The Outdoor Store

John

2024-04

Sad that the owner has caused such a negative reputation for the store. We stopped in looking for a Noth face soft shell. We were very rudely told by the owner that we were not allowed to try on the jacket and would have to purchase it. We were also told that all sales were final and no returns. This puts us at risk of purchasing an item that doesn't even fit and can't return it! I told the employee that was helping us that my size was medium as I have other Noth face products. The owner chimed in and said you look like large would be better for you, again in a rude tone. We walked out without purchasing anything. The owner definitely has some issues. Sad to see this store go downhill. Has nice products. Dogs and nice and friendly... only redeeming feature.

michael james

2024-03

The kid was nice and helpful but, for only what only I could imagine was the owner who woke up from a chair bacame very pushy and rude towards me, he was asking me "are you buying or looking?". He told me a couple of times that im not allowed to touch anything and only could look. Well, you lost a sale my friend, I'm sure that I'm not the only one that this has happed to. Leaving the store was also difficult, there were two dogs blocking the doorway. I wouldn't buy anything at this store, even if they were giving stuff away. Very trashy and sad.

Kyle Rouleau

2024-03

My recent encounter with the Outdoor Store has left me deeply dissatisfied and questioning the integrity of their business practices, particularly concerning their rigid "no return" policy. While the store does technically have a sign indicating this policy, the glaring issue lies in its inconspicuous placement – right at your feet.The primary bone of contention revolves around the lack of visibility of their return policy signage. Buried inconspicuously at ground level, the sign fails to meet the standard of clear and conspicuous notification that responsible businesses should adhere to. Customers should not have to scrutinize the floor to uncover essential information about a store's return policy; it should be prominently displayed to ensure transparency and informed decision-making.Discovering this minute sign becomes problematic when customers realize they are stuck with faulty or unsatisfactory products. A reputable business should prioritize a positive shopping experience and customer satisfaction over the pursuit of profit. Unfortunately, the Outdoor Store's refusal to accept returns indicates a disregard for these principles.In an age where consumers expect transparency and fairness, the Outdoor Store's questionable policies fall short of these standards. I caution potential customers to be wary before making purchases at this establishment, as the risk of ending up with an undesirable product is alarmingly high. Until the Outdoor Store reevaluates its policies and practices, I find it difficult to recommend this store to anyone seeking a reliable and customer-focused outdoor retail experience.

Jason H

2024-01

This place is clearly a laundering front. I don't know what the rent is on that space but theres no way in hell they're making rent off sales. I'm not even convinced it's legit North Face product. Lucky for Ithaca REI is moving in. Also, the two stars are for the dogs.

Josh Alger

2023-10

Worst experience in a store I’ve ever had. Guy who was working grilled me for “touching” a north face backpack. Didn’t even take it off the rack. Told my gf that I’m leaving because I didn’t appreciate the guys energy. He harassed us and followed us out. Would strongly suggest not even stepping in there!

Thomas Hammer

2023-08

Similar experience as others. I walked in intending to buy a jacket and support a small local business. I was told I wasn’t allowed to touch anything and could only try something on if I was absolutely certain I was going to buy it. Generally the reason you try something on is to find if you want to buy it, so that was confusing…The first sales associate I interacted with was pleasant, however the owner (or manager?) was hostile. I left after a very short interaction where I was made to feel unwelcome. It was a really strange experience. I’d avoid this place.

tay leigh

2023-05

DO NOT BUY FROM HERE!!! WORST CUSTOMER SERVICE EVER!! The OWNER (older gentleman) was extremely rude and lacked any respect. I followed my friend in to possibly trade a brand new backpack he bought a week ago for a different color (due to a program requirement) and the guy told him that they have a no return policy and they won’t even let him EXCHANGE it. Prior to this, my friend was told by the cashier when he bought the bag that he would be able to come back and exchange it for a different one if needed. Well that was not the case when I followed him back there. The owner essentially told him that no one told him that, referring to him as a liar. My friend tried (very respectfully) to explain his situation to the guy but he continued to cut him off and told him that he won’t help him. I’ve never been to a store with the absolute worst customer service, ever. Save your time and money for a business that actually deserves it. I wouldn’t be surprised if this store goes out of business for the way they treat their customers/students in this community.

