Everything I Never Knew I Needed
Tuesday, November 29, 2005
Let me preface this by saying that I am not a big outdoorsy person, nor am I an avid shopper of military surplus. But I found myself absolutely entranced by Andy & Bax on my first visit. It had things I never even thought about needing, from gas masks to European military uniforms, all at rock bottom prices. How could I resist? I couldn't, and I still can't. I go back there to find unusual gifts, odd bits and pieces, and just plain practical stuff.
They have great outdoor gear, and if I were more of a camping kind of girl, I'm sure I'd spend a lot more money in that section of the store. As it is, I tend to wander in those aisles (usually asking "What the heck is this for?" of their patient staff), then focus my energy on the military surplus stuff. And every visit, there is something that absolutely calls my name, from a wool sweater so thick it could practically stand by itself for $10 to a fabulous field-ready camera case for $4 that became a much-commented-upon purse.
I love a store that has something different to offer, and Andy and Bax is definitely unique. Expect to find the military surplus type shopping environment, but prepare to find some treasures that you never knew you needed.