Many express the value of shopping locally, and supporting our local economy.  I had an experience last week that reinforced the pure gold of this concept. 

The tale begins 9 months ago with a Mommy and her Ergo (I LOVE MY ERGO). I am a Mommy who had been through (and sold) a plethora of carriers, and was in a state of desperation when my son was cresting 25 lbs at 5 months and I needed a safe way for both of us to get around.

Enter Mothering Touch. I was despondent because my other carriers hadn't worked for me. The staff, who I knew were amazing, let me try on everything in the store, and tote Owen around for a bit. With a smile the she finally handed me the Ergo and said "just test it out during the Mom and Babe talk." I loved it. I bought it. My son has practically lived in it ever since...

One week ago I discovered a crack in the seam of plastic which held the waist strap together. The carrier was only 9 months old so it must be a little defect in that particular clasp. With my overly busy life, I allowed myself to feel a little despondent. Where was the receipt? Would Ergo take it back? How long could I live without my carrier lifeline? (this is how I carry my son as I take my daughter to school, how I move about the city, how I cook dinner some nights!). Would they fix it and return it in 6-12 weeks? Thoughts of bureaucracy, long waits, long explanations.....and the eventual "why me!" emerged.

Knowing Mothering Touch is expert on what they sell, I drove over the next morning after dropping my daughter off for preschool. In a downpour I got myself and my son into the store.

"Good Morning." I was greeted with warmth and kindness. 

"I was wondering what type of relationship you have with Ergo," I queried. "I think my carrier has a little defect and I was wondering if you could advise me on the best way to handle the situation." I held up my carrier for inspection, cringing inside, fearing I would have to send it in and wait innumerable weeks to have it repaired and sent back.

"Hang on, let me make a phone call," she said. 

I wandered the store for a few moments, noting her description of the crack, hearing a few "ok's" and "will do's." Within 7 minutes she hung up the phone and said:

"Pick out another carrier we are sending this one back to Ergo." 

I almost fainted. I almost fell over. I didn't, I couldn't, I was holding Owen.

"Pick a new carrier?" I said in disbelief. 

"Yep, anyone you like from over there." With a giddy head I went over and picked out my same brown Ergo, I have said before I LOVE this carrier.

I knew Mothering Touch was an amazing place, and I knew I could count on them for good counsel on how to handle the problem. I was BLOWN AWAY that they handled the problem themselves in LESS THAN 15 MINUTES.

So I will get up on my soapbox and shout: SHOP LOCALLY! You owe it to yourselves and to future Mommies to have this goldmine in our midst. If I had bought this carrier from a box store I would have had a minimum of 6 conversations with 12 people who wouldn't know what to do, until I finally reached Ergo, who would need me to send them the product, which I would have to live without until they could repair it or send a new one. Let's not even discuss the number of forms I would have to fill out, the trips to the Post Office....oh the pain! 

Thank you Mothering Touch. You have a loyal patron for life!

Cheers!