Shop Class
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Students get picky about their favorite local stores
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Sez, “I dig Dump sters!”
By Natalie Williams
For your average cash-strapped college student,
shopping is all about finding deals. But bargain hunting becomes especially challenging
when you’re unfamiliar with the hunting grounds. We asked some veteran upperclassmen to help you newbies navigate the local terrain. Here are their suggestions for scoring secondhand clothes, dorm furniture, a longboard and a killer bong, er, glass candleholder. Now go shop ’til you drop. Natalie Williams
Earthbound
MATT KAMINSKI Junior, Champlain College
OUTDOOR GEAR EXCHANGE
37 Church St., Burlington, 860-0190 Kaminski says this expansive, 21,000-square-foot store is the go-to place for all sorts of equipment for your next adventure in nature. “They have kayaks, skis, clothes and every type of outdoor or hiking gear,” he says of the locally owned outlet. “And you can bring your dog!” Woof.
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RIDIN’ HIGH
2 Pearl St., Burlington, 658-6187 Located across from Battery Park, Ridin’ High sells skateboards and longboards, which are very popular among students in Burlington — less so with motorists. The store also offers lessons, which you should take before bombing down Pearl Street. “I like the guy that owns it,” adds Kaminsky of storeowner and UVM grad John Van Hazinga. “He’s really interested in helping out the community.” A cautionary note: Van Hazinga narrowly survived a 2007 skateboarding accident that landed him in intensive care for a month.
KALITHA PLAYTER
EARTHBOUND TRADING CO.
24 Church St., Burlington, 859-3399 You’ll find mood rings, salt lamps, floral wrap skirts and a wall of jewelry at this student-approved clothing and home décor store. The staff also has a thing for owls, though “putting a bird on it” is so 2011. “I got a couple cool shirts with some awesome designs on them,” says Kaminski. Keep an eye out for buy-oneget-one-half-off sales.