Thursday, April 2, 2009
License to Sell
By John Linn
Tate’s Comics’ colossal anniversary tent sales have achieved an almost legendary status — people know when they see that huge white canopy in the parking lot in front of the store that deals of otherworldly origin lie within. “I get e-mails months ahead of time from asking what weekend the sale will be on,” says Amanda Magnetta, who runs the comic shop with her husband Tate Ottati. “A lot of people come from out of state and actually organize their vacations around it.” Well, deal-seekers, that weekend you’ve been waiting for has arrived: This Saturday and Sunday will mark Tate’s Sweet 16th Anniversary Sale.
The iconic comic shop will fill its big top with all manner of curious wares – from the hidden treasures of Tate’s back issue comic lot to gobs of manga, rare import DVDs, and collectable toys – and lets them loose on the public for fractions of what they are worth. That means intrepid comic fans can nab five for $1 comics, or just fill up an entire longbox for $35 and call it a day. But wait, there’s more: graphic novels will go for half price, and you can get your mits on manga for just $3 each. All manner of DVDs will be three for $20 or $10 each, toys can be had three for $10, and t-shirts just three for $25. Plus, everything inside the store will go for a cool 10% off. The slashed prices are not only a way for Tate’s to clear out old stock and make room for the sort of new and obscure goods that have made the store so popular, but it’s also a great way to give a little love back to the customers who’ve kept it going for 16 years. To that end, Tate’s will also be treating comers to a “Sweet 16”-themed photo booth complete with props, a chance to win prizes by entering a jellybean jar guessing contest, and an opportunity to smack a celebratory piñata filled with tooth-rotting treats courtesy of Boca candy shop, Sweets From Heaven.
The tent sale kicks off Saturday at 10 a.m., but if you want first crack at the goods outside come early: Ottati says the line to get in the tent usually hits around 200 people by opening time. So drag your butt out of bed early and head to 4566 N. University Dr. in Lauderhill. For more info, call 954-748-0181, or visit tatescomics.com.
