Why I’ve Stopped Buying from Local Stores—and Why You Should Too About six months ago, I stood in a department store in Portland, Oregon, staring at a cashmere sweater that cost $280. It was soft, sure, but something felt off. I remembered seeing a nearly identical design on a site from China for a fraction of the price. That moment sparked a shift in how I shop—and honestly, it’s been one of the best decisions I’ve made as a mid-level copywriter and part-time vintage reseller. I’m not talking about cheap knockoffs or flimsy fast fashion. I’m talking about a whole ecosystem of high-quality, unique items that most Western shoppers still…