You may have heard the controversy this week about Vermont Country Store adding new “intimate products” such as vibrators, pleasure gels and arousal creams to their staid mix of vintage candies (Neccos, Chuckles, Good & Plenty), long johns,  Fels Naptha soap, pincushion rings, and scores of other old-fashioned or long-forgotten products. The introduction of the eroticia wasn’t by the thirtysomething grandsons of the founder–it’s the idea of 67-year-old Lyman Orton, the son of the founder. Many customers have now sent letters threatening to never buy there again.  I say good riddance to the prudes. Before long they’ll come back for the long-sleeve, v-neck night shirts, Lifebuoy soap or Cola Syrup. Sure, you can buy some of these items locally but not without lots of “do you carry” inquiries.

I visited the store in Weston, Vermont last summer. The place was packed was baby boomers and their parents all marveling over some box of candy or household device not seen since their youth.  I’ve never seen so many smiling faces lined up to buy stuff at regular price (prices are pretty reasonable). It was the highlight of my retail experiences in 2008. If you’re in Vermont, stop there. Meanwhile, unless you have problems admitting that adults sometimes need a little assistance with their sex lives, get a catalog or check out the website. BTW, the intimate products are listed under “intimate solutions” in the apothecary tab.

For the article published in the Star Tribune about the controversy, click here.

To request a free catalog go to the website or call 1-802-362-8460.

There’s really no point in Minnesotans bothering with Groundhog Day. Shadow or no shadow, we’re stuck with at least six more weeks of winter. That’s why the sales on outdoor gear at retailers such as Midwest Mountaineering and Hoigaard’s are a good bet. There’s still plenty of time to enjoy skis, snowshoes, ice gear and winter sportswear. Going on now at Midwest Mountaineering (309 Cedar Av. S., Minneapolis, 612-339-3433),  save 20 to 50 percent on selected tents, sleeping bags, outerwear, Smartwool Merino sweaters, Crocs (in winter colors?) and skis. While you’re at MM, go upstairs to its outlet, Thrifty Outfitters, which has samples from Icebreaker, Keen, Royal Robbins and Patagonia. Sizes are limited–men’s large and women’s small for example.

 Hoigaard’s Sweetheart sale (5425 Excelsior Blvd., St. Louis park, 952-929-1351) includes 30 percent off clothing Volcom, Burton, Spyder, and Northface and 50 percent all clothing from Prana, Royal Robbins, Tsunami, and Ex Officio. Skis, snowboards, cycling gear, and winter boots are also on sale through Monday.

 One more outdoor and sporting goods tip: Gander Mountain opened an outlet store late last year in Maplewood (1747 Beam Av. E., 651-770-4880). It’s apparel and footwear for men, women and  kids. Reader Tracy wrote that the outlet has new specials every Friday. I haven’t been to it yet. Let me know if you have and it the deals are worth it.

An anonymous reader came up with a better tip than I did in today’s Dollars & Sense. I mentioned that Valentine’s cards can rarely if ever be found on sale on Feb. 15 because retailers return them to the manufacturer for credit. But a sharp reader said that the Dollar Tree stores offer two Valentine cards for $1 starting several weeks before the 14th. That’s a good reminder that dollar stores in general are a great spot for seasonal cards at a discount. Party City locations also have cards for 49 to 99 cents each.

Ikea is known for its everyday low prices, but the ‘Seize the Days’ limited time offers they’ve been having once a month are great deals. The one that got my attention is the Gosa RAPS down pillow for $10 (regularly $30 to $50). The pillow has a 236 thread count cover with 75 percent duck down and 25 percent duck feathers. Limit two on Friday only.

On Saturday only the Sultan Hasselback queen sized pillowtop mattress that was $800 is $400 (includes pillowtop, mattress and box spring). It’s a good deal for a pillowtop. I’ve also seen good mattress deals at Dave‘s Furniture World (9801 Nicollet Av. S., Bloomington, 952-890-6095, http://www.davefurnitureworld.com), where queen and king pillowtops start at  $330 (returns) to $478 (new).  

