Dear Sir,

Quality goods seem to often be the norm in Bermuda, including men’s shoes that lasted at least ten years — one pair served me for 25 years. This quality helped the “buy Bermuda” mentality.

Now three pairs of men’s Nunn Bush — one casual, one formal and a pair of Docksiders — have not even managed two years. One pair fell apart, one cracked extensively and the third pair’s soles collapsed, with the shoe repair store saying they could not be repaired. No pair of shoes were worn two days in a row.

In an economy where people are unemployed and have to do more with less, it seems unfair to have to pay $140 for each pair when before the shoes would last five times as long for the same price.

The store in question did give an Age Concern discount and replaced one of the pairs of shoes. The store owner told me he could not be responsible for the excessive humidity here.

I would like to encourage consumers to take back products to the store for return to the manufacturers if a top-of-the-line item lasts less than five years, in the case of shoes, and if other products are failing early.

Retailers, please bring in reasonably priced goods that last. Don’t bring in merchandise that cannot stand up to our climate.

Customers, give the retailer feedback. I will be studying consumer reports and will deal with stores that cater to customers feeling the pinch, encouraging constructive feedback from customers, whether here or overseas.

Tired of getting less for high prices.

GILES BELFRAGE