On Sat, 15 Oct 2011 13:42:57 -0700 (PDT), North Star
wrote:

Bought a pair of Acorn slippers for my mother a few years ago when
they were still made in Maine....
They show almost no wear but one went missing recently.
I figured this was a chance to get something practical for her 97th
birthday next month, so I went into the same outdoor gear shop to buy
a new pair.
Imagine my surprise to find out they are now Made in China and still
cost more than I spent last time.
Someone is making lots of money on the 'global economy'.
Sure... I could have ordered a pair online from the US cheaper but she
needed then ASAP.

I had the same experience with buying a pair for my wife. I'd bought
her a pair years ago that she'd worn out and I was eager to replace
them. Went to REI where I bought the first pair and found they were
made in China. I'm still looking.