rubber crutch tip, and even mercury-glass replacement thermos liners. The staff knows its multigenerational clientele nearly as well as it knows its diverse merchandise, and the law of supply and demand obviously prevails. "We may have an atmosphere that leads you to believe we could reach behind the counter and pull out a buggy whip," says Ed, "but we keep up with the times. If someone's grandchild in another part of the country is busy trading a toy that hasn't yet been seen in these parts, we'll track it down." As stainded-glass-making supplies in the crafts section have dwindled, thestenciling materials have	exploded. In an age of high volume and heavy discount, the beauty of a mom-and-pop, or brother-and-brother, store lies in how quickly a family member can detect and personally respond to a customer's need. Slipped in beside the cash register in each department is a notebook – the current version of the "want books" that Ed and Bob's father used to keep - where the staffers jot down shoppers' requests. What does all that special service cost? Not a thing. At Vidler's, and similar variety stores anywhere, to nickel-and-dime somebody is one of the nicest compliments you can pay him.

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