Dear Readers: Today’s Sound Off is about shopping, and multiple letters came in about this:

A reader in Columbus, Ohio, wrote, “To get the most value for my shopping dollars, I have to shop at several grocery stores.”

A Texas reader wrote: “Whenever I shop, I make a list and then shop at three different stores to get everything on the list. One large chain store is my favorite, but it doesn’t carry everything I need, so I complete the list at the other two stores. I think I’m going to try online shopping very soon.”

But then Rosemary Q.W., via email, said, “If everyone continues to shop online, eventually we will have no local stores, which equals empty storefronts and more unemployment.”

So, what’s your take? Which reader can you identify with? Send me your thoughts.

Dear Readers: Here is a list of other places a bar stool could come in handy besides under your kitchen island:

● In a craft room under your sewing or cutting table.

● In the bathroom for young ones to sit on as you help them get ready for the day.

● In a game room for gamers.

● A lower stool for under your vanity mirror and as an extra seat in the bedroom.

● As a work stool when working in the garage at a table or flat surface.

Dear Readers: Trick-or-treat night is here. The following hints are for all those who are out this evening:

● Consider bright, less-frightening costumes. Little ones can get scared easily, and this is supposed to be fun for them, too.

● Consider not wearing a mask while walking. With limited vision, you could stumble, seriously injuring yourself or others.

● Don’t run. Take your time. You’ll get your treats soon enough.

● Limit accessories. You will last longer without having to carry extra stuff.

● If the front-porch light is off, move on. They aren’t participating.

● Try to stay with others and not “treat” on your own. There is strength in numbers.

● When finished, go through your treats and discard anything questionable. When in doubt, throw it out!

Dear Heloise: If you have a computer keyboard with a missing foot or two, take a medium-size binder clip and divide it into three parts. Replace the keyboard legs with the wire parts of the binder clip.

This will give the computer keyboard a bit more height than the original feet gave it. I find it easier to type on the computer keyboard with the added height.

Mary, via email

Heloise’s column appears six days a week at washingtonpost.com/advice. Send a hint to Heloise , P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Tex. 78279-5000, or email it to Heloise@Heloise.com.