In my 80th year, after discovering flat caps, and what in the midst of what must be a late-life…read morecrisis - I'm in love with the Village Hat Shop - there, I said it!
On the positive side:
Inventory - This neighborhood shop carries a huge inventory with a wide variety of brands, styles and price points.
Prices - From what I can tell, each brand and style may offer a variety of price points and the shop does sometimes offer discounts and specials.
Availability - The shop offers convenient and customer friendly hours, check web site for the details.
Staff - In my experience the staff has invariably been welcoming, friendly and knowledgeable. When I recently mentioned that a flat cap I'd purchased there seemed a little snug, they insisted on enlarging it a half-size at no charge, and the result was perfect.
Location - It is absolutely perfect for me to have what I've heard is the country's best hat store only 15 minutes from home. I often arrive with questions only and they are always welcoming and helpful.
Negatives
The traffic is awful because of construction work going on along 4th Avenue.
Parking anywhere nearby on the street is nearly impossible, but there is a small lot at the rear of the building in the alley between 4th and 5th, and Robinson and University that I've never seen more than half-filled and is free for customers.