BRATTLEBORO — It's spring, and I decided to spring for a new pair of Birkenstocks. I knew I wanted to buy local from the Shoe Tree, but I just couldn't resist going online to see what the cost difference might be.
What a surprise! Most of the listings for the style I wanted, including on Amazon, were about $125, plus shipping. (I don't have Prime.)
Then I went downtown, and the Shoe Tree had the exact style and size I was looking for - and guess what? The price was $120, total. Plus, I got to try them on, and I could easily bring them back if anything was wrong.
Screw the internet! Buying local is a win-win - and also a third win, for helping keep downtown vibrant and functioning.
Oh, and I saw a great movie, Nomadland, with all its spectacular scenery, at the Latchis on the big screen, the way it's meant to be seen. Lots of distance in the theater between folks. Even a big, flat screen TV couldn't come close to recreating that experience.