We all know there is tons of construction going on in Murfreesboro. Our town is a bustle with new businesses and local websites. It is very easy to get caught up in all the glitz and swank of these fresh buildings with exciting light displays and great “grand opening” deals; however, some of the truly great finds are at our older, less shiny, retail establishments, like Roses in Mercury Plaza.

Roses is part of the North Carolina based Variety Wholesalers Inc. This division has 98 stores and only three are located in Tennessee. Some of you from other parts of the state may recall when there were several more stores open here in Tennessee (I know several folks in Cleveland who were very sad to see that store close in the early ’90s).

The Murfreesboro Roses is approximately 50,000 square feet and carries toys, health and beauty aids, housewares, furniture, sporting goods, snacks, clothing, accessories and seasonal items. The store is not awesome; it’s showing some wear for its age, but the deals you can find here are awesome and ageless.

On my most recent visit, I found hooded sweatshirts for $6 (all colors), a cute sweater dress for $13 and I bought four, and black, Ruana wraps for $10 each (great gifts for friends). Now, I’m not saying all the deals are jumping right off the shelves, but if you spend a few minutes browsing the aisles, you’re sure to find an inexpensive “necessity,” from $1 mini-speakers to plug into your mp3 player to $3 textured tights.

So, although the appeal of the new mega stores is very inviting, you have to remember that you are paying for all that sparkle in your purchase price. This season, why not step back a little from the shine and step into the great finds at one of Murfreesboro’s oldest (and most reliable) bargain havens.

Roses is located at 1018 Mercury Blvd. in Mercury Plaza near Peebles.

Send your best holiday deals to me, vegasjuli@gmail.com.