Continental Sales “Lots-4-Less”

I always like to come here when I’m in the area. The lines are a long wait but that’s because everyone can see how cheap these prices are! If every store was like this, we would live in a better place. But of course, there are reasons for such low prices. Sometimes the food is off days, and occasionally can cause major problems. I don’t know, you don’t know what you’ll find there. One time, I got a large pack of Dove candy bars and some orange Mountain Dew, not expired and at a good price. Another day I just walked out with some hard fruit snacks and disappointed. But it’s usually a legit look most of the time. Wish it was closer!

This place is the best!!! They sell a lot of different things and food some of it expired or almost expired. But don’t be so bougie, dry goods don’t just magically go bad the date stamped on the box.

Do you like watching planes coming down? Do you like hunting bargains? Do you have lots of people to feed? If your answers are «YES» on all three (3) questions, you need come and check this place OUT!
This place is located near the Midway Airport, on S. Cicero. The planes are coming down fast and furious (not exactly that fast… it’s approximately 100 mi./hr…so that they can land at 75 mi./hr. once they reach the ground). Well, let’s forget about the physics for now. My point is that if you don’t mind hearing noise from airplanes constantly, you may shop there.
Fair warning, people: most items are about to expire in the next thirty (30) days or less, so mind your business and be very familiar with your immune system. Yes, they are cheap, but will you die from consuming those things? I’m not going to answer this question for you… obviously.
I saw some cookies have turned colors even though they were not yet expired.
I personally thought the banquet frozen entrees were over-​priced. For $ 1.99 on a chicken-​finger dinner, I know Jewel-​Osco will have better prices and more varieties. One of the older-​lady patrons randomly shout out «check prices before making purchases» after I made a comment on the price of the frozen entrée. I guess she concurred.
They have lots of canned veggies, unknown-​brand salad dressings, and unknown-​brand spices. Well, they aren’t exactly «unknown;» they were made in Bedford Park, IL. Hey, that’s literally across the road on S. Cicero. For some reason, their packaging is very hokie. Based on what I saw, I wouldn’t trust on those spices or other Bedford Park made merchandize.
However, I do trust the Miss Swiss marshmallow hot chocolate. I purchased two (2) pack of the six (6) pouches; each pack was $ 0.99.
I got some skittles as well: two (2) regular packs for $ 1.00, about the same price as Walgreens’ when they have those on sale.
This is a great place to find bargains, if you’re willing to take chances. They do have household cookware, personal hygiene items, and accessories. You can tell that they’ve been circulating around different venues for awhile. Evidence? The aquafresh toothpastes were in the late 90’s packaging. Yeah, it means that when I was 14, I used the same version of toothpaste. I really don’t need to imagine what brushing teeth will look like using expired toothpaste.

Great place to go when you have some extra time and want to save money buying food and electronics. You’ll enjoy walking into this place.

You never know what you’re going to find here. I mean you literally have no clue, but you can be sure that you will find something interesting.

While wandering down the aisles a few months ago, my wife and I found good quality dive fins for an unbelievable price. We had JUST ordered a pair of the same fins for her to try snorkeling during our upcoming vacation and they cost more than three times as much. You know I was fuming when I saw these at the store. I grabbed a pair for myself and they are the best fins I have owned.
There are always food items on sale, some of which come from hoity-​toity places like Whole Foods, but have expired or are close to expiring. There are also great household goods and sometimes decent clothes for great bargains.
Now, just like at the Dollar Tree, you have to understand that the entire store is not full of these gems. In fact, many of their items are generic and over priced. I’m sure they make money on these items as well because many people shop there thinking everything is on sale for a fraction of the price they would pay elsewhere, and that is simply not the case. You have to look for the deals.

Save your time. It’s not that great. I stopped in on my way from the airport and thought it was a regular grocery store. You can buy shampoo, soap and cleaning supplies for cheap, but I’d bypass on most of the food. I bought some rock hard granola bars, got a good deal on flat sodas and some aspirin that crumbles instantly as soon as you put in your mouth. If you are looking for a deal, clip coupons or go to Big Lots. I’m not exactly sure why people are ranting and raving about this place.

I love Continental Sales. Every time I go there are different products. Always a great buy. You should sign up for the coupons that are mailed. At the end of the month and sometime during the month there is a coupon for 20% off your purchase. An even better deal.

