What the Vermont Country Store is and how to shop there

The Vermont Country Store is a mail-order and online retailer based in Weston, Vermont, that sells household goods, clothing, gifts, and specialty food items. You can order through their website, by phone, or by mail using their printed catalog. The store does not have a physical location you can walk into — all shopping happens remotely, and items ship to your address.

The company has been operating since 1946 and is known for carrying both everyday items and harder-to-find products, particularly things marketed as traditional, vintage-style, or made in the United States. Their inventory includes things like cast iron cookware, wool socks, old-fashioned candy, cleaning supplies, and seasonal decorations. Prices tend to run higher than big-box retailers, but the store emphasizes product quality and longevity rather than lowest cost.

You do not need an account to make a single purchase, though creating one lets you save addresses and payment methods for faster checkout on future orders. The store accepts major credit cards, debit cards, and PayPal.

Key Takeaways

  • The Vermont Country Store operates only by mail, phone, and online — there is no physical store to visit.
  • You can request a printed catalog by mail, which arrives within one to two weeks and can be used to place orders by phone or mail.
  • Shipping costs vary by order total and destination, and the store offers both standard and expedited shipping options.
  • Returns are accepted within 30 days of purchase with original receipt or packing slip, and you can return items by mail or exchange them.
  • The store occasionally runs sales and email promotions, but you must sign up for their mailing list to receive them.

How to get a catalog and place an order

To request a printed catalog, call the store at 1-800-955-1351 or visit their website and use the catalog request form. The catalog arrives by mail within one to two weeks. Once you have it, you can order by phone using the same number, by mail by writing to the address printed in the catalog, or online through their website.

When ordering by phone, have your items and quantities ready, along with your shipping address and payment information. Phone orders are processed during business hours, which are typically Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern time, and Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time. If you call outside these hours, you can leave a message or use the online ordering system instead.

For mail orders, write your items, quantities, and address clearly on the order form included in the catalog, include your payment (check or money order), and mail it to the address listed. Mail orders take longer to process than phone or online orders because they must be received, opened, and entered into the system by hand.

Shipping costs and delivery times

Shipping costs depend on your order total and how far your address is from Vermont. The store publishes shipping rates in the catalog and on the website before you complete checkout, so you can see the exact cost before paying. Standard shipping typically takes five to seven business days after your order is processed. Expedited shipping options are available for an additional charge and usually arrive within two to three business days.

Orders placed online or by phone are usually processed within one business day. Mail orders take longer because they must be manually entered into the system. Once your order ships, you receive a tracking number if you ordered online or by phone, which you can use to monitor delivery progress.

The store ships to all 50 states and some international addresses. If you are outside the continental United States, call to confirm shipping is available to your location and to learn the cost, as rates vary significantly.

What to do if you need to return or exchange an item

Items can be returned within 30 days of purchase. You will need your original receipt or packing slip to process the return. Contact the store by phone at 1-800-955-1351 to start a return, or check the packing slip for return instructions if you ordered online.

You can either exchange the item for something else or request a refund. For exchanges, the store will ship the replacement item to you at no additional charge if the new item costs the same or less. If the replacement costs more, you pay the difference. For refunds, you mail the item back to the address provided by the store. Once they receive and inspect the returned item, the refund is processed to your original payment method, which typically takes five to seven business days to appear in your account.

Items must be unused and in original condition to be returned. If an item arrives damaged or defective, call when ready — the store may replace it or issue a refund without requiring you to return the damaged item.

How to sign up for sales and special offers

The Vermont Country Store sends periodic sales and promotions by email to customers who sign up for their mailing list. You can join by visiting their website and entering your email address in the signup box, usually located at the bottom of the homepage or in a popup window. You can also ask to be added to the email list when you place a phone order.

Once you are on the list, you will receive emails about seasonal sales, clearance items, and special promotions. You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email. The store does not share your email address with other companies.

Specialty items and seasonal products

The Vermont Country Store carries seasonal inventory that changes throughout the year. In fall and winter, they stock holiday decorations, gift items, and cold-weather clothing. In spring and summer, the selection shifts to gardening supplies, outdoor goods, and lighter clothing. Specialty food items like maple syrup, cheese, and candy are available year-round but may have limited selection during off-season months.

Some items are available only while supplies last or only during certain seasons. If you see something you want, ordering sooner rather than later reduces the risk of it selling out. The website shows stock status for each item — if it says "in stock," the item is available to order now.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I return an item without a receipt?

You need either your original receipt or the packing slip that came with your order. If you lost both, call the store at 1-800-955-1351 with your name and order date, and they can look up your order in their system and provide a return authorization number.

What if my order arrives late or never shows up?

If you ordered online or by phone and have a tracking number, check the carrier's website to see the current status. If the package shows as delivered but you did not receive it, contact the store when ready. If the tracking shows it is still in transit beyond the promised delivery date, the store can investigate with the carrier or issue a replacement or refund.

Does the Vermont Country Store offer gift cards?

Yes. You can purchase gift cards on their website or by phone. Physical gift cards can be mailed to you or directly to a recipient, and digital gift cards are sent by email. Gift cards do not expire and can be used for any purchase through mail, phone, or online ordering.

Are there any membership fees or subscription services?

No. The Vermont Country Store does not charge membership fees or require subscriptions. You pay only for the items you order plus shipping. Signing up for their email list is free and optional.

How do I know if an item is actually made in the United States?

The catalog and website note the country of origin for many items, particularly those marketed as American-made. If the origin is not listed, call the store to ask where a specific item is manufactured. The store is transparent about sourcing and will tell you if an item is imported.