The Faribault Woolen Mill Warehouse Sale takes place this weekend
The annual Faribault Woolen Mill Warehouse Sale is the best place to snag the biggest deals of the year from the Minnesota heritage brand. Hosted as its mill and headquarters in Faribault, Minnesota, the sale includes more than 17,000 blankets, throws, scarves, tote bags, table linens, and more, spanning discontinued and overstock items, off-season specials, and never-sold vintage items, marked down 50 to 75 percent off.
Faribault Mill’s heirloom-quality goods are typically found at high-end retailers and boutiques, and the warehouse sale offers local shoppers a unique opportunity to stock up on the company’s timeless products at the lowest prices around. (And just in time for holiday gifting.) Nearly all of the items are 100 percent wool made right here in Minnesota—meaning these goods will last for years to come. Blankets are priced from $35 to $150, with throws starting at $25, scarves starting at $20, and accessories such as smartphone covers and coffee sleeves for $5. About 20 percent of the goods are “seconds” (flaws) but typically very minor.
We asked Faribault Mill for some shopping tips to help you maximize your shopping experience this Saturday.
- More than 17,000 items will be available, so there is truly something for everyone.
- It’s more than just blankets. The Warehouse Sale will give shoppers a range of products from a limited number of $2 spools of yarn to $150 recently discontinued jacquard king and queen blankets. There will be everything from throws and blankets, to clothing and accessories to holiday and home décor.
- The sale this year is one day only, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. While past sales have been two days with a restock for the second day, this year Faribault will have everything out on day one with no restocks and no second day.
- There are items for every price range. Scarves, pillow cases, stockings, throws, and more are all within the $25 to $100 range depending on if they are first run discontinued items or seconds. There will also be really great deals on end-of-the-summer cotton throws and cotton accessories, so shoppers can stock up for next year.
- Any of the seconds are marked as to why they are seconds. Some may simply be two inches off in size versus the first run product. Others may not meet Faribault’s weave pattern consistency standards. Faribault’s rigorous standards are the shoppers’ gain on all the seconds.
- The only items you will not find in the sale are products that are currently in Faribault’s existing lines or new lines. However, you can get a discount on those, too! Simply take your receipt from the Warehouse Sale over to the Mill Store (just next to the warehouse) and save 10 percent on all regularly priced items.
- Clothing and vintage Faribault Mill pieces will be available, too: There will be many capes in stock as well as vintage pieces you can’t get anywhere else in the world (unless your parents handed one down to you).
- Come early with a few ideas of things you are looking for (throws, tree skirts, blankets, etc.). Everything will be really well marked and in rows, so with a list you’ll be able to head right to row of items you’re looking for and can wander around once your list is complete.
- The sale is always great opportunity to buy gifts for upcoming weddings or holidays ahead of time, that way when occasions come up you have heirloom quality items ready to gift at a fraction of the cost.
- If history repeats itself, there will be a lot of people there. Getting there early, and having a list is always a good idea.
- While you’re in Faribault, be sure to explore the historic town. Visit The Cheese Cave, the retail shop where cheesemaker Caves of Faribault sells its famous, premium cheeses made in Faribault’s historic cheese caves (318 Central Ave. N., cheesecave.net); F-Town Brewing Co., a new craft brewery and taproom in the heart of Faribault’s historic downtown (22 4th St. NE., ftownbeer.com); Smoque House, a modern-casual restaurant with an emphasis on slow-cooked meats such as jerk chicken, brisket, and pulled pork served on grilled buns (200 Western Ave. NW., smoqehouse.com); Bernie’s Grill, a beloved, old-fashioned diner that’s a favorite for breakfast (129 Central Ave. N., berniesgrillfaribault.com); and antique shops galore.
Saturday, Oct. 14 from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. @ Faribault Woolen Mill, 1500 NW. 2nd Ave., Faribault, 507-412-5510, faribaultmill.com