I checked this place out after reading a few reviews. And true enough you can find a few great deals I like the fact that you can get a few or you can just get the case. Plenty of things to choose from so walk slow. lol
I will be back soon and I will be looking for more great deals.
Thank you my Unilocaler friends

You can ALWAYS find a great bargain here! Jyst make sure you grab it when you see it because it may not be there tomorrow!

I buy a lot of stuff that is past the expiration date. you are taking a chance but most of the time it has been delicious to eat. i like the store for all the friendly people who work there as well as for all the money I save. if you sign up to receive their add every month you get a sale paper that saves you a lot of money and usually twice a month you get a 20 percent off coupon. you will be doing yourself a big favor if you visit this store. i drove by here for years and I finally decided to stop in and I am sure glad that I did. i stop here at least 3 times a week because almost everyday their stock is bringing out something new. dennis h.

Listen, I KNOW there are a lot of things I wouldn’t buy in a resale/​expiration date place, but there are some damned good deals to take advantage of here! I frequent this place a lot for party items, office items, last minute gifts, blah blah blah! It’s addictive!

This is a cool place to find some great items at discounted prices! I frequent this shop often and I am always surprised with what I find here. Some great items that would cost way more at other stores can be found here. Some are name brand and some are not, but no matter what just stop in you never know what you might find.
Manager Rita is also great to deal with, she is outgoing and friendly but as I found out she is only there part time. She is a welcome member to the team!

Shopping at Continental Sales is a very interesting experience. It’s a blend of about 50% food and beverage and 50% general merchandise.
You have to be in right frame of mind to get the most out of your visit. You can’t go shopping there for something specific — you will only be frustrated. The mix of merchandise changes constantly. Also, you can’t expect the same ambiance as Nordstrom’s. You have to be in a somewhat adventurous mood and looking for bargains. The prices are rock bottom and some of the stuff is cool. Remember that toy that people were paying $ 1000 for on e-​bay two Christmases ago — well it’s probably at Continental sales for $ 2.99 right now along with toilet paper from a bankrupt paper products company.
Also, Continental has some items that you cannot get anywhere else. Once we bought a coffee cup in the shape of a pancreas for a dime.
(It was a drug company promotion for doctors and the excess inventory ended up at Continental).

DOLLAR BUSTER FRIDAY. (everything 99 cents goes to 77 cents).
NO TAX TUESDAY. (self-​explanatory).
There is a lot of junk here, but sometimes you will find what you need (ex: inexpensive floor mats for your car, rope, misc. items). Good for buying outdated puzzles/​activity books/​stickers and cheap school supplies (by which i mean of… okay… quality).
My mom won’t take me here anymore because she knows we leave with a lot of junk we don’t need just because it is so cheap. The food is often expired (I once saw a pack of brownies in the clearance section that were almost a year overdue) so be careful when looking in that section.

Okay let me do this finally!
My partner always brings items from this «PLACE». And although the prices ARE cheap, so are some of the items. Well, as some of the reviewers have stated, its like russian roulette, you get various items depending on what is out there, or better yet WHAT’S EXPIRED~!
Okay so you can’t win em all. Many of the food items are about to expire if not already expired. I for one do not eat expired foods just because of what I do for a living. But you will definitely find yourself bargains here. Maybe your in need of a toilet seat that fits your regular crapper but the hole is fit for a baby. A nice 12 pack of pink snowballs (yum), and a selection of Chicago Memorabilia, well the kind that is lost in the past. I did buy some quirky 5 x $ 1 postcards with the SEARS TOWER FACTS. Yes, you heard it here, it is the SEARS TOWER and NOT «What cha talking about WILLIS tower» (poor Gary Coleman). But I digress. I was not really impressed, but will say that I was happy with some of the items I purchased.
It was an experience and I may try them again in the future because I saw some self stick flooring that definitely will be purchased for a quick do of the hallway of mine.
If you like bargains, than yes, get it! But if you are up tight and froo froo about items than this place may not be for you. Oh I did see a lady in front of me who pulled out COUPONS and it was hilarious how they took them, not sure if it was store coupons or sunday coupons but it was still cool to see. Check em’ out, on the corner of Cicero and 63^rd, they snuck in lights that say Lots for Less, Uhhh no your not, speaking of, I need to comment on lots for less. Here goes…

I don’t believe in paying «Full Price» for anything so this place is right up my alley.
Who cares if the box is ripped I am going to throw it out anyway.
Who cares if the labels missing I am paying less than half price.
Spices, marinades, canned goods all the stuff that’s overpriced in the regular stores can be got at a bargain here.
Inventory is different every time you come so it’s always interesting.
I even found an inflatable John McCain Weeble to punch everytime I read one of Rahul’s threads.
Awesome!!!

