I had never heard of Stripling & Cox before I moved to Arlington, but I was intrigued especially because they are one of those places that pays people to stand around on the street corners holding clearance signs.
I don't know if this is true, but it seems like the store is always on the verge of bankruptcy. On the inside it is the realm of the little old lady shopper that's been going to the same store for thirty years. It's dark and strangely laid out. There is quite the mix of clothes and housewares, as you would expect from a department store, but there is just something off about it, like the transition is too abrupt or the displays aren't well done.
All that aside every now and then you can find a real bargain here, especially in their baby department (which is very small) or in their seasonal decorations. It's worth a trip in just because it isn't the run-of-the mill, and if you're willing to take a little time to hunt you could find something that you really like.
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