Buying a New Car
May 15, 2009 by Northshore
Filed under Shopping
How often have you walked out of a car dealership feeling like you’ve been had? That’s what we thought. Charlie Giacobbe, personal auto shopper and consultant, is out to change that.
“The sales manager wants to find out what the most money is that a customer will pay for a car. I try to find what the least amount of money is that the sales manager will accept to sell his car,” Giacobbe explains.
Giacobbe has been in the car business all his life, first as a salesman in Somerville in 1976, then later as a sales manager in Woburn. These days, he helps car buyers on the North Shore get the best possible deal available. So, who hires a personal auto shopper? Just about anyone who hates the car-buying process, those who simply don’t have time, and those who feel they aren’t good negotiators. Basically, anyone.
“I’ll tell my client where we need to be, based on my research of the car for it to be a fair deal,” he says. “We’ll make an offer that we know is below what the dealership can sell it for.”
For example, a recent client came to him looking to trade an ‘01 Volkswagen Jetta for a new Honda Fit. Giacobbe knew his client was getting charged with a $500 markup. The dealer offered him $2,800 for the Jetta. When the Honda Fit arrived at the dealership, it came with navigation, a $1,300 option that was not part of the deal. They said they’d only charge him $500 for it. That’s when Giacaobbe got the phone call.
“I called the dealership. The guy knew me. He said he’d sell him the Fit at list price and would take another look at his Jetta. I called some wholesalers and they told me it was worth $4,000 so I told my client to ask for $4,500 for the trade. The sales manager agreed, two weeks later, his car came without the navigation this time, and everyone was happy.”
In another instance, Giacobbe was called to help with the purchase of an ‘08 Cadillac SRX for $32,000. After looking at some of the incentives, Giacobbe discovered the ’09 version (a $46,000 car) could be purchased for $31,000.
In the end, it’s all a game and knowing how to play should increase your chances at scoring the best possible deal. Sometimes, though, it’s really a matter of who budges first. Giacobbe says when in doubt, walk out. —Jack Morris
Charlie Giacobbe’s fee is $250 for vehicles listed under $50,000 and 0.5 percent of the MSRP price for vehicles over $50,000; sales logistics.net, 781-983-2321.
Gearing Up Five tips for buying the right car:
1. Buy in July and December. The most incentives are given in July and manufactures in December are trying to vie for top sales claims for that year. 2. If you can’t wait for those months,buy closer to the end of each month. 3. Never fall in love with the car. Always say, “This might work for me if the price is right.” 4. Walk out if you don’t feel comfortable with the price. 5. Research the vehicle online prior to purchase (kbb.com or edmunds.com).
Which Enviro-Friendly Auto Should You Buy?
We asked Giacobbe to select the top green vehicle available for the average North Shore family. He excluded the Toyota Prius because“size, gas mileage, and price put it in a class that no other manufacturer currently competes with.” See below for his choice.
Picture 1: 2009 Chevrolet Malibu, MSRP $26,275. Pros: Lowest MSRP, longest wheelbase, longest powertrain warranty, Onstar. Cons: Lowest city mileage at 26 mpg.
Picture 2: 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid, MSRP $26,870. Pros: 33 city, 34 hwy MPG, longest rear leg room in class. Cons: Lowest rated horsepower of three at 147, federal hybrid tax credit no longer available on Toyota (the only one in the group).
Picture 3: 2009 Nissan Altima, MSRP $27,345. Pros: 198 hp is best in group, 35 city/33 hwy is best city mileage, 20-gallon gas tank is largest of group. Cons: 16-inch wheels, highest MSRP of group.
“My recommendation would be the 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. The 2008 North American Car of the Year and the winner of the 2008 JD Power “Highest Rated Midsize Car in Initial Quality”, the Malibu offers a number of advantages over the Toyota and Nissan competitors. The 17″ wheels and 112.3″ wheelbase lead to the best ride and handling of the group. While the city mileage is the lowest, the highway mileage of 34 mpg is better than the Nissan and the same as the Toyota. With the lowest MSRP of the group, current incentives can bring the actual purchase price below $23,000. The horsepower is in the middle of the group at 164 and the powertrain warranty extends 40,000 miles beyond that of the Toyota or Nissan (5 year 100,000 mile powertrain). The standard OnStar offers cutting edge communications in an emergency situation, will help police locate your stolen car, unlock your doors for you or even to download directions to guide you if you’re lost. I love this feature! Navigation systems are not required. XM radio is also standard. As an added bonus, purchasing from an American auto manufacturer supports 78 american jobs per car sold as nearly 3 million U.S. jobs depend on automakers.”
First Annual SHOP Middleton
May 8, 2009 by Northshore
Filed under Events
Title: First Annual SHOP Middleton
Location: Middleton Green – Middleton, MA
Link out: Click here
Description: Visit the town of Middleton Saturday, May 16th, 2009 for the First Annual SHOP Middleton, Buy Local Day.
Shop local businesses at this town-wide event. Participating businesses will feature special discounts, samples and more!
