Aug. 14--Looking for great buys on footwear? Check out the tent sale today, Friday and Saturday at Footprints in Newington. The event features men's, women's and children's footwear from such names as Stride Rite, Florsheim, New Balance, Clark, Stuart Weisman and Munro at savings of up to 70 percent.

Footprints is at 79 Costello Road, off the Berlin Turnpike, near Circuit City. Store hours are Monday through Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:45 p.m.; Thursdays until 8:45 p.m. Information: 860-666-3100.

If you're lucky enough to have kids wearing school uniforms, you're already saving money on their fall and winter wardrobes. At A. J. Wright stores, you can save money on the uniforms as well. The stores carry a range of uniform basics such as pants, shirts, skirts and jumpers priced from $5.99 to $9.99.

In Connecticut, A. J. Wright stores, (which are part of the TJX company), are in Wethersfield, New Britain, Windsor, Hamden and Waterbury. Information: www.aj-wright.com.

A number of websites offer discounted or inexpensive uniforms, including the Children's Wear Outlet, www.thechildrenswearoutlet.com, which advertises savings of as much as 40 percent off department store prices, and All Heart Kids, www.allheartkids.com, which is holding an inventory liquidation sale with savings of as much 60 percent on a wide range of uniform separates.

Be sure to check the website for coupon codes for even greater discounts.

Stars, an Avon shop featuring wedding gowns and women's special-occasion clothing, holds its annual sale. The event features dresses for the mothers of the bride and groom, cocktail dresses, wedding-gown samples and separates at 50 percent off. Hours are Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Stars is in the Riverdale Farms shopping complex, 136 Simsbury Farms Road, Route 10. Information: 860-678-0590.

Thursday nights in August are "Girls' Nights Out" in Chester center. Merchants in town will be open late, and shops restaurants and galleries will be offering special deals. Check with local businesses for hours and details.

The Antiques Marketplace in Putnam holds its 17th annual customer appreciation sale Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Antiques and collectibles, offered by more than 350 dealers, will be discounted during the event.

Antiques Marketplace is at 109 Main St. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Information: 860-928-0442.

Favarh Thrift Store in Canton is cleaning house with a series of sales events. Friday and Saturday are dollar days, with all merchandise priced at just a buck. On Monday, the store opens for a $2 bag sale.

The shop is at 50 Albany Turnpike, Route 44. Hours are Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Information: 860-693-2899.

Love the look of Pier One decor items, but not the price tag? Check out the Jennifer Farrell Collection at Big Lots. The line includes furniture, lamps, pillows, frames, candles, dinnerware and more. All Jennifer Farrell merchandise is 50 percent off.

For Connecticut Big Lots locations and hours, visit www.biglots.com.

CVS is holding a "See What's Free" promotion throughout August. CVS ExtraCare cardholders who shop any time during the month and make a purchase will receive a coupon for a free gift. (The coupon prints onto the bottom of your receipt, and you have seven days to redeem it.) Giveaways include mouthwash, aspirin, hand sanitizer and allergy tablets. Each cardholder is limited to one free gift.

Trying to live more economically? Check out DollarStretcher.com. More than 200,000 frugal readers receive the free Dollar Stretcher newsletter, and another 40,000 people visit the website each week for money savings tips geared to families trying to stay on a budget.

If you're planning any big ticket back-to-school shopping, you'll save money if you shop next week. Connecticut's tax free week starts Sunday and runs through Aug. 23. During that time, you won't pay sales tax on any clothing or footwear purchases priced under $300.

Are you a savvy shopper? Carry the bag that proves it. Send us information about your favorite bargain finds, special sales or local outlets. If we use your suggestion, we'll send you a Savvy Shopper tote bag. (Businesses: Send sale information at least two weeks in advance.) Send suggestions to Korky Vann, The Hartford Courant, 285 Broad St., Hartford, CT 06115 or kvann@courant.com.

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