Maggie Tirado

2023-05

I have to say, after reading reviews I almost did not even enter this store. However, I really wanted a new hiking pack and figured I could walk right out if I got any bad vibes from this place. Once entering, and older gentlemen (assuming it's the owner with the dogs?) Greeted us and asked what I was looking for. I told him packs and he showed me some options, I grabbed some from the shelf to look at closer and he made no comments about me handling the merchandise. I then saw a jacket that caught my eye, and without even asking he told me to try it on to make sure the medium was a good size for me. He even went out of his way to search through items not hung up to help me find a color I really liked. Overall, the complete opposite experience a lot of people had reported having here. Maybe I caught him in a good mood 🤷‍♀️

Chloe

2023-05

After reading the reviews, I now see that my experience with the owner (?) was not unusual. I went in to look at backpacks and he told me that I was touching them too much, repeating angrily that I was “getting my DNA on every single bag.” Probably the worst customer service experience I’ve ever had. I didn’t notice any sign that said not to touch the merchandise but it’s possible that there was one and I missed it.

leahlembo

2023-05

As soon as I walked into this shop, I knew there was something very off about it. Much of the merchandise was covered by large sheets of plastic. It was impossible to browse. It was impossible to see the coats. The backpacks and ruffles were hung all over the wall, many of them too high to even reach. My instincts told me to turn around and go right back out the door and that’s what I did. Before leaving, I walked up and down each aisle to scan the selection. No one ever asked me if I was looking for anything or if I needed help. They did have an excellent range of merchandise, but I was afraid of asking for help because the place has such an incredibly hostile vibe.

Denise Malone

2023-05

I wish I had read these comments before going into the Outdoor Store yesterday. In the past, I had purchased my backpacks from this store because of the quality and the staff at that time, who was not this older man. I was able to touch the backpacks to see what it was that I wanted to buy and bought it.Yesterday, as I walked in the store, I saw the sign to my right that said, "Ask for Assistance". The staff person, an older man, approached me to see how he could help me. I told him what I wanted. We walked over, looked at the backpacks and that is when he told me that I could not touch them because they wanted to keep the merchandise clean. When I got ready to leave, I asked if I could go out the back door. He said no that people who go out the back are trying to hide something.I went back to the store today with another person and told the older man what I thought of his behavior yesterday. It was not that I could not touch anything or that I could not go out the back door, it was him saying that they wanted to "keep the merchandise clean" and that "people going out the back door is hiding something". His response was that I looked suspicious.I will say he was not mean, but his offensive comments will keep me from going back to that store and I will share my experience with other people.

Austin Garner

2023-10

Read the reviews. Saw for myself. Owner is passive aggressive, condescending, and rude. His poor employee seemed nice enough though. Hope they find a better employer, they deserve it.

Tan Jin Yuan

2023-05

Extremely bad customer service. Owner will refrain you from touching anything unless you are buying. He kept emphasizing each jacket cost an upwards of $300 and ask me to come back only when I am ready to make a purchase. Only then I will be able to "feel" the material and determine if it is suitable...

Gelsomina Zerilli

2022-05

If I could give negative stars, I would. Under no circumstances should you support this store with your business. My fiance bought me a swiss army knife from here for Christmas for $80. He paid cash and the owner did not give him a receipt. He found the same exact knife for $45 at Agway (same price as the swiss army website) and wanted to return the overpriced one from here. I went in with him when he tried to return it and the owner was immediately belligerent and rude. Apparently they do not take returns "due to Covid" which is only mentioned on a small sign below the cash register (which obviously we did not notice) that says "Final Sale." When my fiance asked him to elaborate on this policy and told him that he thought it was unfair, the owner became very hostile and told us to leave and that he would call the police. My fiance was not being rude or raising his voice, and the owner started yelling at him and threatened to call the cops on us. Absolutely outrageous. Many other reviews mention problems with the store and this owner. Most of the positive reviews are a few years old as the store has really gone downhill.

Novak Hayden

2023-05

Listen to those who warn you about the owner!!! Was prepared to drop a pretty penny on some gear and was super excited to visit this shop in particular! The second I showed interest in a backpack, I was allowed to touch it “if you’re buying.” So a little weird but whatever, I’m here to see this in person and hopefully get one! But oh no, I had the AUDACITY to want to put the backpack… on my back!? The owner yelled at me saying I couldn’t try it on so I said okay Nevermind I’m not interested in it then. After all, I’d been wanting this pack forever and had been waiting to try… it…. On!!! Irritated I still was going to shop, but I was told to have a nice day. Please save your money and give it to a business that actually deserves it.

