The Basics

My hairdryer is about to meet its demise. It chokes along and spits a burst of hot air if I push the cord at just the right angle but it's clear that the device's days are numbered. I have no illusions of possessing a mechanical inclination but the idea of just tossing it is unattractive so I considered trying to fix it. However, the thing is designed as a few pieces of interlocking plastic so I'm pretty sure that if I took it apart, I'd never get it together again in a way that would be at all safe to use. Thank you, planned obsolescence.

The only local place I can think of to get a new one would be Collier's, my local drug store. Sadly, they sell no hairdryers. In fact, they sell few health and beauty aids at all. Two brands of make-up and a few types of shampoo take up a short aisle next to school supplies. This isn't a rant against them for limited selection. They stock Burt's Bees and Almay, two companies which do not test on animals and get some good rankings from tests by the Environmental Working Group on some of their products. I don't need 10 brands of lip-balm if there is a safe, cruelty-free one for sale.

The point is that I'm realizing that local shops don't generally sell much in the way of basic, everyday goods. You can't get a hairdryer or underwear locally. Specialty goods- luxury yarn, handmade pottery, higher-end clothing, sure. The cheaper versions of those things, as well as the 2 dozen other dull, daily-use items that reside in our homes and offices, are the domain of Wal-mart and Target and other big-box stores.

They can either dictate what price they will buy them from the manufacturer or buy in such massive quantities that there is no way a small shop can offer a similar price. If you want a unique t-shirt, your local boutique will have it and you'll pay the higher price because it's unique. A package of 3 white tee's however, is not a draw. The shop would have to charge more than most people would be willing to pay, especially when the mega-retailer sells them for next to nothing. They can. They paid very little for the item and can make up a small profit margin on the other 10 goods one is likely to get while in the store.

So what is the solution on the hairdryer? I don't want to cave and buy another poorly constructed one. A friend suggested thrift stores so I'll be trolling those, hoping one shows up before mine finally gives up the ghost. Until then, swearing and twisting the cord just so will have to do it.

(Note: It was later suggested that I just do without a hairdryer. Duh! This never occured to me. We'll see how I do with flat hair.)