01 Jun News from Experienced Goods: June 2023

It’s cliché to say that the older we get, the faster time seems to pass.  Most cliches, however, got that way by containing a kernel of truth.  Suddenly children who were toddlers only, what? Two years ago? Are headed for their first year of college.  There’s that moment of mental vertigo when you realize that you and your best friend have been talking and laughing together weekly for (OMG!!) 45 years.  Seasons and holidays seem to get closer together. (Didn’t I just take down the Christmas lights and now I’m firing up the lawn mower?)

As hard as it is to fathom, Experienced Goods has been in its new location at 80 Flat Street for almost a year!  Last year at this time we were in the middle of the exciting, stressful, creative process of renovating the new space and planning the move, taking advantage of the opportunity to reinvent the shop to reflect our needs and visions.  We planned and strategized and then mobilized, staff and many generous volunteers emptying the old space and carrying (sometimes literally) racks, shelving, product, a whole store, to the new.  It felt like proof that to do anything of significance, you can only contemplate it for so long before you have to just start.  Looking back, I am amazed at what we did and the teamwork with which we did it. Looking around the shop a year later, it’s as if we have always been here, were meant to be here, and have filled the space with the unique energy that is Experienced Goods and by extension, Brattleboro Area Hospice.

But milestones call for celebrations, so on our anniversary date, Saturday, June 17, everything (yes, everything) in the store will be 10% off. It’s our way of saying thank you to our loyal, supportive customers and donors who made the transition with us to the new space and to the many new friends we have made in the past year.  Almost daily we meet customers who have never been to Experienced Goods before, and I never tire of seeing the delight and excitement on their faces as they shop.  The pandemic years prevented many people from venturing out to public places, and we often hear from customers or donors that it’s their first time in the new store since the before times, and how much they love how we have evolved.  As for those of us who work here, we are beyond delighted and proud of what we had a hand in creating. 

As the weather becomes glorious, many of us are tackling the annual task of spring cleaning.  If you’ve been organizing and downsizing, or just updating your wardrobe, decorating style, or book collection, remember that we have made donating to Experienced Goods easy and enjoyable.  Donation hours are the same as store hours, Tuesday-Saturday, 10 am – 5 pm.  Staff and volunteers are on hand to help you unload your vehicle and efficiently transport it to the store.  Parking is free, or you are welcome to pull up to the curb in front of the store.  If there is no one waiting to assist you, simply ring the bell on the table inside the door and someone will come running.  We will happily provide you with a donation receipt to include with your taxes.  Experienced Goods is the primary fundraiser for Brattleboro Area Hospice, so the sale of items you donate directly benefits the continuing work of the Hospice staff and volunteers who serve our community.  As always, thank you so much for your generosity and support over the last year and for the many years before, and come celebrate with us on June 17!