Entertainment and food will be offered at Middleton Green AND E.A. Stevens Insurance will be hosting a red Soc Ticket Raffle , to enter SHOP Middleton. (Make a purchase from any local businesses, then take your receipt to the E.A. Stevens Insurance table located at Middleton Green.
For more information, please visit: www.middletonbot.com
Sponsored by the Middleton Board of Trade.
(Rain Date: June 6th, 2009)
Date: 2009-05-16
Nordstrom Grand Opening Celebration
April 17, 2009 by Northshore
Filed under Blog
Our very own Jennifer Banville was at the grand opening celebration for Nordstrom at the North Shore Mall in Peabody today. She raved about this all day long (in particular, the sweet handbag that they gave away at the door). Looks like a great time! Check out the photos below.
Mommies Who Shop
April 15, 2009 by Northshore
Filed under Events
Title: Mommies Who Shop
Location: Hamilton Wenham Community Center – Hamilton
Link out: Click here
Description: Visit the Hamilton Wenham Community Center, located at 284 Bay Road in Hamilton on Thursday, May 7th, 2009 from 6pm-10pm.
Peruse a selection of handcrafted clothes, art, toys, books and gear for babies, kids and expecting moms by up-and-coming artists and designers.
Complimentary Spa treatments, wine bar, door prizes, silent auction, and more!
For more information, please email: info@mommieswhoshop.com, or visit: www.mommieswhoshop.com
Start Time: 18:00
Date: 2009-05-07
End Time: 22:00
Nordstrom to Open at the Northshore Mall April 17th
April 1, 2009 by Northshore
Filed under News
Highly-anticipated department store to anchor the mall’s recently added 165,000 square-foot wing
PEABODY, MA – April 1, 2009 – Simon Property Group Inc. (NYSE: SPG), the country’s largest owner, developer and manager of high-quality retailer real estate, is pleased to announce the opening of Nordstrom at 10am on Friday, April 17th, 2009 in the newly expanded and renovated Northshore Mall. The 138,000 square-foot department store will anchor the mall’s new expansion wing, which includes an additional 165,000 square feet of retail space currently occupied by a diverse mix of new retailers.
“The opening of Nordstrom to anchor our new wing is an exciting completion to our three phase renovation and redevelopment process,” said Mark Whiting, General Manager of Northshore Mall. “We have solidified the title as the preeminent shopping destination on the North Shore, and we are confident that Nordstrom will enhance our footprint to make the mall a shopping destination for people as far north as Maine and New Hampshire.”
The new Nordstrom at Northshore Mall will be the retailer’s third store in Massachusetts and the Greater Boston area. The two-level store will feature five shoe departments; an expansive cosmetics department; Cafe Bistro, a casual and affordable restaurant; Ebar, which offers fresh coffee beverages and snacks; and a well-edited selection of quality and luxury fashion brands for women, men and children. Merchandise will include well-known fashion brands such as St. John, Elizabeth & James, Tracy Reese, M Missoni, William Rast, Theory, BCBG, Canali, Hugo Boss, John Varvatos, Star USA, Burberry, Versace, Jimmy Choo, Valentino, Michael Kors, Juicy Couture, Stuart Weitzman and Donald J. Pliner. Customers can take advantage of a number of special touches and amenities, including on-site alterations and tailor shop, certified shoe fitters, complimentary beauty and skincare consultations, mother’s lounge, certified bra fitters, prosthesis services for women who have undergone breast surgery, package delivery and a shoeshine stand.
With the addition of Northshore Mall’s expansion wing, which opened in November 2008, came a wave of contemporary new retailers, including: Popular European retailer Zara; United Kingdom-based cosmetics company LUSH; High-end beauty retailer Sephora; Los Angeles-based specialty store Metropark; Sophisticated clothing retailer White House Black Market, and Leading fashion retailer H&M.
The mall also diversified its restaurant mix by adding the upscale Asian eatery P.F. Changs China Bistro, which is the restaurant’s first and only location on the North Shore.
Opening in April at Northshore Mall is a two-level Forever 21. The retailer, which offers the most current fashions at unbeatable prices, will occupy 40,000 square feet of retail space.
Eastern Mountain Sports recently relocated within the mall and a variety of highly-anticipated new stores will be opening in the coming months, including: The North Face; Clark’s of England; Hollister; dELliA*s; Bebe; and Pandora Jewelers.
Prior to Nordstrom’s opening, the store will host Nordstrom Fits America, a special bra fitting event on Saturday, April 4th, 2009 from 8:30am-4:30pm. Customers will have the opportunity to meet with a certified fit expert for a complimentary bra fitting. For every bra purchased, Nordstrom and participating brands will donate $2 to the Massachusetts Affiliate of Susan G. Komen For The Cure.
Additionally, to celebrate the opening, Nordstrom will host an Opening Gala on Wednesday, April 15th, 2009 from 7pm-10pm inside the store. Guests can enjoy cocktails, dinner and dessert buffets, live entertainment and sneak preview shopping. Tickets are $75 per person, with all proceeds benefiting The Friends of Beverly Hospital, North Shore Music Theatre and Essex County Community Foundation. Tickets can be purchased by calling: (978) 236-1600, or online at: beverlyhospital.org/gala. Also, a Beauty Bash is scheduled to take place the morning of Friday, April 17th. 2009 beginning at 8am, prior to the store’s official 10am opening. Nordstrom beauty advisers will share the inside scoop on the tips and tricks for looking your fabulous best. More information is available at: (866) 455-7442.
