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Top 15 phone apps for shopping
They say there's an app for everything. Well, when it comes to shopping, that's mostly true. The October issue of ShopSmart, from the publisher of Consumer Reports, reveals the top 15 phone apps for shopping. 1. Coupon Sherpa finds scannable coupons for shoes, shades and even deals in your area. (iPhone; free) 2. MobiQpons finds scannable coupons from your favorite stores and blocks offers from stores you don't like. (iPhone, Blackberry, Google Android; free) 3. Check Please lets you split the check and figure out the tip. (iPhone; free) 4. CompareMe does the math to find the best value: the bigger or smaller carton of OJ? (iPhone; $1.99) 5. Sale Price calculates the actual sale price of an item, factoring in coupons and tax. (iPhone; free) 6. Epicurious lets you search for recipes and create a shopping list. (iPhone; free) 7. Grocery Gadget Lite keeps your grocery list online, with photos, and arranges items in the order they're found in the store. (iPhone; free) 8. Frucall sends you price comparisons one of three ways: phone call, text or on the Web. (any cell phone; free) 9. ShopSavvy turns your phone's camera into a bar-code scanner to find prices locally and online, then gives you a link to the site or driving directions to the store. (Google Android, also expected for the iPhone; free) 10. CardStar consolidates all your store membership, discount, club, and rewards cards so a cashier can scan the bar code right off the phone. (iPhone; free) 11. Cha-Ching tracks your spending and reminds you when bills are due. (iPhone; $2.99) 12. iTrackMine helps you track what you have and where the deals are. (Any Web-enabled phone; free) 13. Shopper helps you make shopping lists and totals up your purchases, which can help you stick to your list and your budget. (iPhone; $0.99) 14. BNB (Be Nice to Bunnies) helps you shop cruelty-free, for cosmetics and other products not tested on animals. You can also find out whether an item is vegan. (iPhone; $1.99) 15. SnapTell takes a picture of a book, CD, DVD or video game to get user reviews sent right to your screen. With the Google Android, it can scan the bar code. (iPhone, Android; free)
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SPLURGE-WORTHY
SHOP SITE
Beyond the Rack (beyondtherack.com) For those who consider shopping a sport, beware: Beyond the Rack’s collection of designer handbags and accessories will have you competing against your fellow customers for the latest trends at the lowest prices in a race against the clock. This exclusive shopping club features 48-hour online events during which limited quantities of designer products are made available for members to purchase at a discounted price. But don’t wait too long to pick your favorite Calvin Klein handbag or Ed Hardy T-shirt: Members have only 20 minutes before shopping bag items are released for others to buy. As a shopper who loves fashion but often dreads the hefty price tag that comes attached to many designer items, I was pleasantly surprised by the site’s varied selection. Beyond the Rack’s merchandising team collaborates with retailers to provide members with options. From splurges like the Gucci Medium Black Leather Duffel ($1,699) to equally trendy accessories from Betsy Johnson (Oversized Animal Print Sunglasses in Raven, $39) and Rampage (Floral Border Square Versatile Scarf, $12), Beyond the Rack is sure to satisfy your style, no matter your budget. McClatchy-Tribune
PRICES THEN AND NOW
Diet Pepsi 1963 • 49 cents for a six-pack 2009 • $2.49 for a six-pack (Schnucks)
DEAL OF THE WEEK
Pets and their parents can show off their stylish costumes at PetSmart's annual free Howl-O-Ween Costume Contest and Photo Event from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday. The event will be held at all St. Louis-area PetSmart stores and will feature a pet parade, prizes for contest winners and a free goodie bag for the first 100 customers. A photo package is available for $4.95 with a PetPerks card and includes a digital photo and collector Halloween-themed frame. Call a store near you for contest rules and more information. Find a great deal every day at our Steals & Deals blog at STLtoday.com/steals yesterday's most emailed
 
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