It's damn cold here tonight. The wind is whipping so loudly against my windows that it's a wonder they don't fall in. A large tree branch lies across my back yard, where it fell earlier this evening. When I pumped my gasoline earlier tonight, which was not a choice but a necessity, I froze my buns off. Yes, even for an arctic hare like myself, the wind is just brutal tonight. They say it only feels like minus 11 F, but man! Brr!
But you know what?
When I walked my dogs just now, I wasn't cold. See, I changed coats when I got home. I pulled on my brand new super warm down parka (it's rated to minus 45 F, you know). This parka came from a place that I used to scoff at. A place I thought was only for yuppies and GQ models. A place I judged (wrongly) from their catalog pictures and high end prices.
I freely admit my error, and while I'm not one to advertise things in general, I'm going to tell you why this place rocks.
They have free cider and cookies at Christmas, and there's always live music - either carolers or instrumental groups - playing, too.
They provide free valet parking during the holidays, and both gift boxes and gift wrapping are free, too.
Every register in the place is open when they're busy, and if the line is long, they bring you candy while you wait.
The employees there are helpful without being overbearing (no, really), and you never have to look for one.
Their outdoor education classes are a great way to get a taste of various sports for reasonable prices ($15 for a shoeshowing hike, complete with equipment with no required pre-registration? $60 for a full day of kayaking? Not bad!) without buying lots of equipment.
And best of all, every single thing this place makes is 100% guaranteed forever, no questions asked.
I'd never bought a thing from them until three years ago, but I still wear those shoes every wokring day of my life, and they look just fine. The rain gear I bought last year keeps out the Maine mists better than anything else I've seen. This year, I finally got the parka I'd been eyeballing for two years, as it was discontinued in favor of a slightly changed style and I grabbed it on a serious sale. I'm pretty sure it won't let me down. The coat I've been wearing for the past two winters (and still my every day coat) works just fine, but when it gets seriously cold on the trail in Fort Kent, I've wanted more.
And so I say thank you to L.L. Bean.
You are the one place that makes shopping a joy, and frankly your stuff is worth it. I love Cabela's, and I've got to say that their polar fleece thermal underwear can't be beat, but your service gives you the edge against your competition, especially at Christmas. I must admit you've made a believer out of me. Thank you for allowing me to take a step back in time every time I go in your store. Sometimes, you really do get what you pay for.
And you get the free stuff, too. When I got to L.L. Bean, I pass this special place. In summer, I don't even notice it, but in winter, on my annual holiday trek to Freeport, it always makes me smile. I think it's obvious why.
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