Retail Roundup

Unbeknownst to us, and probably everyone else save Smart & Final, May

is National Barbecue Month. It’s just a shame that we weren’t able to

tell you this until today, the last day of the month. Well, it’s better

to learn it late than never, so why not celebrate the occasion in June?

Smart & Final let us know about the month’s special designation with a

couple of freebies. It turns out that TradeWinds -- a private label of

theirs -- has come out with a line of seasonings. Complete with paprika,

salt, onion, celery, garlic and red pepper, the barbecue seasoning’s got

a bit of everything. They even included a recipe for chili-glazed

chicken.

But, unfortunately, we’ll just have to imagine what it tastes like.

The package presented us with a chef’s cap and an empty, yes empty,

barbecue seasoning container. Oh well, the chef’s cap’s getting some some

good chuckles in the office. Bon appetit.

Dad may soon sport a gold bracelet

Well, unlike barbecue month, we are ahead of ourselves on this one.

Father’s Day is around the corner and, this year, it’s been suggested to

us that everyone skip buying Dad a tie.

Instead, Bailey Banks and Biddle Fine Jewelers recommends buying --

can you guess it? -- jewelry. Yep, when was the last time Dad unwrapped a

box containing a diamond and sapphire band in 14-karat white gold? Only

$895.

In our possession now, thanks to the jewelry-pushers, is a cheap, and

somewhat diced, tie. Thanks a lot. We’ll ponder that one.