Columnist Muriel Stevens: As Seen on TV is dialed in

Wednesday, March 27, 2002 | 8:34 a.m.

Have you ever been tempted to order one of those handy, dandy whatchamacallits sold on TV, but didn't because it might not be as good as advertised?

I'm with you. Remember those stick-on lights that could light up any dark corner? By the time the price of the batteries was included, the cost rose considerably. I waited awhile and found the lights locally for just a few bucks.

Oxi-Clean promised cleaning miracles and, I later learned, kept the promise. But by waiting a few months before ordering I was able purchase the same product at Costco for less than half of the TV price and only had to buy one.

Now I can't live without the stuff. It doesn't perform as quickly as shown on TV, but give it a little time and it absorbs most spots (even old ones) and dirt.

I found another option to ordering by mail during a recent visit to the As Seen on TV store at Meadows mall. This small store is filled with just about every gadget and gizmo offered on the telly. Be aware that this store is hot, so don't be put off if what you're looking for is out of stock.

The sales staff is courteous and obliging. When the friend I was with couldn't find the plastic travel bags she'd seen on TV, she described them to the salesperson. They were out of the bags, but she offered to call my friend when the new shipment arrived.

As soon as my friend described the travel aid I wondered how this variation on the vacuum version for compressing clothes and bedding could possibly work. I conserve space in a suitcase by tying off one end of a dry cleaners bag, carefully inserting the clothes and rolling up the bag from the knot end, expelling some of the air as I roll. Depending on the fabrics, the plastic keeps the clothes from wrinkling.

What my friend was looking for sounds similar to another version of what I've been doing, except my method is free.

Prices on items at the store are pretty much the same as they are on the promotional ads, but there aren't any shipping or handling costs. There are a few exceptions, but expect to pay the advertised price.

I'll go back another day when the staff isn't quite as busy and learn more about this fun store. Look for As Seen on TV on the second level, adjacent to J.C. Penney.

Another Wal-Mart Super store: A visit to the new super Wal-Mart that just opened on West Charleston Boulevard was an eye-opener. I was there the day before the opening, so I had the opportunity to wander freely. All you need are walking shoes -- this place is huge. On one side is the supermarket; the balance of the store is devoted to a remarkable variety of departments and services. This is not the place to run in for a quart of milk. Super Wal-Marts are the place for serious shopping.

Grocery prices appear to be lower than at other supermarkets. Only time will tell if the frozen-food section (Lean Cuisine lunch-size meals were $1.78) continues to offer such good buys.

Among the many services offered is a nail salon. It's the one service that seems out of place. Shopping before or after having a manicure is not the thing to do.