SANDY'S BARGAIN CENTER

1029 W. 36th St., Hampden / / 410-235-3848 / / Open Monday through Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

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THINK OF SANDY'S BARGAIN CENter as the Wal-Mart of Hampden, only locally owned and without the employee issues. Plus, you get all the funky charm you've come to love and expect from this neighborhood.

Owner Sandy Piper relocated her shop to this spot recently because, as she says, "The Avenue is where it's at." Now that 36th Street has so many antiques stores, specialty boutiques and restaurants, she adds, there's nothing quite like her store on Hampden's main street.

Stop in when you need a screwdriver, socks, a bottle of Tommy Hilfiger cologne or a Monopoly game. Then there are the items you didn't know you needed until you saw them: the Flamingo salt and pepper shakers ($5.99), the Coca-Cola straw holder ($8.99), the angel holding a clock and a dove ($19.95). You can get a portable CD player for $29.99 and a two-slice toaster for $11.99.

"I try to keep my prices as low as possible," Piper says. "I'm not getting rich, but I'm paying my bills."

Keep Sandy's in mind when you need a last-minute toy for a child's birthday party or a package of batteries. It's open on Sunday, and it really does have a little bit of everything, hon.

Know of an interesting shop that has just opened in your neighborhood? Let us know. Send a note to liz.atwood@baltsun.com.