There should be a sign that says «come on down and rip me off.»
I have resisted sharing this gem for quite some time. In these tough times I must share.
I first entered Continental sales when I was about 7. It seemed odd, smelled odd and the people there seemed like toothless street urchins. When I asked my father «why is this place cheaper than da Jewels?» In his deep South side accent he replied, «when ders a fire or a train flips over day bring da stuff here.» True enough pops.
The parking lot is full of massive pot holes, you may twist your ankle, you may get splashed by a car, and no one really parks squared off. To avoid these hassles pull in at the south end of the lot.
There is no regular inventory, so a little luck can go a long way. I will spare you the details of some things I have sold on e-​bay from here.
Today I bought an Indian curry, three for a dollar, I am eating it right now and it is better than three Indian restaurants I can think of. They have three different flavors.
I bought an organic whole grain cereal for .99. And some pretty stellar modeling kits for my boy, they were 1.99.
Like I say the inventory is a mystery, I went there for toilet paper and all they had was single play cardboardy individual pcs.
Extra Virgin olive oil $ 3.99 for a litre there are 12 different brands, two of which are excellent.
Hostess cupcakes still up to date, 1.99
1# bags of restaurant coffee packs, 1.99
And so much much more.

I have visited this store on several occasions and always find the parking lot packed and people coming and going. They now have a new sign outside the building which advertises their specials. We went to the store during the Christmas season and during these tough economic times, it was bustling. There were toys, holiday items, food and beverages, household cleaners, household items, health and beauty products, auto products, etc. You never know what you will find but you will always come out with a cart full and the prices are so reasonable that your purchase did not made a big dent in your wallet.
They have a mailing list and you can receive a flyer monthly and get coupons for extra 20% off your entire purchase! Not just on one item like in some other stores. They have monthly raffles too.
There is always an employee on the floor to direct you and answer your questions. You don’t get that in many big retailers today.
But what striked me the most was that low income familes were able to purchase products for their families and the children were so excited to be able to leave the store with a toy, socks, a snack, etc. I never saw such happiness on a child’s face.
Keep up the good work Continental Sales and staff and thanks for the great deals!

I’ve passed by this place and finally stopped in. The name says it all. You never know what you may find. With the economy the way it is, bankruptcies are on the rise and the stuff makes it here. The selection includes toys, clothing, food, auto, office supplies, kitchen gadgets, tools. Some of the food is past its expiration date (but is prominently labeled as such). My find on my visit was a 4 foot tall sheet metal frog lawn ornament for $ 5.00. I did pick up 2 food items: Starbucks coffee ($ 1.99) and LU raspberry and chocolate cookies (.50). Both had recent expiration dates. I am finicky about the freshness of my coffee but one month past its expiration date versus 80% off of the normal price is a tradeoff I’ll accept. On a subsequent trip I picked up some Peet’s coffee, even better than Starbucks.
I’ve stopped by here from time to time and my only tip is if you see something that’s a good deal, pick up extra because it will be gone next week. I’ve seen pallets of gourmet or organic items make it here. I’ve bought (not outdated!) DeCecco products (pasta, tomatoes, olive oil), Cascadian Farms granola bars, organic cashews and other goodies for a half or third of the regular price.
Update Dec 2009: Shopping at this store allowed me to be extra generous with donations to food pantries and toys-​for-​tots campaigns during the holiday season.

I have been going to Continental Sales for nearly 10 years. I love the store. You can get many useful items for cheap. I love days such as Fridays where 99cent items are reduced to 77cents a piece, this mark down excludes food items. Tuesdays are known as no tax tuesdays and Wednesdays are great for seniors. Many useful items for a great price, highly reccomend anyone to check it out and see what ya find!