Great Outdoor Provision Co.

Category:	Outdoor Sports Store
Address:	4275 Park Rd, Charlotte, NC 28209, USA
Phone:	+1 704-523-1089
Site:	greatoutdoorprovision.com
Rating:	4.6
Working:	10AM–9PM 10AM–9PM 10AM–9PM 10AM–9PM 10AM–9PM 10AM–6PM 1–6PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 14

Elizabeth Brumbach

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! Theyve pulled maps out to show me trails, given me tips on when to visit and places to take my dog off leash. Its 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 Ive 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 its 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 caring staff.

A Private User

I went to the store with gift card to purchase a new whitewater paddle. The paddle I wanted was not in stock, so I asked about ordering the one I wanted. The salesmen said "we can order it for your but will have to charge you $40 for shipping or you can wait 9 or 10 WEEKS and place it on my normal paddle order?. I asked him what incentive do I have for ordering with them (they didnt know I had a gift card) and he said because they are the local shop. This type of service gives the local shop a bad name. To top it off...he said this in front of a new employee he was training. Bottom line is there are too many other better places to earn my business & I have donated my gift card to a friend.

Aggie Gal

Good variety. Employees are in it to win it on those sales numbers. Pressure to buy here is real, yowzahs! That, combined with this other female sales attendant staring my husband up and down, and then me up and down, and then him, and then me, etc. caused us to just get outta there. Super uncomfortable. Update: went in yesterday and had a completely different experience. So Im changing from 2 to 4 stars. We werent hounded to make a purchase, I was assisted by a very helpful employee, and the girl who stared at us so much the first time was not there.

Bob Fernstrom

Great store, well laid out, a pleasure to shop here. Outstanding service accompanied by a very strong knowledge base - the guys there have answered every question asked, and if they didnt know the answer, they got back to me after checking on it. I have purchased camping and kayaking gear from them, and will continue to. They lose 1 star over their prices - which are high. I will buy specialty and hard-to-find items here, with loyalty, but the basics for camping and such can be found elsewhere for a good deal less cost.

Ken Dunn

Not about glitzy marketing, just GREAT gear & EXPERT advice. Not always the absolute cheapest prices, but always competitive prices. Also, buying gear the 1st time that meets your needs is often cheaper than buying twice (even if the famous store WILL allow ridiculous returns, a miserable paddle or camping trip, plus the trouble to exchange stuff is a "cost" too). I vote with my $ by shopping at GOP Company. In return, theyve helped me discover more of the world.

Steve Sherron

Probably my favorite outdoor gear store. The manager Rudy and all of the staff are just so helpful and they know their stuff. I can find specialty items from small cottage companies here at Outdoor Provision. A great selection of gear. Ive bought a lot of gear from OP including 2 kayaks in the past year. Check out this store and if you dont know something just ask. All of the staff are avid outdoors people and they will help you out.

Rich Holmes

Picked up some gear here yesterday for an upcoming Cub Scouts camping trip and could not have been more pleased with the attention and guidance we received getting what we needed. Props to Sam for showing us how to put together our new tent while dealing with my 6-year old son running all over the place. This will be my exclusive camping gear and equipment store going forward.

Wm Scott Ethridge

Ive had great experiences with this store for over a decade. Ive purchased Kayaks, apparel, shoes/sandals, gear, you name it. Very knowledgeable and courteous staff. They helped me pick out the best Mothers Day gift ever this year. An Eno hammock and cradle! Ive shopped all the outdoor sporting good stores in Charlotte and this one is my favorite hands down!

Chris Dies

Bought my first kayak and all the gear here. Great prices and a large selection! Rudy and everyone I came across were patient and knowledgable at answering my "rookie" questions. I used their layaway program (which was handy) and you receive an additional 10% off accessories for a year if you buy a kayak! I work in retail and these guys get it! Thanks!

Fred Sexton

Outstanding customer service here. I had an issue installing a yakima SKS core which had a broken key still lodged in. Brett (service manager) promptly got out his power drill and we went into action to bore out the old key and he helped me put in the new one. Cant wait to go back. Thanks for all your support.

Bill Emmrich

This store is awesome. Extremely helpful staff. I prefer this store over REI any day. I bought a Camelbak water bladder for a backpacking trip, and decided to buy a filter too... one of the employees told me to come back in with my backpack and he attached it all together for me before my trip for free.

Ciara Meeks

Not the biggest store, but they have a great selection of quality stuff. They price match and their prices are fair. The staff is really helpful and friendly. You can tell they enjoy their work and like the things they sell. Also, I lost my keys in there once and they didnt treat me like an idiot for it.

J Harlan

Super helpful staff and they had exactly what I wanted for my pup. I called ahead to see if they had my item since I struck out at a couple other places before and he checked while I was on the phone. I will be back. Ive already recommended them to my brother for discs.

dennis hopkins

Consistently superior service. Sam, Jeff, Liza and Jennifer know how to take care of a customer. They only stock quality goods and instantly take care of any warranty issue. This is why Ive been a customer for more than a decade. Love this place!