Little Forks Outfitters — Local services in Midland

So I walked in the other day ready to buy an Osprey backpack. There was 3 gentlemen standing at the counter and the younger (~27 y/o) guy came over to give me a hand. I told him specifically, "I want to be fitted for a backpack". He said he could just tell 100% I was a small, and did not bother measuring or have me try anything on. He literally did nothing to size/fit me. Though they did not have the type of bag I wanted in stock, I asked him numerous questions that he could not answer, despite having Osprey retail training. He offered to order the bag I was interested in. I asked him what the benefit was ordering from Little Forks rather than getting it shipped to my door on Amazon. He said "shipping costs and you give us the business."... I should have explained most people don't have shipping costs using Amazon but neither here nor there. Long story short I ended up buying a S/M based on his recommendation and it did NOT fit. Turns out my torso length is 22 inches and the M/L fits much better, and is the recommended size based on the Osprey website size chart. Now I have to return the bag and get the correct one. Guy is a 🤡!!

EDIT: I know Little Forks has a great reputation and my girlfriend has been fitted for and bought Osprey products from here in the past with great results (hence why I came in). She wanted to support local business as opposed to Amazon, and I would have done the same if the employee was more helpful/knowledgeable. Maybe he was new and not trained in the bag section. I give another star for benefit of the doubt. Also, solid response from the owner. I will give them a try in the future, but for now I already have the correct bag ordered. Thanks anyway, and for the...

For a month, I had been desperately searching for a specific Sorel boot, which was completely sold out both online as well as in every store in the Tri-City area. I needed them for a specific event and had given up all hope. The night before the event, a friend told me about this shop in Midland. I called inquiring about the boots I so desperately needed. To my delight, they had one pair left in my size! Not only did the owner Bo Brines stay open an hour and a half late for me to get there from West Branch (on a Friday night in the middle of a snowstorm) but he guided me there each time I called to tell him I was lost. Using the term "customer service" is hugely insufficient given all he did for me that night. His willingness to stay open late for me to ensure I obtained the boots I so desperately wanted, his kindness in guiding me there each time I called panicked and lost, his patience for me once I made it there and the genuine care he showed me, a complete stranger, (after having already worked a ten hour day) is light years ahead of any service I have ever experienced. I highly recommend this shop and guarantee I will return many times in the future! Thank you Bo, for everything you did for me. You were my hero that night! I challenge anyone to try to beat customer service at THAT level! I don't think...

I read a bunch of the reviews so I decided to check it out. I travel throughout the country and visit many shops. They have a lot of high end stuff in there, very nice. Walked in and two guys behind the counter were talking about fishing. Seemed like I had to pry one of them away from the conversation. I asked a few questions and got some answers but they were vague. He showed me a few selections and walked away. I did buy a few supplies but that was it. A business of this caliber, I would think they would want to sell...