Joshua Olson

2023-05

I went in to look at potentials bikes and told the (owner?) older gentleman that I was looking to replace my current full suspension mountain bike. He said all the bikes are on display. I then asked him about the bottom bracket problem I have had for the past year (I have gone through a couple cranks and three compatible bottom brackets without solving the problem) and he accused me of trying to stir up drama. I wouldn’t waste my time dealing with this establishment and based off his comment stating I knew more than his senior mechanic he doesn’t want to help you fix or solve problems but rather get you out the door with a “quality” bike and less 3 grand.Only go here is you want to accused of ridiculous pot-stirring.

Juan Rodriguez

2023-05

I can see why this place has 2.5 stars. The staff is extremely rude and will even lie to you just to sell you a product. I went in a couple of weeks ago looking for a backpack, but I wasnt sure if I could have the one I bought for a particular program, so I asked the employee if I could swap it out if I later found out that I couldnt have that specific color. They said yes, so when I eventually found out that I couldn't wear that color, I went in to swap it out, but the manager/boss just told me they dont do that. When I tried to explain my situation to him and that it was never used, he cut me off mid sentence and said they're not going to let me exchange it. I told him I understood and accepted the no return policy, but that I was misinformed by the staff. He just said it wasn't true. I told him respectfully that I was told that, and he said again "no, I doubt it." I can assure you I was definitely told I could, but the gentleman just called me a liar despite the fact that I was already leaving the store. I'm never even going in that store again and will caution everyone I know to stay away from this place.

Rob McCall

2023-05

Just a wildly unpleasant and inefficient shopping experience thanks to the man (owner?) in the back. Came in and was brusquely told to wait while he serviced another customer. Despite the gruff welcome, I came back a bit later, asking if customers could try on/rifle through jackets. He said no, the reason being "dirty hands" or something like that. I couldn't help but laugh and shake my head a bit at this. He combatively asked, "is that not a good enough reason for you?" After frankly telling him that it was not (easy fix: have people use hand sanitizer when entering the store), he basically berated me in the middle of the store for being an impatient customer (because leaving and coming back at a less busy time is worthy of verbal abuse, apparently). Anyway, the steady stream of bad reviews says it all. Not worth your time, money or sanity.

Catharine Carlin

2021-05

I was a returning customer. I went in with the bike I had serviced there because I had a low tire. I wanted to try to put some air in to test if there was a leak. The man in the store would not let me use the pump that was behind him. He said I had to buy the pump. I stated if the tire had a leak, I would pay him for the replacement, but wanted to check first and he refused to let me. I have been to this store many times, but they have now lost my business. My other bike needs serviced, I will be going to different bike store. I give them 2 stars only because the woman that usually works there is very nice as are the two golden retrievers.

S P (S.P.)

2023-05

The old man is really rude. And the price is too high even higher than the shop near it (same product! Other shop 99$ but this 250$) And the products are old and full of dust. However the dogs are so cute.

Patricia Lima

2023-05

Worse buying experience of my life! Do not buy from this store! They claim everything is on “final sale” so you can not return or exchange any product. The owner is the rudest person ever! They violate consumer’s rights all the time!

Raymond Rosenfeld

2022-05

An odd store that I would not patronize! My 75 year old wife was gifted an expensive Northface fleece jacket that was too small. We were aware that after the jacket was purchased the no return policy had been mentioned. We hoped to exchange the jacket for a larger size. We were nicely informed that “due to COVID they had instituted a no return policy!” I asked if there was a concern that Covid spreads on clothing. Response was qualified and then no, they just wanted to be careful with customers! We offered to buy a second top if the would allow an exchange! No dice! No discussion; no flexibility; our problem, not theirs. I didn’t realize that businesses could survive without being customer-friendly!! The original purchase was intended to be an effort to support local businesses. Unfortunately, this store is a blight on other hard working locally owned Ithaca businesses!!

Shoshana Sommer

2023-05

Similar experience to others. Dogs were lovely and said hi to our pup. Gentleman started out with friendly dog chat, but he ultimately rubbed us the wrong way. Advice to the owner - I’m a disease scientist; spreading disease by trying on clothing is highly unlikely. Still concerned about dirty hands? Put sanitizer in the front of the store and ask that people use it (most are used to that now with COVID). If you’re worried about damage/dirt from try-ons, have polite signs asking that people refrain if they just wrapped up a big hike/bike ride (do it in a humorous way). People in Ithaca want to support local businesses, but expecting purchases for $150+ without try-ons or returns (and with poor customer service) is just unrealistic. Snide comments about our trying things and then buying them off the internet instead will also turn off potential customers. You know how to beat the internet? Provide amazing in-person customer service that isn’t possible except through a face-to-face interaction.

