Bolton's

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Owned by the same more-for-less chain store empire as Strawberry and Pay Half, Bolton’s aims a similar penny pinching philosophy towards a more grown up crowd. Trading in flashy skirts and short shorts for mom-approved blouses, prairie skirts, and corporate casual suits, Bolton’s overflows with polyester slacks and linen tops that work great from 9 to 5, but may be a bit too generic for a night on the town. In an attempt to show fashion credibility, the store is divided with signs that say “Famous Maker Dresses” and “Designer Suits,” which stock pieces by labels like Jones New York, Maggy London, Liz Claiborne and Calvin Klein. Also in store are a venerable array of gift-y items like bath soap sets, candle packs, lotions and flower-adorned stationery. Sales can get pretty aggressive, with prices slashed so heavily that one could leave with a week’s worth of accessories for less than a Manhattan deli sandwich. — Melissa Noble

There are always discounted items, but shoppers can expect 20% to 50% off during end-of-season sales held January-February and late July-early August.