-colored foliage; or bright white branches. One tree had lights on its needle tips that flickered in a wave.
Consumers in the know can find plastic Santas and snowmen, reindeer and wise men, starting at $6. A variety of wreaths, some decked with real pine cones and gold bows, carry a $15 price tag. Rolls of 50 yards of ribbon cost $1 – the same price as a gold-ball ornament.
I have no doubt that General Foam could wholesale this stuff and make more money with less hassle. But they are giving a bit back to the community with this unadvertised sale.
Head over to 3321 E. Princess Anne Rd in Norfolk and check it out. The sale continues until Christmas. Hours are 9am – 4pm, Monday thru Friday and 7am – 3pm on Saturdays.
VIVIAN J. PAIGE | All Politics is Local 