With the holiday season passed and the new year now in full swing, there are assorted reasons to seek out deals while shopping. In addition to the daily necessities (food, water, clothing, health-related products), there are other items people need to thrive. As the prices of these and other items continue increasing, consumers are closely watching their pennies and look to save money whenever possible.
One place people can look to for first-rate items that are also inexpensive is at Whole Lot Discount Retailer, LLC in Barrington, RI. They have a variety of offerings ranging from furniture (office chairs to couches) to electronics (from air buds to radios). All the items arrive via closeouts, overstocks, and discontinued items. Co-Owners Ken Vieira and Steve Medeiros take the time to personally inspect every incoming item to ensure it works and is in perfect condition.
Ken said that is one reason they have flourished in this endeavor.
“Steve and I make time during the week to review every item that comes through here,” he said. “We evaluate everything first before we deem it worthy to sell. Should something come in broken, then we do not put it out for purchase. If the box the item comes in frayed, then we still sell it because people are not buying these items for the packaging. We want to keep our customers happy and returning.”
On the Facebook Live Show, the action happens fast. If you want something that is available, then you had better move quickly or lose out on the opportunity. One recent show featured eight area rugs, designer clothes and even bathroom tissue (which was claimed within seconds of being displayed).
Much of their inventory sells for between 25 percent and 70 percent off retail. Vieira and Medeiros research the current selling prices of the items and discount the amount accordingly. Their inventory often comes in by truckloads. Sometimes, they get between six and 10 pallets weekly full of products they will process before they hit the sales floor.
They use an online selling platform on Facebook Live to move the merchandise. The pair appears live every Sunday from 11:00 AM until 7:00 PM and live pop-up shows occasionally. Watch their page for details! They will sell items with incentives thrown in at various times to attract customers. Once someone buys an item, it gets coded and put into special bins for customer pickup at their location at 65 Bay Spring Ave., in Barrington, although pick-up times vary. Once inside, people are welcome to check out and buy other items throughout their showroom.
Vieira said the Live Sales Shows are a wonderful way to shop for savings without leaving the house. Potential buyers may take the show with them while on the road or travelling.
“We have a lot of items that we have available,” Ken said. “The items could be one-of-a-kind or multiples of them. There is a description of the item, how much it retails for, and what we are charging for them, usually for 50 percent off retail. There is no limit to what treasures await on any of our shows.”
They offer themed shows as well. A popular one Ken and Steve (along with their wives, Kristi and April, respectively) involves clothing. Many items are name brands that often sell at their show for between $5-$10. There could be a show blowout with additional savings on their inventory. Another popular item is their “Mystery Boxes,” in which customers pay $20-$25 and get a box full of items curated by both Ken and Steve. Usually, at least one item will retail for what customers pay for the box.
When Vieira and Medeiros are not bringing in products, they are helping the community. Ken says they help local organizations and charities either by donating items for an event, clothes to families in need, and other endeavors.
Both men agree that is what makes them who they are.
“We are part of this community. Both Ken and I feel fortunate to help the people who helped us become successful,” said Steve. “There is something to be said seeing other people smiling or relieved when they get something of need.”
Added Ken, “We truly feel blessed. We do not do those things for publicity. We give back because our economy is in tough times, and we enjoy helping others in need.”
Whole Lot Discount Retailer was an idea hatched five years ago from Vieira’s home. When space became an issue two years ago, they moved, then they expanded into storage then outgrew those before moving into their current location. The Medeiros,’ who are long-time friends with the Vieira’s, joined last year as an online store.
They scour nationally recognized chains and online websites to locate potential deals.
They said anyone who is interested in learning about their live shows should connect to their Facebook Group Page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/382236703674012. Or you can scan the QR code
The duo also hopes to expand its warehouse so they can accept more inventory to share with its customers. They also would be interested in connecting with any distributors locally and nationally.
For more details, please contact them at 401-317-8800 or sales@wholelotdiscount.com. Also, visit their new website at www.wholelotdiscount.com.
