Surplus Etc — Local services in Fort Bragg

An aptly named store full of a motley assortment of items that, at best, seem only to be linked by an appeal to vice and/or idle recreation, and even then only loosely. I'm not ashamed to say that I too am most often drawn there by my vices, the 'primus inter pares' of which is currently vaping (a grudging concession to the ridiculous economic disincentives wreaked upon cigarettes by my fellow Californians, as it had enjoyed that position for 18 years prior).

The laws of the physical universe being constant even this far removed from civilization, the obvious trade-off encountered here, owing to the breadth of wares in stock, is the all-too-predictable lack of depth in any of them. If you need something to aid your quest for hedonistic indulgence, they're likely going to have it here, but only from one brand, and only in a single one of the sizes they offer. C'est la vie.

Now let's look at the brighter side of things. Some people just have a gift for retail, and Barb, the owner here, is one such person. Despite the inevitable high turnover, she always manages to pluck genuinely warm, helpful and interesting people to man the register. In over 15 years of patronage, I can't recall even a single instance where I wasn't greeted upon entering, promptly assisted in my purchasing, and usually left chuckling to myself as I departed thanks to the wit or charm they brought to the interaction.

They have also never lied to me or even exaggerated the qualities of anything I inquired about; it's hard to overstate just how refreshing it is to hear a salesperson say to you, "I honestly don't know" in response to a question and say no more on the matter.

This is not to say they aren't knowledgeable about the products, either...they are, but they are also empowered to let the customer arrive at their own conclusions without having to maximize sales. Speaking of empowerment, they also display it in moments where I've spotted imperfections in the item I was buying, not hesitating to suggest a fair discount on its price without my needing to ask.

The more I think about it, the more it feels like this store is something out of a Steinbeck novel: an oasis of true humanity in commerce, and that's quite precious as we struggle to keep our heads above water while floating, unmoored, in the tempestuous seas of late-stage capitalism. Just stick your head in there some time, even if you don't need anything. I bet you'll leave with more peace than you arrived with, and likely armed with something to relax or play with...

Such a variety of items to see and purchase. Walentina, the owner is friendly, knowledgeable and makes shopping in her store real pleasure! I highly recommend this store for all your outdoor needs, cloths, thrift items and...

I love this place and the lady is more than welcome and friendly to answer questions and she will even put propane in a stove and show you how it works Sincerely, Countytime Sky Comptche...