News from Experienced Goods July 2022

By Jennie Reichman

The eagle has landed!  Actually, it’s a crow, and unlike Neil Armstrong’s historic visit to the moon in 1969, this bird has found a permanent nest at the new Experienced Goods location, 80 Flat St. in Brattleboro. After many months of planning, renovations and boatloads of hard work by Experienced Goods staff and volunteers, we opened the new store on Thursday, June 16. It’s difficult to find words to adequately describe that day, but I will try.

 Customers were lined up at the door by 9:30 am, waiting for us to open at 10.  When we did and they streamed in, clapping and cheering, it was an emotional moment for all of us as we returned their smiles.  And then the shopping commenced. Six hours of nonstop treasure finding, wardrobe enhancing, book gathering, jewelry splurging and general retail giddiness as shoppers filled their carts and patiently stood in line to pay.  All of us on staff spent the day interacting with everyone, answering questions, straightening racks, re-hanging clothing that had been tried on, circulating among the often shoulder-to-shoulder shoppers who couldn’t stop telling us how great the store looked and felt. Here is a sampling of their words:

“I’ve been saving my money for 3 weeks waiting for you to open!”

“It smells so good in here!”

“It’s really beautiful, like a fancy store but with unfancy prices!”

“It’s so light and airy!”

“I love it that there’s free parking!”

“Great job, you guys, really great job!”

I’ve always known that Experienced Goods is not only one of the most popular stores in Brattleboro, but also a community resource, a place where people come to connect with their friends or for a few minutes of respite from a stressful day. What I didn’t fully comprehend, though, is how vital we are to many people’s lives, not just for great things at low prices, but for comfort, joy and a sense of safety. We are a familiar island in the tumultuous sea of modern life.  People weren’t just happy we were open again and that the store was so improved.  They were relieved.

 At the end of that first day, we probably all looked a bit disheveled. Voices worn out from talking, face muscles sore from smiling, a little sweaty, a little rumpled. But when we tallied up the sales, we were stunned to learn that we had made almost as much in one day as we normally would have made in four, a testimony to the loyal support of our customers and the Brattleboro community.  So much energy went into making this new store a reality:  Gemma’s vision for the space and her tireless efforts to create it. Eric’s artistic eye and dedication assisting Gemma, proving that two heads really are better than one. Generous monetary assistance from many donors who were excited about our potential for growth.  Talented carpenters, electricians and tradespeople who made the store functional and beautiful.  All of us on staff and our wonderful volunteers who put in the hours, muscle and creativity to “do the do” as Karen says and transitioned us from the old shop to the new one. For all of this there are only two words:  Thank you (times about a million)!

 Experienced Goods is now fully open and also taking donations. The store hours are Tuesday-Saturday, 10 am to 4 pm. Donation hours are currently Saturdays only, 11 am to 3 pm. The donation site is located just to the right of the store entrance; look for the neon “OPEN” sign and staff with trolleys waiting to assist you with your donations. The store is chock-a-block with summer clothing, beautiful and useful housewares, great books and jewelry and linens and all the treasures you just can’t live without. Welcome back, and let the glorious Vermont summer begin!