Great Outdoor Provision Co. — Attraction in Charlottesville

Kind of a let down. I have visited this location a few times. When asking about shoes, the sales staff are incredibly helpful. They have great selections. I also recently talked to 1 sales associate who took his time to make recommendations for layering options for an upcoming trip to Iceland. However, they were closing so I couldn't try stuff on at the time.

I came back in hopes to try on some stuff. I am a member at REI and while I could benefit from buying gear there, the sales associate was helpful and money stays a bit more local to cville vs driving the hour+ into Richmond. I was unfortunately let down when I looked around to find my size. Most of the women's attire can only be found in XS-M. I am not sure if this is the buyer focusing on ordering multiples in smaller sizes or a lack of awareness that the customer base in this area tends to buy L and XL first. Styles are also limited. I understand buying seasonal styles in limited orders and selling out, but basic layering options like t-shirts are not available. There was a dark blue option by Patagonia with 1 large, and a few others IN 1s or 2s, but all in smaller sizes. There were limited pieces (only 1 item by Prana I found) and not much in KUHL. The smartwool section for women was exceptionally limited. 1 sparse rack toward the shoe section which included mostly the 250 weight long sleeve options and a couple pair of leggings. No wool tshirts for hiking or travel were found.

I came to realize this store is more male focused. With about 12 full sized floor racks (including a few doubles) and a wall commanding nearly the whole length of the store(easily 3/4), men have a lot of options here. The women however have 1/4 the wall space, and only about 8 floor racks. The men have 2 racks dedicated to smartwool products vs the one previously described in the women's section.

I was approached twice by older males asking if I needed help, however felt it was moot to ask after noticing the lack of sizes available. I usually wear a large in shirts. I know the staff can be very helpful, but feel let down by the selections. I browsed the camping section to check out possible bag options, and they have some nice options there...

I have been in the customer service realm for over 29 years, 6 of those years I was in charge of the customer experience metric for a privately owned business within the outdoor industry. This was my first experience with this company and I must say they have customer service down!! I live about an hour and 15 min from this location (Charlottesville)o and could easily spend my money locally in Richmond. The effort Zach and drew put forward made me want to spend my money with them. In the outdoor industry (especially in Richmond) I can buy most things not far from home. The difference between GOPC and other “retailers” both big box and mom & pops is simple. Customer service with a personable touch. It’s not complicated and it costs the company nothing but requires everyone on the team to model this behavior to complete the entire picture. I would imagine the management team models this behavior and has set expectations for nothing less than stellar customer service! Tim you have an awesome team so keep up the great work. Big thanks to Zach and Drew for getting me and my Hobie back on the water where we belong!!! Thanks...

I am absolutely blown away by the wonderful customer service I received while shopping for 2 kayaks for myself and my son during the COVID-19 pandemic. We began with numerous phone calls with Tim at the store to help me determine what kind and what features I needed, and having him help me pick out accessories over the phone. When I showed up for curbside pickup, Tim and Drew went above and beyond to help me install my new kayak roof rack, make sure I could load the kayaks by myself while standing by to give tips and help when needed, help me get fitted for a life jacket and a paddle and explain kayak basics to this paddling newbie (all while completely respecting social distancing)! They stayed past the closing time of the store to make sure I was comfortable, and even told me that if I had trouble loading the boats or didn't like them once I took them out a couple of times that I could bring them back! Absolutely so happy that I shopped here, will definitely be back for any outdoor sport equipment needs I may...