Editor, OBSERVER:
With each year as I purchase household hardware, it seems the quality of items, in terms of material and robustness, goes down and in many cases so has the price. One example is a simple threaded hook used as a plant hanger, made of brittle powdered metal rather than steel. It's become very frustrating. I would be perfectly happy to pay more for a product that is properly designed, not as a disposable item but something to last years or preferably, decades. Value, not price, and efficiency, not waste, is what I'm after, but it's increasingly hard to find this. For this reason, I often buy used parts, shop antique stores, or have to do exhaustive internet research to get the quality I want.
If there are entrepreneurs out there looking for ideas, I suggest a small store that stands out from the rest, selling only true quality items, both new and used, and as much American made as possible. Nearly all retail stores advertise quality and value, but either it is false or our modern definition of quality and value is down a few notches. Place your hands on a tool made 30 or more years ago and you'll understand.
RONALD BARRETT,
Frewsburg
