I recently decided that Spotlight is my new favourite store and have become addicted to Spotlight catalogues. I must be getting old because I even joined the VIP club.

This comes as something of a surprise to me, because as recently as a year or two ago I used to think that Spotlight catalogues were mainly for people who knit, embroider, make lame kids’ costumes and do other stuff that I have basically no interest in.

Well, call me lame (actually, don’t) because today I’m Spotlight’s biggest fan. I now realise it’s not just a store for arts and crafts but is also an invaluable resource for inexpensive homewares. A case in point is this week’s Winter Sellout catalogue, which I’m all over like a cheap suit. I’m moving next week so require all those little odds and ends for my new place, so am planning to drive to my nearest Spotlight store and buy:

* The two-drawer bathroom/laundry storage cabinet, pictured on the left. It’s marked down by 20% to $69.95.
* Mode bath towels, marked down to $12.55 each.
* A bathroom bin, 40% off at $8.95.
* 16-piece dinner set, marked down to $29.95.

New homewares almost makes the prospect of moving seem pleasant.

By Caroline Warnes