This story starts last week. I was in the basement level of the downtown location of the Hudson’s Bay Company, known less formally as The Bay, a department store that is the modern incarnation of the oldest corporation in North America. I’m down there quite a bit, because it’s close to my work and they have a quite servicable little grocery store down there, where the produce is often fresher and cheaper than the Safeway down the street from my house. (The Bay Food Market is also delightfully vintage in feeling, given that it has not seen the renovatory upgrades that all Safeways and Superstores have by now. In fact, it’s been used as a film location for period movies requiring an older grocery story.)

So I was down in what is known as the Bargain Basement, because it’s also the location of much of the Bay’s clearance merchandise. I noticed a sign that said “BAY DISPLAY GARAGE SALE – STARTS JANUARY 12.” There was a cordoned-off area, and in it were many wonderous things. Full-size carousel horses. Giant display racks. Oversize Christmas ornaments. And, most strikingly, mannequins.

I’ve often thought I should get some form of mannequin. More specifically, a head, for modelling hat-type creations when I photograph them for sale or other documentation. And so, last week, I found myself contemplating this:

That’s a full-size male mannequin in hot pink, with an identical twin. Sure, the guys are in a state of some disrepair, but it’s nothing a little epoxy couldn’t fix, right? My apartment is small and overcrowded already but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t consider seriously purchasing one of these dudes for the blowout price of $50.

Monday morning came, and I was there at 10 a.m. for the store’s opening. Lots of other people had the same idea I did — the basement was full of people milling about, looking at giant plaster planters, merchandising accoutrements, and those giant bottles of perfume. And there were lots of mannequins. Most of the fanciest ones — those with heads — were snapped up early. But there were still plenty of clothing-display devices.

So I got one.

It cost $10, and given its wood-and-resin construction, I daren’t think what it cost originally. I think it’ll come in handy on occasion, and won’t take up as much space as the full-size pink models above (though it’s significantly less fun.

Other finds:

I was told by someone on Facebook that the sale will continue and new items will be brought out daily. This could be problematic. Not so much for my pocketbook (the hatbox above was $3, the ornaments $0.25 each) but on the fact that I’m already crowding myself out of my living space.