deeply discounted

Practical Dd's Discounts opens new store in Southwest San Antonio

The Ross Stores division dd's DISCOUNTS is opening June 29.

A large new discount store has carved out a slice of San Antonio for its wares. Dd's Discounts, a division of Ross Stores, is opening its ninth San Antonio location on July 29.

The new store at Gateway Plaza, a shopping mall at the intersection of Military Drive W and Highway 290, will span 23,556 square feet — just over half an acre — according to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. Although this is a large store, it is on par with other San Antonio locations.

The cost of the project was estimated at $1.1 million, and the exact location is 7171 W US Highway 90.

This new store will only be a six-minute drive from an existing location at Connally Loop. Both are in shopping centers characterized largely by fast food options and other discount stores.

Dd's Discounts carries a bit of everything, from apparel like modern fashion and shoes, to home goods, including both decor and more practical finds. According to the chain, it offers name brands at savings of 20-70 percent compared to department and discount stores with "moderate" regular prices.

Ross is the better-known of the two large stores, but Dd's is known for even lower prices. The latter store is located in 22 states.

Hours displayed on the store's website for the Gateway Plaza location appear limited to start; It will be open Friday from 9:30 am to 10 pm, Saturday from 9 am to 10 pm, and Sunday from 10 am to 9:30 pm. More information about Dd's Discounts is available at ddsdiscounts.com.

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cute on wheels

Hello Kitty Cafe makes stop in San Antonio on 50th anniversary tour

Photo courtesy of Sanrio

The merch and cafe truck has a new lineup of 50th anniversary treats and collectibles.

Hello, San Antonio! A famous kitty and her friends have drawn crowds when visiting in the Hello Kitty Cafe truck, and they're about to be back again. The truck will be at North Star Mall on Saturday, October 26, with snacks and merch for Sanrio lovers of all ages.

This tour celebrates the franchise's 50th anniversary items, and a handful have the number 50 proudly emblazoned, whether it's something to wear or something to eat. The truck stopped by in April, and it's back again on the same tour.

New items for this tour include an Iridescent tote bag (good for festivals and concerts); a new keychain, pin, and patches; a three-piece cookie set with pastel designs in royal icing; and a "giant" cookie depicting Chef Kitty. The centerpiece of the new items is a T-shirt featuring Chef Kitty, a donut, and a teacup, all seemingly made out of glass and containing a pink punch or tea.

Hello Kitty 50th anniversary merch The 50th anniversary merch.Photo courtesy of Sanrio

Some of the merch from past visits will be available, including a bright pink tote bag with rainbow straps and desserts decorating the front, an assortment of Hello Kitty baked goods, and a transparent coffee mug with sprinkles in the handle and different desserts printed on the glass body.

Visitors can also order a box of rainbow macarons with sugar bows, and a branded box of simple Madeleines. Folks who want to diversify after the Stanley craze can also pick up a colorful stainless steel thermal bottle.

Hello Kitty sprinkle mug This mug would go great with hot chocolate.Photo courtesy of Sanrio

Anyone who wants to play with Hello Kitty and her friends on Saturday should arrive early, as lines in the past have been very long. Some items may sell out. The truck will be at the parking lot on the corner of the 410 access road and McCullough from 10 am to 7 pm. Note that the Instagram account lists October dates (which match a recent press release), while the tour site starts its list in November.

This article was originally published April 10, 2024, and has been updated October 25 to reflect the truck's new dates.

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