Prices melt at Fortunoff's pre-season patio sale

Regular viewers of The Sopranos know Fortunoff as Carmella's favorite destination for bargains on housewares.

But, hey, that's North Jersey. In this end of the state, Fortunoff specializes in outdoor furniture, with its store on Route 73 in Marlton, across the highway from the Promenade at Sagemore.

Although I'd be tickled pink to see a full-fledged Fortunoff set up shop in South Jersey, for the time being we will have to settle for deep discounts on high-end furnishings for the patio. (Yo, Carm, can you keep an eye peeled for Waterford Champagne flutes? We have a wedding coming up.)

Fortunoff's doorbuster is a free patio unbrella -- a $199.99 value, no less -- with the purchase of a dining set priced at $500 or more. (Don't dawdle. The offer evaporates April 22.)

Other deals include $200-$500 off on the Regent collection by Castelle, which includes such impressive goods as a seven-piece outdoor sectional sofa that could accommodate Carmella, Tony and cousins from both sides of the family.

I have my eye on a rust-free aluminum garden bench with cast-floral detailing. Assembly is required but it might be worth getting out the screwdriver. (As Tony says, it couldn't hurt.) The bench is $199.99, marked down from $449.99.