[pct-l] knowledgeable stores

[BWIL5272@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx (Brad Wilson)]

I think this is the difference, I know stores where people really know what
they're doing (this is why I drive 45 min to REI in Mass).

I wouldn't have a problem with people that don't know about the gear - but I
find too many employees pretend they know what they're talking about... I
read reviews and talk to people that use gear before I go out and buy it -
so it's obvious when they're making stuff up.

I was on my way up to NH and stopped by the EMS at Emerald Square Mall. I
brought my pack in to see how well my gear would fit in the G pack, and the
employees were really cool. They were asking questions about a lot of my
gear.

They had never seen a half bag or the axe I was using, or my parka... They
seemed really interested and based on the questions they were asking I could
tell they use the gear themselves, on their free time.

When I was gearing up for my AT hike, I went into EMS and asked if they sold
titanium cookware. The lady asked why anyone would want cookware made of
titanium... She then tried to sell titanium pots - talking about how
lightweight they were...

Now, two years later they do, in fact sell titanium cookware... So they are
getting better.

I know not all the EMS employees are as poorly educated as the ones I've
met. Maybe I've just had bad luck there.

If any of you work for them... It's nothing personal.

-Brad


On 2/17/03 4:06 AM, "Saskia Daru" <saskia.home@wanadoo.nl> wrote:

> Here in the Netherlands there is a clear difference between stores.
> There are stores where the salespeople really know what they are
> talking about and also have a say in what they sell. In one I bought a
> new pair of shoes. The salesperson asked how I liked the pair I walked
> in on, because they had considered selling them and had decided against
> it. When I said something about the pair of North Face shoes that I had
> bought in the same store that had lasted a very short time, he reduced
> the price of the new shoes. He was genuinely interested in hikins shoes
> and boots.
> In other stores you will find people who have no idea and who don't
> mind showing it. I asked once about a sports bra and the woman
> proceeded to read the label out loud to me.
>
> Saskia
>
>
> --
> Saskia Daru
> saskiadaru@xs4all.nl
> --
> The road goes ever on and on
>    Down from the door where it began.
> Now far ahead the road has gone,
>    And I must follow, if I can,
> Pursuing it with eager feet,
>    Until it joins some larger way
> Where many paths and errands meet.
>    And whither then? I cannot say.
>
>    -- J R R Tolkien
>
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