Thuro Brookline - location closed 2025. Online Open - visit Thuroshop.com — Local services in Brookline

Unfortunately, I can't rate Thuro less than 1 star. The alleged owner: *was belligerent on first (and only) visit *answered product questions unsatifactorily *recommended products which did not meet requirements

I've never ridden a skateboard, but I'm interested in learning how to commute on one. I have a strong cycling background and an engineering degree, so I've done my research in order to ask specific, targetted questions.

I pass Thuro everyday on my way to work. Today I stopped in to ask some questions about getting into the sport. I explained to a person claiming to be the owner that I am: *a complete novice to skateboarding (never ridden one) *interested in the beginners'- level inventory *unsure of longterm committment to the sport (citing injuries) *wanting to commute to work (not interested in tricks or competitions) *preferring a smaller board in a specific shape (34" cruiser).

Immediately the alleged owner tried to sell me a $280 40" topmount and a $180 40" double kick. Pointing to an example of the style I wanted hanging on the wall and explaining again what I was looking for, the alleged owner offered me classes, which would teach me to "shred" my new board. Insisting again that I did not want to start off a new sport by sinking a lot of capital into a feasibility study, I asked for something that might be more appropriate for a 10 year old to start learning; the alleged owner suggested a penny board.

Realizing that I wasn't getting anywhere, I pulled out my phone and within 10 seconds found a beginner cruiser product and a $70 pricepoint on Amazon. (My previous research suggested this type of product might be a very good fit for meeting my learning objectives.) Immediately, the alleged owner began to criticize the Amazon board, citing component concerns, learning curve issues, enjoyability, and short product life. ("Finally!" I thought, "now we're in the right ballpark and can start to compare items.") I was shown similar inventory at prices that were about $100.

I asked about the differences between the Amazon product and the Thuro inventory, especially with regard to the materials of manufacture for deck (What type of plywood?), trucks (Steel or aluminum?), bearings (What type?), and wheels (What size?). The answer I was repeatedly cited was "industry standard," but when I asked about specifics, I was only given qualitative answers ("good" and "not fun") and acronyms (which weren't defined, even after asking). I couldn't help starting to wonder whether the alleged owner was mistaking my being a novice for my being a sucker? The alleged owner even attempt to "demonstrate" the difference between the Thuro board and the Amazon board by showing the performance of a Thuro cruiser and a well-used skateboard. I explained that the test wasn't accurate because the skateboard used a vastly different system of trucks, wheel size and hardness, and bearing assembly than the Amazon product. After asking about the make-up of the bearing assembly on the Thuro board, I was told, "Buy what you want, I don't care."

Asking for clarification on that statement, I was then told that I was "frustrating" because I asked "too many questions." I reiterated that I was asking basic questions in a polite manner about beginner products for a new sport and that while I was relying on professional expertise to guide me, I had every right to know what it was that I might be buying. Then I walked out.

Obviously, I can get a highly reviewed product to learn with at a better price on Amazon (or Craigslist or LetGo, and the alleged owner knew it), but I vet small businesses because I want to form lasting relationships while I play the sport. It's not just about a one-time purchase for a new sport; it's also about lessons, repairs, upgrades, and maybe even getting my kid involved with the sport. It's a shame that the alleged owner tried to dazzle me with bs instead of treating me and my business with respect; I don't support disrespectful businesses.

My experience occurred Saturday 1/28/17...

The best Skate-Shop I’ve ever been to and I’ve been around the block! They’ve got everything you want/need and I’d bet they’ll bend over backwards to procure w/e rare item you might seek! 10/10 service!

I’ve been going to Thuro since June 2016 and I can’t ever stop coming back. You can come to the shop to discuss w/e questions you might have too. I started here for my E-Skate needs and now I’m a returning customer as I start learning how to snowboard. Just scooped so much amazing gear to shred the mountain last night! 🏂

It doesn’t matter if you’ve never shredded a day in your life! Gabe, or whoever’s at the shop, just wants to help!

I love the no pressure to buy atmosphere! This shop will never try to up-sell you! Never!. And honestly, that’s saying something b/c there’s loot to be made by selling expensive high margin equipment but they will not do that. If you don’t need or want the crème de la crème, they won’t even mention it! :)

Keep in mind that local skate shops struggle to stay in business and Thuro still doesn’t try squeeze every last dime they can out of their customers!!! Amazing! Think about that the next time you’re about to click check out on some random website trying to save a few bucks... Please call the shop and I‘d bet they’ll work w/ you to get you your stuff.

I’ve never heard Gabe complain a day in my life. He works so hard to make sure your shreds are perfect! He can service your gear and even if your gear is broken, he can probably fix it! W/e you need done, Thuro will turn it around in record time and get it out the door. If you need rentals they’ve got you too! This shop honestly deserves to be a Massachusetts landmark! For Skaters and shredders we are not worthy :’)...

Absolutely horrible first impression. I called to check on the availability of a certain liner. The dude picks up and says "I can call you back after I check." Ok no problem. "Can I call you back at this number?" No let me give you a different one. "Ok well I have people in the store right now". I said "So you can't take care of a customer on the phone because you have people in the store?". "ok I can take it down real quick." Gee thanks for rushing me off the phone. You know what? Never mind.

Just because you have people in the store doesn't mean that phone inquiries should be treated as disposable. If you can't multitask and do something as simple as taking down a phone number when "people are in the store" without making the customer feel like they are being rushed or being done a favor, you need to seriously reevaluate your customer service skills.

I wouldn't do business with this guy if he was giving his merchandise away.

EDIT: Read his response. At no point was I asking for a chat after he said he could call me back. I was trying to give a different call back number and he couldn't even manage to do that without an attitude. And he's still replying with attitude even to this review. My experience is not unique either. Look at the other one star reviews. Someone specifically mentions calling and being disregarded because "people are in the store." Don't provide a phone number if you're incapable of being courteous on the phone unless your store is empty.

It's not...