Where's a good place to find a parka? (Minneapolis, Burnsville: sale, buying)

[robind]

We're getting closer to moving to Minneapolis. Yipppeeee! Now it's time to think about parkas. I've been looking online at parkas and snow boots but I think I'd really like to try stuff on.

Where's some good places to find parkas and boots?

[lukeache]

Burlington Coat Factory in my opinion is the best place to find cheap coats and parkas. Also, I have bought used coats at thrift stores like Unique in Burnsville and got some great stuff for little money. I don't see a logical reason to pay full retail price for this stuff

[kuan]

The REI scratch and dent sale or the REI $0.83 cent sale is good. Get on the REI email list. There are a number of stores here that have extremely good sales, but since you're not here you can't take advantage of them.

Midwest Mountaineering's sale is coming up. I've seen really good closeout deals there, and Thrifty outfitters upstairs has OK deals, nothing really over half off though.

Joe's sporting goods has a sale too in November, in fact, it's this weekend. There are always half off rack full of ski jackets. Same thing happens in March. Half off (at least) all cold weather gear.

[golfgal]

It's 63° here right now so no need quite yet for your winter coat. You can find them pretty much everywhere once you get here. It really depends on what you want. If you want more of a ski jacket then try REI and other sporting type stores. If you want something nicer then most of the department stores carry them--Macys, Kohls, etc.

[DannyBanany]

Ya know... THE MALL OF AMERICA might have one or two stores that carry parkas.

Maybe.

[doublesuited77]

you will find the best quality at REI, by far.

[golfgal]

One thing to keep in mind is if you go to REI or similar and ask for a 'parka' they are going to steer you toward the -50°, Arctic Trek, going to the north pole warm jackets. A winter coat or jacket is what you will want for everyday wear.

[chilaili]

Lands End used to have a store in Richfield along 494 that might be a good place to look

[kuan]

Actually Fleet Farm is a good place for boots. Don't be fooled into buying all those fancy $150 boots. All you need is a waterproof shell and a good thick felt liner. Get felt, not "other" fancy new age material because in a few years when your liner wears down, you can buy another pair of felt liners and cut out the bottoms of the old ones for extra insulation on the bottoms.

[yellowsnow]

I would vote for Unique Thrift also. You can try anything you want including the good brands like Eddie Bauer, Patagonia, Columbia, etc. You don't have to spend a load of money. If you only pay $7, you can have more than 1 coat.