Even if you don’t need pillows or a mattress, earlybirds can score a free breakfast Friday through Sunday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. It includes scrambled eggs, fried potatoes, bacon and coffee.Â

My colleague Kara McGuire and I offered five things to look at when you’re evaluating your credit score on today’s Dollar Duo. But there are other pieces of advice that I’ve heard that are quite baffling. For example, you’re told not to close accounts or it may raise a red flag. This doesn’t mean you can never close an account, but it means you shouldn’t close more than one or two at a time. If you’ve got 30 unused credit cards, take it slow and close a couple a year.

I’ve heard that it’s bad to have balances on multiple credit cards. That’s true if you’re paying only the minimum payment and nearing your credit limit. If you pay off the balances on each card each month, it’s less of an issue or even a non-issue.

Having a lot of credit cards doesn’t hurt you either if you’re managing them successfully. In other words, you may have 25 charge cards and actively using two of them. As long as you’re paying on time, preferably paying the balance in full, it doesn’t matter that you have so many credit cards with zero balances.

I’ve also heard that if you’re buying a house, you need to clear any credit card debt. As long as the debt can be paid off in full if you had to, you’re fine.

Recently I’ve heard stories of companies such as American Express slashing a person’s credit limit because of where they shopped. I don’t know if that’s code for “Wal-Mart” but anyone out there getting your credit limit cut? If so, what reasons have you heard?   Â

Pumpz & Co. (Galleria, Edina, 952-926-2252, www.pumpzco.com) marks down all of its fall and winter merchandise 70 percent starting today. Pumpz is pricey, but at 70 percent off, discounted prices range from $60 to $400 on sale. Choose from Prada Sport, Miu Miu, Hogan, Tory Burch, Frye and Stuart Weisman.

GH2 (318 E. Hennepin Av., Minneapolis, 612-378-0509), the outlet for fashionistas who can’t afford Grethen House in Edina, marks down all of its fall/winter merch 70 percent at a pre-sale today from 4 to 7 p.m. If you haven’t been to GH2, it’s a wonderful “under the radar” boutique for well-dressed women 25-55 who don’t want to pay Oval Room prices.

Dunloaghaire (1500 NE. Jackson St., Minneapolis, 612-788-8788, www.TheSoapPeople.com) is quitting business. All of its locally-made soaps, as well as miscellaneous gifts, will be discounted 50 to 70 percent.

Milton’s Bridal (2230 Carter Av., Suite 9, St. Paul, 651-646-0426, www.miltonsbridal.com). Wedding gowns from $99 (about 24 each) and another 60 more ranging up to $900 (originally $1,800). Sizes remaining include 10 and to 24W. Mom’s/prom/party special occasion dresses are all $25 (sizes 8 and up). About 50 to 60 remaining. Acessories such as veils, tiaras and jewelry range from $20 to $75 on sale. The store will close Jan. 30.

As a Dollars & Sense columnist, I feel the pressure of people who assume that I can spout off the current prices of milk, eggs or a can of Spam at a moment’s notice. You know– so I don’t appear out of touch with the common folk as happens occasionally to presidential wannabes. I confess that I only have a vague knowledge of the price of Spam or eggs because they’re rarely on my shopping list. But I know the price of groceries that show up frequently on my list.

 That used to include pop. I’d buy Coke or Pepsi when it was on sale. I knew that a good price on a 12-pack was $2.50 or less. A 24-pack was $4.99 or less. In case you haven’t noticed, 12-packs are now $3.50 on sale and 24-packs are $6.50 or so. You know what? That’s too much. I won’t pay it for a product that offers no nutritional benefit. I’d rather drink cold, filtered water from my frig or orange juice or lemonade than pay $7 for pop. Occasionally, in a weak moment I’ll buy the 2-liter bottles on sale for $1.50 (used to be $1 on sale).

I know that nearly all food products have gone up in price, and I’ve responded by doing most of my grocery shopping at Aldi. I buy good stuff there such as spinach bags, premium orange juice, meat and chicken, and fruits and vegetables. What Aldi doesn’t have I buy at Cub, Rainbow or Lunds. I know I’m paying more for everything, but paying more for stuff that’s nutritional doesn’t hurt as much.

