How much would you pay for this box of nails, screws, and hooks? After living in Switzerland for so many years and thinking I know it all about where to get the best price for just about anything, I was amazed and speechless (and that is not easy for me) to find such a great deal.
After having a brain-wave about how to display car-related items in my 15-year-old son's room, I went on the search to find one fence panel on which I could hang the items - difficult in the winter. Intensive research, phone calls, and trawling the net, led me to SAMSE in St. Genis, France. Although they wouldn't sell me a single fence panel, they did suggest I buy one of the metal grids that builders use for laying cement as an alternative. Here is my invention for hanging all the car stuff from little "S" hooks from the grid. They can be moved about as necessary. Believe it or not, the 2 units (each measuring 1m x 2m) cost a total of €7.50! The chains are hung from the wooden beam that is at the top of this wall from the screw hooks pictured below (the chains were bought at La Boîte à Outils).
So, where did I buy this little box of treasures in the photo above? Right next door to SAMSE, at La Boîte à Outiles, in St. Genis! I explained to the salesman that I needed 4 big hooks that screw into the wood. Once we found them - they were loose in a container - I asked how much they cost. He told me to choose one of the plastic containers hanging there and fill it up. Confused, I told him I only needed 4 units. Then he explained that you pay BY THE BOX SIZE! One price and you fill it up with whatever will fit in that selection! He also explained that they were shutting for lunch in 10 minutes so I had better make it quick...
Here is the photo of the contents that I was able to squeeze into this box (measuring 10 x 8 x 4 cm):
... and it only cost €3.70 for all that! Don't judge me on my selection as I was like a kid in a candy shop... didn't know what I needed or wanted. I would have paid that much for the 4 giant screw hooks in Switzerland. There are 4 different size containers to choose from and I chose the second one. There is one smaller box and 2 larger boxes for a maximum price of about €10.-!
So my recommendation of the month goes to La Boîte à Outiles.
Nearby shops are located in St Genis, St Julien, Amphion, and Sallanches. Remember that these shops shut for lunch, even on Saturdays.
This article was contributed by Lisa Cirieco-Ohlman. If you have a DEAL OF THE MONTH to recommend to our readers, please send in a text and some landscape photos to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
