12/28/08

Nice job Pete, getting the 4 of us ready for the hills!!!!!

by canadianoutback

Great service and great selection!!!!

Prior to going to US outdoor we read the reviews and were very "pessimistic" when going. We had tried REI first and their selection and prices did not seem to be too "GREAT". So going to gear-up 2 kids and 2 adults for downhill skiing equipment was going to be a pricy experience, but should be pleasant. Pete was the sales person that helped us get it all done in record time and price!!! He was knowledgeable, friendly and so fair... he did not try to sell us the most expensive boots/skies, he truly helped us find the perfect fit in the budget we wanted. The negative reviews did not at all reflect our experience and we will certainly recommend and go back. Thanks again Pete!!!!

• Pros: Service/Selection/Price
• Cons: No complaints at this time, they met all our needs!!!!

10/16/08

If you can't find it here, you probably don't need it.

by outandaboutinpdx

In a city that embraces the outdoor lifestyle and all that entails, US Outdoor stands out as the largest non-corporate gear retailer in town, not to mention the way it sticks out amongst its downtown Broadway neighbors, with low key staff and comfortable atmosphere. Compared to REI, USO has a stronger selection of upper end product within the various categories, and prices are competitive with other gear shops, and certainly better than at the brand showcase stores around town. Upon visiting the store, it's hard not to be taken back by the sheer volume of product in those 3 floors; the snowboard department recently expanded and moved the second floor to handle the incredible amount of boards, boots, and enough jackets and schwag to sink a ship. The website is thorough, and a solid way to pre-game before dropping into the store, as you can see everything available and in stock, and be prepared to find what you're looking for when you arrive. Alternatively, you can go in blind, and one of the local outdoor experts will be more than happy to offer their opinion on gear, not to mention the best breaks on the coast, the best times of year to head to the mountain, and what nights to visit the climbing walls. Oh, and given the current economy, I should mention the sales annex on the second floor, which is chock-a-block with solid deals on last year's gear, which, unless you're a steez-obsessed snowboarder, should work fine.

• Pros: Great selection of both mid range and high end product
• Cons: Parking - Take the streetcar / max

09/27/08

Poor sales staff and merchandising

by ocdc

I went in ready to buy a new snowboard setup but didn't want to interupt the staff from their eating and joking on the sales floor. While looking at all the boards there were probably 3 or 4 employees( friends?) standing back with no interest in offering assitance or advice. I have purchased gear from them in the past so I knew how the business operates but my most recent experience was completely unacceptable. I always believe in supporting a local business before looking elsewhere but I will not return to US Outdoor.

• Pros: Selection
• Cons: Buying experience