Towne Variety

Towne Variety is an old-​fashioned variety store, with everything from toys and games to screwdrivers and shelf lining. As is true of similar stores, the place is very cramped, but that’s because it has all of those things you need, but can’t find easily at the big box stores. I have yet to visit Towne Variety and not find exactly what I need.
Here’s why I go there to get my Jew on: because I’m not an Orthodox Jew, I often experience indifferent or even hostile customer service when I shop in this particular neighborhood. I have never EVER experienced that at Towne Variety. In fact, every time I go in, the customer service is friendly, helpful, and even in those urgent Pre-​Pesach panics, they remain that way.
Years ago, when we first went to Towne Variety to pick up Passover items, my wife was wearing jeans, boots, and a teeshirt. She walked in, and drew one of those blanks as she was trying to figure out what we needed to buy. One of the male staff looked at her compassionately, and said. «Okay, let’s go room by room. What do you still need for the kitchen?» And we got everything we needed.
Even with other stores that carry similar items along Main Street, we return to Towne Variety. Because value isn’t the only reason to shop — kindness and customer service makes a difference.