RETAILING : $5 Will Buy Your Ticket to Bargains at Bullock’s, With Charities to Benefit

Would you pay $5 to get into Bullock’s?

Probably not on most days. But you might if it’s Wednesday, Feb. 15.

That’s because the Costa Mesa Bullock’s at South Coast Plaza will be host to Benefit Shopping Day to help Orange County charities. And the only way customers will get into the store is by shelling out a $5 donation. (Kids under 12 are free if they are with an adult ticket-holder).

Bullock’s is playing host for the event “as a thank you” for work in Orange County by 34 charities, according to Ellie Hotmann, publicity director at the Santa Ana store. The charities include the American Cancer Society, Aids Services Foundation, Make-A-Wish Foundation and the Tustin Area Womens Club.

In exchange for the $5, customers get coupons for discounts on store purchases--20% on their first clothing purchase of the day and $10 off on their first home-store purchase--including home appliances and cookware. (There are some exceptions on both.) And if a customer buys Baccarat crystal, the company will make a 10% donation to the combined charities, which go under the name “A Cause for Celebration.”

The charities are selling tickets in advance--with proceeds going to the individual selling organizations. Money from tickets sold at the door and from the Baccarat’s 10% donation will go to the collective group.

And proceeds from the merchandise that people buy? That goes to Bullock’s.