The Vermont Country Store

Full review
I became familiar with The Vermont Country Store .com in 2003 when it was a featured store on the rebate site ebates.com. I had a blast shopping online, finding nostalgic item after nostalgic item. I placed quite a few orders too; candy and beauty items I thought were long gone or difficult to find.

I think there were several factors which led to the demise of our relationship. Shipping charges, high prices, and realizing I didn’t really need the stuff for which I was overpaying. Also, I used to buy Cadbury Flake bars which sadly, Vermont Country Store no longer sells. And French Taffy, which I can occasionally find at Five Below for MUCH less.

Out of the blue, about 2 weeks ago, Vermont Country Store, noticed I wasn’t placing orders. They missed me (so the mailing said), and sent me a coupon for free shipping on order of $50.00 or more. They also mailed a catalog, which was smart. Together, they whet my appetite for an online visit.

Immediately I was rewarded with the familiar homepage and my welcome was complete after reading a banner stating *FREE TIRED OLD A** SOAK with a $75.00 order. Enter FATHERS at checkout. Yes, I clicked on it, having no idea what A** Soak was and what it had to do with fathers. Hey no spoilers here! You’ll have to click on it yourself.

On the homepage, Vermont Country Store is followed by the statement Purveyors of the practical and hard-to-find. They mean it! There is a VAST and eclectic inventory of items categorized under Apothecary, Apparel, Food and Candy, For the Home, Yankee Bargains, and NEW. Sure, doesn’t seem that comprehensive. But wait until you click on a category…

For instance, Apothecary is one of my favorites. Anyone remember GEE Your Hair Smells Terrific? It was popular when I was a tween, and you can still buy it here. Lemon Up, Body on Tap shampoos --- introduced in the 70’s fell off the earth, and voila! Resurfaced on Vermontcountrystore.com!

How about one of those hard bonnet hair dryers? (My mom had one) Get ‘em here. Lifebuoy soap? Vinolia Luxury Soap like my gramma kept onhand? Sweet Earth solid fragrance compacts, on and on. Even found an almond oil which is touted as the secret to Jackie Kennedy’s clear complexion.

Okay, I’m getting wound up as I write remembering these long forgotten items from memories of my grandparents kitchen, bathroom, and backyard. Vermont Country Store also offers plenty of more common and more current inventory. Even if you’re not in the market for a typewriter (didn’t know they were still manufactured), you are sure to find plenty to meet your needs without scouring the country. I was truly surprised to find a subcategory named “Intimate Solutions” which carries personal pleasure devices and an assortment of accessories including cleansing solutions.

For the Home is filled with all the standard subcategories from kitchen to bed to bath to outdoors.

The Apparel section isn’t my cup of tea, and you’ll find some serious big underwear and scary bras. They also offer full and half slips which I will say are difficult to procure at the mall. Plenty of nightgowns (not exactly Victoria’s Secret!) too.

It’s the Food and Candy section which strikes my fancy, and indeed I did place an order. I could have easily spent much more than I did, but the prices are marked up quite a bit and in many cases I was just adding items to my cart in the name of nostalgia. I managed to come to my senses and pared it down to the things I really wanted. Oh, and I didn’t include the A** Soak! Hope my dad isn’t too upset.

The site looks busy because there’s a lot going on. However, it is easy to navigate and loads very quickly. Shipping charges aren’t that exorbitant and range from a minimum of $3.95 to a maximum of $19.95.

Shopping is as simple as setting up an account (order history is retained), adding things to your cart, checking out with American Express, Discover, Mastercard or Visa. Don’t want to give your credit card online? No problem, contact customer service and prepay by check. Note about adding to your cart; Vermont Country Store will even help you shop and suggest things with each item you view. You've got your own little shopping assistant...

The site also offers Live Help --- a customer service rep you can speak with directly online to complete your order, or answer any questions you may have.

Return policy is generous and simple. There is a 100% forever guarantee which means you can return at any time if you are not completely satisfied. A return label is provided with easy instructions on your packing list. You pay for return charges, but if it’s an exchange, you won’t pay for reshipment. Lost packing slip? No problem, contact Live Chat or call customer service.

I received my order promptly and error free as I have in the past. Communication, by email, is prompt and accurate. Haven’t needed to contact customer service as I have been satisfied with my shipments, but the number is 802-362-8499. I am surprised that it is NOT an 800! I have used the Live Chat and found it to be very convenient, quick, and helpful.

Sorry, one last thing! You can suggest a product and if they add it to the inventory, you’ll get a shout out in the catalog and online. If there’s anything they’ve missed (which would surprise me), maybe you can fill in a gap.

I highly recommend a visit to this site (at least to request a catalog). The trip down memory lane is entertainment and you might just find some things you need!