RETAIL ROUNDUP -- CATHERINE EBERHARD

In just a few days, it will be the Fourth of July and time to

celebrate our country’s independence with a bang. This week, I thought

I’d give you some suggestions on ways to enjoy your special midsummer day

off.

A popular thing to do on the 4th is to invite all your closest friends

and relatives over for an afternoon barbecue. If your grill is so old it

hardly opens, or you don’t even have one, a good place to find one is

Anaheim Patio and Fireside at 6811 Warner Ave.

This family-owned business is Orange County’s largest retailer of

outdoor furniture, hearth and fireplace products, barbecues and patio

accessories for the casual Southern Californian lifestyle.

Featuring a wide selection of charcoal and gas grill barbecues, the

company has been in business since 1956. In fact, it will soon hold its

Explosive Fourth of July Sale-a-bration in honor of its 45th anniversary.

Nearly the entire store will be on sale, and it will be a good time to

check out its large stock of patio furniture and outdoor accessories

along with those barbecues.

Anaheim Patio carries several styles of patio furniture in cast

aluminum, all-weather wicker, wrought iron and wood. It also has hammocks

to relax your day away, patio umbrellas to keep you cool in the shade and

outdoor heaters if you should need some warmth as your party continues

into the night.

Fancy acrylic dinnerware that is guaranteed to be “unbreakable” is the

perfect thing for kids and adults alike to use when enjoying their

barbecued feast.

Bonnie Richins, general manager of Anaheim Patio and Fireside, told me

that the store prides itself in carrying patio furniture that will “fit

any style from contemporary to country to traditional.”

She also let me know that one of the most popular items lately has

been outdoor bars and bar stools. Not to mention the chimneas, which are

outdoor fireplaces that are handcrafted and functional pottery art for

your deck, patio or poolside. Plus, outdoor porch swings and bamboo

torches are always a hit.

Richins was also able to answer my burning question of why the company

is called “Anaheim” Patio and Fireside when there is no store in Anaheim.

She told me that the company opened its very first location in

Anaheim, but when the California Department of Transportation decided to

redesign the Santa Ana Freeway, it had to be torn down to make room for

the expansion. Since the name had been its identity and key to success,

it stayed.

Besides the large Huntington Beach location, Anaheim Patio and

Fireside also has stores in Brea and Irvine. For more information, call

(714) 894-0382 or visit them on the web at o7

https://www.anaheimpatio.comf7 .

***

Once you’re set up with the backyard of your dreams, you still might

need some beach towels if you’re going to take a dip in the pool or spend

the morning laying out on the sand. I found some great deals on beach

towels at the T-shirt Factory Outlet, 6967 Warner Ave. near Goldenwest

Avenue.

As expected, the T-shirt Factory also has a large variety of printed,

plain and even embroidered T-shirts and tank tops for a steal. Prices

start as low as $2.50 for kids and adult active wear.

At that price, nobody will mind if you spill mustard and ketchup from

your barbecue all over your clothes. The T-shirt Factory Outlet also has

shorts, jeans, overalls, jackets and baseball caps at a huge discount.

So go on out and get some summer clothes, and you won’t give a second

thought to sitting in the grass, sliding into home plate or diving for

that volleyball in the sand this Fourth of July.

More information on the T-shirt Factory Outlet can be found by

visiting the store or by calling (714) 841-3090.

* I hope these tips on where to shop to get prepared for a perfect

Independence Day have been helpful. I’m sure your holiday will be a

success no matter what you do as long as you and your family take time

out away from the pressures of work and the hectic pace of daily life to

celebrate our country and our freedom.