Support Local?

I’m in the market for a new pair of boots and wanted something that would last me the rest of my life. After finding a brand that came highly recommended I went out to buy them.

At first I decided I’d just get them online like I always do. I got the size I normally wear and placed my order. Two days later they arrived but I didn’t like the color, so I sent them back.

Next, I decided instead of reordering I should try to find a local store that sells them. Then I could get the proper size and the color I wanted. I went to the manufacturer website and found that a store just down the road carries them.

I arrived at the store and wondered around for a few minutes before flagging down someone that worked there. They said they don’t actually carry the style I wanted. I left annoyed.

The manufacturer website also said there was an “official” store in a neighboring town, about 35 minutes away. I didn’t really want to drive that far but figured it would save me some time versus ordering online and waiting. I went to the store and told the salesman, this is the style I want and showed him a picture. He said, we don’t carry those styles. Annoyed I left and went home.

Finally, I reordered a new color online and it arrived today. Now I like the color but the size feels too big. I’m at the point where I just want to throw my hands up and give up.

The moral of my story is always call the business first. Apparently, just because the store is “official” doesn’t mean they carry what you actually want.

I forgot how much I loathed shopping until this experience. Give me a browser and a buy button.