Can the tea be purchased more inexpensively directly through the company or is it more expensive to do so?

I think the price is about the same regardless

I believe it is actually less expensive to purchase the tea through them directly as opposed to purchasing at one of their authorized retailers like Big Y as it is likely to be marked up. I have seen better prices at the company store than I've seen at the grocery store, especially for loose tea.

Yes visiting the shop on Saturdays is an experience and the tea is sometimes on special plus you get to sample some of there blends love this place