Anyone else who’s kicked the Pepsi can to the recycling bin for the last time? Or considering it? Anyone else want to join my boycott?

It’s all about timing. First-time home buyers are sitting pretty in this economy as long as they have a job and good credit. And anyone trying to furnish a home or apartment has a good thing going too. The furniture biz never fully recovered after 9-11, according to several locals in the industry. Within the last couple of months I’ve seen Hom offer a 30 percent discount storewide and now Becker Furniture World is offering 50 percent off storewide.

 At first glance, these may look like amazing deals, and some of them are, but keep in mind that a 30 to 50 percent discounts are not rare in the furniture business, which typically has healthy markups. I wouldn’t run screaming from Becker “Start the car! Start the car” like the woman in the Ikea TV ads, thinking she got a steal. I’d make a few notes about the price and then I’d shop around at Hom, Slumberland and maybe Schneiderman’s for similar products.

Believe me, every furniture salesperson is hungry for your business now, so I wouldn’t hesitate to ask for an additional discount from a manager, especially if you’ve done some comparison shopping and can say with confidence, “Your competitor’s price is $100 less. Will you take $150 off? Also compare delivery charges.

 Other furniture deals: Gabberts (now owned by Hom) is moving its Odds and Ends room back into the main Gabberts store instead of next to Big Bowl in the Galleria. Take an additonal 10 percent off everything. Room & Board is discounting floor models for 30 to 50 percent, but don’t forget its warehouse open Saturdays and Sundays only. Find locations at www.roomandboard.com. Also, shop R & B’s clearance online and save shipping by picking up items ast the Golden Valley warehouse. Â

Anyone have a bad experience with a post-Christmas return? It’s really a crap shoot. Some retailers embrace us consumers with a “customer is always right” policy the week after Christmas, but then tighten up their sphincters after January 1.  Other stores go on the defensive and make the experience so ugly we resolve never to shop there again or at least never try to return anything there again, even if they do lighten up in the new year.

 That’s the way I feel about Target now. Sure, I’ll return stuff unopened with a receipt, but just try returning a “defective” item even with a receipt. You’ll be turned down faster than you can “doesn’t work.” Several months ago I bought a fancy nail trimmer at Target for about $12. After three or four uses, the blades are already dull. Without a receipt or packaging, I’m wasting my time trying to get a refund or store credit at Target. Do I take the time to write the manufacturer about the poor-performing product? Realistically, no.

Who’s fought the fight and won and who’s just given up? Your turn. Â

Some retailers are feeling more generous than expected during this holiday season. according to the National Retail Federation. Eleven percent of retailers are loosening their policies, while 17 percent are tightening up. Sears and Circuit City are a couple of retailers who have loosened up. Circuit City extended its holiday return deadline to January 31 for all items. Sears dropped its 15 percent restocking fee except on items such as electronics that have been used with parts or packaging missing, mattresses, built-in appliances and some special orders. Some open box items mmay not be subjected to the restocking fee if in sellable condition.

Best Buy, on the other hand, shortened its holiday return period by a week to Jan. 24.  JC Penney instituted a policy on special occasion dresses that the price tag must still be in place. This prevents “wardrobing” or wearing it once and returning it. Anyone reading want to admit to that?

 Who’s got the most liberal return policies? Put your hands together for Costco, Kohl’s, Macy’s (180 days), Bed, Bath & Beyond, Bloomingdale’s, Brooks Brothers, Eddie Bauer, J. Crew, Herberger’s, Lands’ End, J.C. Penney, Pottery Barn, Restoration Hardware, Von Maur and Williams Sonoma.  

 It will be interesting to see who blinks first next year, consumers or retailers. As the economy tightens up and consumers get buyer’s remorse, will retailers desperate for customers continue to take the abuse or will they say “enough” and tighten up?

Keep those receipts, shoppers, unless you’re at stores that keep track of these things such as Macy’s. Happy holidays and many happy returns. (But not too many or retailers like Target will cut you off.)