Great Outdoor Provision Co. — Attraction in Charlotte

This has always been my go-to spot for anything outdoors. The staff have been over the top helpful. In fact, I had them install a roof rack and three of them went out of their way to make sure everything was set for me! They've pulled maps out to show me trails, given me tips on when to visit and places to take my dog off leash. It's been BY FAR my most favorite spot in Charlotte for outdoor info. However, in the last year I have seen a strikingly different shift. Out of the 10 times I've been in the store over the last year (I used to do that in just 2 months), I have only been helped twice and only once by someone who actually does outdoor activities. In fact, I wanted to purchase a kayak from them (after years of incredible service), but the first time I tried the new manager gave me a bit of a run-around. I tried it a second time and the same manager sent over a brand new employee who did not kayak to help answer my technical questions. When I asked her if she knew anything about their boats, she said, "no, but my manager thought it would be good practice." Not sure it's great business sense to let a novice "practice" on the sale of such a high priced item. Needless to say, I bought from another shop who was interested in their product and keeping a customer! The service has declined drastically over the last year and Charlotte has lost a GREAT shop! I do hope they revert back to having staff who actually spend time outside, who can share about trails, can provide tips, and who care about their customers. I really love this store and do hope it starts bringing back a...

I went to multiple locations to try and find a kayak that fit my needs. I wanted a kayak that I could take down rivers and be comfortable in transitioning to more of the white water stuff without necessarily jumping into that head first. I narrowed my choices from my own research down to an old town Sorrento 126 and the Wilderness Systems Pungo 120. The customer service that I received at the other stores(REI, West Marine, Dicks) were sub par at best. The consultants at these other places sounded as if they were guessing at information that they were trying to give me. An internet search landed us at great outdoor provision and I could not be happier that it did! Sam Helped me with finding the kayak that was going to be best for what I wanted. Not only did I find the perfect kayak but I also got it for around $400 less than I was going to pay for the others because they had one on clearance. I ended up with an ETHOS 10 Core whiteout edition. Sam walked me through the specs, the urges of this kayak and even knocked some of the price off of the already almost half reduced clearance price. His knowledge not only of the product but of the sport was incredible. He was not pushy in any way but showed me everything that I would need to get the most out of the kayak and the experience of getting into white water runs. I cannot say enough good things about this store and the staff. Thanks to Sam and the rest of the staff I am a lifelong customer. If you’re thinking of any outdoor activity don’t hit the big box chains, head over to great outdoor provision. You will not be...

I'd give these guys 6 stars if it were possible. I was looking for a specific kayak and they didn't have it in stock- but tracked one down immediately and I had it in 2 days. Mac was phenomenal helping me out with my purchase. Sam has been unbelievably helpful figuring out rigging this boat to suit my needs/wants. He knows his stuff and has spent a TON of time emailing back and forth with me, sending me links to check out, and helping me fine tune this kayak. Walker has been very kind helping with a figuring out a kayak trailer to best suit my needs.

I've worked in customer service for over 20 years (in a couple different capacities-around 18 of them in a very high end resort town) so I cannot explain how much I appreciate really excellent customer service. I am driving from Columbia to deal with these guys because they are all so friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful. Every employee that I have spoken to in this shop has been wonderful- even is its been as simple as a greeting when walking in the door. This staff is second to none- great to see a shop staffed by employees interested in their industry and eager to share their knowledge and help customers. I will continue driving from out of state to this shop and recommending them highly to my...