Molly Johnson

2023-05

Buyer beware - no refunds and no exchanges. it's not posted anywhere in the store, it is not on the receipt, it is not mentioned during purchase. But the good news - the owner is rude and condescending. Wish I had read the reviews before supporting a locally owned business.

John Ryan

2023-05

Stopped in with some free time inquiring if he helped cyclists with leg length discrepancy. Have one leg shorter than other by half inch due to the way it healed after breaking it 12 years ago. He acted put out by even being asked then said I need to see a doctor. I told him, politely, that a doctor would be of no help. I saw that I was not getting anywhere with him so headed out.That would have been it but he followed me out to the front and asked very sarcastically if I often went around to bike stores asking that question. And again repeated that I need to see a doctor. I tried changing the subject because I could see that he was annoyed at my calling him out for being wrong. I said I need a winter coat. No response. I left feeling sorry for ever walking into the place. Stay away. Very toxic individual.

Easton Davis

2023-05

Worker wasn’t friendly in the slightest. Said to not touch the “outer wear” and gave vague reasons and put up vague signs as to why. He followed us around the store and kept telling us not to touch even when we were merely pointing at products. Couldn’t even tell how good the “deals” were due to not being able to grab and look at the tags.

Mike Tyrrell

2021-05

I went into the store to replace a damaged bike tire and had the store install the new tire and tube. A week later the tire had developed a flat spot and the tube was leaking from the valve stem. The inside of the tire was clearly damaged and parts of the tire felt paper thin after barely a week. I spoke to the owner about these issues, and he told me that it was entirely my fault. Do not go to this store for bike repairs if you want quality parts and a service that cares about its customers. There are bike stores close by in Ithaca that do a far better job. I should have trusted the other reviews for this store.

Natalie deBruyn

2019-05

I wish I could give this store zero stars. The owner is unimaginably rude and hostile. I will NEVER shop there again and regret ever giving them my business in the past. He is truly unstable. I have had two bad expereiences with him on seperate occasions. The first time he did not want me to try on a jacket because the size I wanted was sealed in plastic. He told me he would not take it out unless I knew I was going to buy it. Since I couldn't tell that without trying it on, I did not have him take it out....for fear he would flip out if it didn't fit and I didn't end up buying it. He was clearly irritated with having to assist me at all, didn't provide any help and lost a sale as I purchased the jacket at another store where they actually let me try it on!I'm not sure why I ever went back to that store after that experience but I did and I will NEVER go back again. I tried on one jacket, which I intended to buy. I was on my phone while my fiance shopped and the owner came out of no where and started yelling at me that I"m not allowed to take pictures, I told him I wasn't but he didn't believe me and continued to harrass me and yell at me about how customers take pictures and then don't buy things from there. He would not stop so we decided to leave and then he yelled at me for not putting the jacket I was going to buy back. For some reason instead of just leaving then, I took it to the back of the store to put it away and he followed me back there continuing to yell at me and then followed me to the front of the store saying things like "thanks for trying on all of our jackets and not buying anything" and "why don't you try on our stuff and then buy it online to save ten dollars" Even though I tried on ONE jacket that I was going to buy from him! It was extremely upsetting and embarrassing and he made a huge scene in front of other customers. I was in complete disbelief. This man clearly hates his customers, has serious issues and should NOT have any interactions with the public. I WILL NEVER GO THERE AGAIN and in reading other reviews it appears I am not alone with my horrible experience with him. I just hope he's nice to the beautiful dogs he has there.

Isabel Dawson

2019-05

Hmmm I’ve been here a couple of times and I’ve always gotten great service. I’ve even bargained down the price significantly on a few things I wanted to buy. Idk if the guy I bought things from was the owner or just an employee, but whoever he was he was very attentive and nice and courteous to me. I don’t doubt that other reviewers’ negative experiences are real, but personally I was very surprised to see all of the 1 star reviews. The store itself has a pretty great selection of socks, jackets, water bottles, and backpacks, but they don’t have a ton of backpacking gear to choose from.

Catherine Gray

2019-05

I walked into the Outdoor Store three years ago asking for a job at a crucial time in my life while I was switching careers. Not only did I get a job, I found the love of my life working there (who just proposed this weekend) and I gained a family. Dan (owner), Pat (bike mechanic) and the Outdoor Store crew and family made me feel at home. I absolutely loved working here and especially getting to divide the floor with my floor manager, golden retriever Riley. The year I worked at the Outdoor store was a magical one and will always stand out in my memories. Dan, thank you for always being there! Best store of the Commons.