08/03/09

Horrible Service

by Rxspencer

Dumped $1,600 before a cruise 10 weeks ago. Also, ordered in 6 additional items (gave sizes, colors, etc, two phone numbers, email, etc) and NO call back at all. ALSO, contacted two companies in town per a call to Pezyl to see which company could give the best price on $1900+ in caving equipment. This company was $240 over the other major competitor in town. Emailed the E-person and was told to just go to the other company without any conversation. Despite this, I told him via email to order in the $1,900 via email and asked for a call. It has been 4 days ago and AGAIN NO CALL. I have emails, phone logs, and witnesses to the order we placed with no call back. They were so disorganized in the back room while we were there that I had to go over the Non call back order 2X. I spend nearly $6000 a year on outdoor stuff and will NEVER spend another dime again. Consider myself an easy customer as I know the exact product, item #, etc. and walk in and know what I want. The attitude, lack of call back, telling me to go elsewhere as they could not match a price, etc, seems like this place is going way down. Family who are hikers (Mazamas) have been in there lately and said they need to find a new place to go. Sad to make this posting but has to be put out there.

• Pros: None
• Cons: No call back/declinced order

06/22/09

Don't try to return anything.......used or not

by hikingdude1

Does not honor return policy. Tried to return new shoes, they said they were used. Be warned. Takes forever to ship too.

08/09/07

The only gear shop in Portland you (should) need.

by transplanted

Hands down OMC is the best place to go in Portland for all of your gear. Not only do they have the best selection and prices, but their staff knows what they're talking about. Other shops in the area either have a limited selection (Mountain Shop), old/sketchy used gear (Next Adventure), or think they're too cool for their customers (US Outdoor Store). What I like the best: they don't cater to the snowboard crowd, just the backcountry folk.

There are only a few downsides. Finding what you need is sometimes difficult, especially the clothing, which is packed tight. Staff, though helpful, is hard to engage. Often they are having conversations with each other, on the computer, or there's only one or two staff members on a floor. I've been coming here since before they moved to the east-side and here are my tips for getting the best service at OMC. 1) Don't go first thing in the morning, most of the staff hasn't arrived yet, wait until an hour after they open. 2) Between 2pm and 5pm on most days everyone seems to disappear (lunch?). 3) They close promptly, don't show up 10 minutes before they close and expect great service. 4) Don't expect the same selection or type of gear that you find at REI. OMC doesn't have everything, but they come as close as any local store can come. No car camping stuff here (let's hope they don't sell out). 5) This one is the most IMPORTANT: Ask for help. My friends will go in and not seek out anyone to help them and leave upset. I'm less shy, ask for what I need and always get the best service.

Whether customers enjoy roughing it or prefer a more comfortable outdoor experience, OMC has the gear to fit every style.

by Contributor

In Short
This store has everything necessary for outdoor adventures: Skis, snowshoes, climbing and backpacking gear, and permits are all for sale. An array of rentals--snowshoes, cross-country skis, touring skis, ice axes and avalanche transceivers--are also available. There's also a repair shop on the premises. The store occasionally hosts outdoors experts for slide shows and lectures. And frequent sales help shoppers snag good used gear at great prices.

02/20/06

User review by obfuscator

by obfuscator

I've been into OMC a few times since they moved out to Sandy Blvd. Their retail space is definately better than it was downtown. Things are a bit messey there though, they look a bit unkept. The staff seemed to be doing other things the last time I was there, even though there weren't many customers in the store. It took a little while for someone to come check on me, and the person who did was none other than the owner (a real nice guy); after that a few others came to see if I needed anything. There products are top quality, their prices are average except when on sale (they always have some good deal), the only thing lacking a bit is their selection (I'm thinking specifically of tents, they only have three or four brands). Overall not a bad place to gear up.

06/28/05

New location is more convenient!

by telegeek

As a long time shopper with OMC, I was concerned about them moving to the east side of the river. But my concerns were unfounded! The new building location is more convenient and I am glad to not have to pay for parking. The staff seems to have gone through a few changes, but they still have a lot of core outdoor enthusiasts on staff. Especially in the ski department. Simply the best selection in Portland for backcountry gear, IMHO. If you haven't been to the "new" OMC, you should check it out.

• Pros: Free Parking, Good Advice, Knowledgeable Staff

07/31/04

OMC is a store like few others...

by jettisoned

"the employees at OMC don't stroke my ego". It's always from the same friends group so take it with a grain of salt. Get over yourselves and get on with the scheduled bi-weekly middle-age slow ascents of the south side. I've been shopping with Richard and his crew since '73. The employees at OMC USE THE GEAR! Of the two other shops in town...one is a teenage store now and the other is managed by a suit and tie team from GI Joes.

OMC is unadvertised, uncorporate, unmolested. It's still the kind of shop that you can trade a six pack for a tele-mount and find beta on a line that nobody else knows about. OMC houses people who love the mountains and love their boss. I've heard about their all-employee trips in the Wallowas and that alone needs to be recognized.

• Pros: employee knowledge, local business/indy, high end products
• Cons: , location, location

07/15/02

bad attitude

by wveb10

I'm a rock climber who does other outdoor stuff, too. So, I frequent the outdoor stores, especially the ones with climbing gear. Every time I have gone to OMC, I have had a problem with their staff giving me a poor attitude and customer service. I get the feeling like I'm wasting their time if I ask for help; kind of an elitist attitude. Now, I tried to give them several chances but it's the same thing every time. And there selection , climbing wise, is just so-so. If you want the best selection, and the friendliest staff at the best prices for climbing gear, go to ClimbMax on 21st and Division.

06/07/02

Going to the woods, stop here first

by NathanLenz_Citysearch

Great selection and a knowledgable staff. Several times I have gone in to purchase something and the staff has recommended a less expensive item with the same quality. What more do you need.