Powells Sale Observations

So I just got back from the warehouse sale and noticed a few things that might be helpful for tomorrow if you’re thinking of going.

1) Show up early. You’re gonna be standing in line one way or the other, might as well be at the front of the line. I got there at 9am and one of the senior employees was walking the line and said my location was about 500th. Assume tomorrow is gonna be worse.

2) Use the bathroom before you go, but if you don’t just walk up to the front of the line and use the porta-pottie.

3) Don’t bring a huge bag/wagon/cart/stroller. You aren’t gonna buy as many books as you think. I bought ten books and it took awhile to find ten books I wanted. The aisles in between the tables are narrow and you’re gonna have a hard time maneuvering without a bag full of books let alone with that stroller or wagon. The books they’re selling are the ones they don’t want in their store. So think about that. If they don’t want them, there’s a good chance you don’t either.

4) The tables are organized and labeled by color like the store. That’s where the organization ends. It’s just random titles stacked next to each other with no way to search for something specific. So if you’re looking for a specific title you will not find it.

5) go with a friend and bring a car. The parking lot for the building stayed remarkably open as people showed up, realized how long the wait was, and then left. I had my SO drive up and pick me up from the parking lot when I was done. Super convenient!

6) Bring cash. My ten books cost $18. Then line for checkout with a card was around an hour. The line for checkout with cash was around four seconds.

7) Don’t go if you’re looking for kids books, they don’t have much. Definitely go if you’re into cookbooks. I don’t know why but the cookbook section was overwhelming. Anyway add your own thoughts if you have them. Overall I’d give it a 6/10 and would go again but show up 2 hours early rather than only an hour.