The Trading Post — Local services in Sault Ste. Marie

Honestly, this visit was one of the worst experiences I’ve ever had here — and it will be my last.

It started with lunch at the fish place. I was served two tiny, overcooked pieces of fish with no fries, and it cost over $12. Every time I come back to Ontario, my first stop for fish is usually here, but this time I left completely disappointed. We ordered drinks and were told they’d be brought to us, but after five minutes, the woman behind the counter barked over the phone to another worker — who appeared to be on break — telling her, “These people need their drinks! Where are you?” The young lady rushed in, dropped off the drinks, and quickly went back to her break.

After lunch, we stopped to fuel up before leaving and planned to browse the hunting and fishing section. Every pump had tape over the card readers, forcing customers to pay inside. My husband went in, gave the pump number, and the cashier entered it wrong. When my husband tried to correct him, he didn’t listen. My husband started pumping at our pump anyway, but then a woman’s voice came over the loudspeaker, telling him to come back inside because he “gave the wrong pump number,” sounding annoyed.

While we were discussing how frustrating it was, my husband jokingly said he’d just grab some hunting gear and ammo when he went back in. Clearly, she was listening in, because she interrupted us over the PA system, publicly arguing about the pump and whose fault it was — all while other customers were around. That’s no way to treat people. A much better approach would have been to simply come outside, explain the issue in person, and maybe even offer a smile. With two staff on shift, there was no excuse for the poor service and bad attitude we experienced.

I used to work here when Sue and George first bought the place. Back then, they took pride in their business and valued their customers. Their great reputation came from hard work and genuine care. Seeing what it has become is incredibly disappointing. This is often the first stop for people coming in from the north — and after this experience, I will never spend another...

My review is specifically for the hunters headquarters.

Everytime I have purchased something from the hunting store it's been a pretty good experience. I think they know me by name now actually. I have purchased two firearms, a lot of ammo and also a case and boresnake cleaner. Dave is a really nice guy and if he doesn't have what you want he will get it for you. Some people complain about pricing but you have to realize they are a small store and they go through a supplier not like Cabela's who can get everything wholesale right from the source. That being said it's only a little bit more money, like 5%. Perrys gun shop across the street will charge $100 more than the suggested retail price of certain firearms.

I also bought a 12GA from the trading post as my first purchase from them. I didn't like the quality of the screws that came with the firearm so I brought it back and was credited the amount I paid. I used that and then paid the difference to buy something better and have since put many rounds through it. I also went back in to buy a bigger gun Case than the one I originally purchased and guess what? They just traded me for it. No one else would do that - not in Sault Ste. Marie.

Seriously....

The people who work here are the best!!!! The manager Mike and an employee Shannon saved my butt one night. I am moving across the country from Vancouver to Halifax and I pulled over to take a look at the lake, and I lost my wallet with all my ID and bank cards in it. So I am alone in the middle of the country with no money, the U-Haul gas tank is empty and I have no ID or bank cards. Luckily, Mike and Shannon were kind enough to accept email money transfers and save my butt!!!! Because of them I ended up filling the U-Haul with gas and Shannon sent me to a nearby motel that let me pay with cash when I have no ID. Shannon, you are a complete Angel!!! You don't know how much you helped me when I was in an almost impossible spot. I will forever be grateful to you and Mike for helping me. There are still good people in the world. I wish you both long and happy lives!!!! Thank you so much Shannon and...