The stores in Crossing (and Wolf/Knife Clan) got a recent overhaul so they have the best storebought items in game and on top of which are usually better priced than older shops in other areas. I definitely recommend just using the Crossing shop items until you can start buying player made gear or are gifted some, since in many cases (especially with armor) it isn't actually an upgrade or is such a small upgrade to not be worth the cost. You'll be best off just saving your money to get your first player crafted gear instead of buying items from shops outside the immediate Crossing area.
The shops I always hit up on new characters and don't upgrade the items from them until I get fest/event/crafted gear are:
Tembeg's Armory - You can put together full sets of armor here now of any mix of armors, with good hindrance values for storebought, and cheaply. Player made armor is the next upgrade to these, and most other storebought armor is significantly worse. (I'm looking at you Shard leathers.) I usually just skip straight to player crafted lumium armor when upgrading from these.
Migrym's Weapons - Parry sticks and all weapon types are now covered here and are all very good storebought quality. Player made steel weapons is the next upgrade to these.
General Store (backroom) - weapon straps for any milgrym weapons that don't fit in your backpack.
Tobb's Smithy (Knife clan) - The worn skinning knife is the real reason to go to this shop. The weapons are okay, but all light edge and you can get equivalent options from Milgrym's anyway.
Brigetta's Tanned Goods (Wolf Clan) - Good storebought containers. I usually get the backpack, haversack and satchel. The only wish I have for this shop is that the harness was larger like the baldric from the Feltery north of Boar Clan.