About Northshore Mall: Northshore Mall delivers a convenient approach to upscale shopping. Anchored by department store favorites Macy’s, Macy’s Men’s & Home Store, JCPenney, Filene’s Basement, Sears and a new Nordstrom, the center offers a full range of retail, restaurant and entertainment for its shoppers. Northshore Mall offers guests a generous variety of more than 120 specialty stores, a 12-unit food court and six full-service restaurants, including Legal Sea Foods, Joe’s American Bar & Grill, Bertucci’s, Bugaboo Creek Steakhouse, The Cheesecake Factory and P.F. Changs China Bistro.
About Simon Property Group: Simon Property Group, Inc. is an S&P 500 company and the largest public U.S. real estate company. Simon is a fully integrated real estate company which operates from five retail real estate platforms: regional malls, Premium Outlet Centers®, The Mills®, community/lifestyle centers and international properties. It currently owns or has an interest in 386 properties comprising 263 million square feet of gross leasable area in North America, Europe and Asia. The Company is headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana and employs more than 5,000 people worldwide. Simon Property Group, Inc. is publicly traded on the NYSE under the symbol SPG. For further information, visit the Company’s website at: www.simon.com
Fabulous Finds
March 30, 2009 by Northshore
Filed under fabulous finds
A Special Promotion for Northshore Magazine
Twice As Nice
Moms and daughters will adore these matching 14 kt. gold bracelets adorned with amethyst, citrine, blue topaz, garnet, pink cz and peridot stones. It’s a match made in bauble heaven reminding each other that you are BFFs! Priced from $185-285. Baubles Fine Jewelry, 1 Post Office Square, Lynnfield, 781-592-6110, baublesfinejewelry.com
Brides! Newbury Street Service For Half The Price!
spa ni’joli & Salon in Methuen, MA can accommodate all your beauty needs for your special day. We offer pre-wedding relaxation services such as couple’s massages and body glows to beauty needs such as airbrush tanning, eyelash extensions, nail services, formal styling, and professional makeup applications all planned by your own personal concierge. spa ni’ joli & salon, 116 Pleasant Valley Street, Methuen, 978-682-9772, nijoli.com
Anti-Shoe
MBT’s specially designed sole exercises a large number of muscles, whether walking or standing, stimulating your metabolism, and burning extra calories. Additionally MBTs can have a firming effect on abdominal, leg and buttock muscles. So stroll about town looking fabulous and getting fit. No need to go to the gym when the gym can come to you. J.L. Coombs, 1 State Street, Newburyport, 978-462-2262, and 45 Main Street, Andover, 978-470-8121
Jewelery With Meaning
Poetry hand-engraved onto precious metals is how San Francisco based jewelry designer Jeanine Payer creates her collections of emotionally engaging yet subtle jewelry as showcased in this cuff inscribed with an Apache blessing. “May the sun bring you new energy by day, May the moon softly restore you by night, May the rain wash away your worries. May the breeze blow new strength into your being. May you walk gently through the world and know its beauty all the days of your life. Apache Blessing.” Every piece at Jambu is handcrafted by artists from all over the country from the simple to the exotic, Jambu “inspired jewelry,” 38 Atlantic Avenue,
Marblehead, 781-639-9600, www.jambujewelry.com
Bra Fitting in Andover
March 11, 2009 by Northshore
Filed under Shopping
In the last year, my bra size has been guesstimated at 32C, 32D, 34A, 34B, 32B, and 34C, and I’ve got a drawer jammed with lacy underthings to prove it. Some of them may actually fit, though I couldn’t tell you which. Read more
North Shore Wedding Trends
January 12, 2009 by Northshore
Filed under Shopping
If the bride’s not wearing white, it’s not what you think. Read more
Shore Things: Holiday Issue
November 19, 2008 by Northshore
Filed under Shopping
By Stacey Marcus, photographs by White/Packert Read more
Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide
November 19, 2008 by Northshore
Filed under Shopping
Time to get out the Post-its, find the perfect gifts, and make your own holiday wish list! Read more
Sailing into Marblehead
September 20, 2008 by Northshore
Filed under Destinations
Hailed by its earliest settlers as “the greatest town for fishing in New England,” Marblehead is now known as “The Sailing Capital of the World,” boasting more boats per capita than any other town or city on the face of the earth. Read more
Salem – A Comprehensive Guide to Eating, Staying and Shopping in Salem
September 20, 2008 by Northshore
Filed under Destinations
Places to eat…Spend some time on a dime: Read more
Rockport Guide
September 20, 2008 by Northshore
Filed under Destinations
A Village Guide to Eats and Treats Read more
North Andover Guide
September 20, 2008 by Northshore
Filed under Destinations
Where to chow down and shop in North Andover. Read more
Town Guide: Ipswich
September 20, 2008 by Northshore
Filed under Destinations
Where to eat, shop and stay in Ipswich. Read more
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