Just moved to the east side, and needed some gear. I always look to buy from local small business if I can. Went to Strauss to get gloves and shin pads. Asked if they had any size 13.5 gloves, guy there said "they don't make them," which I found interesting since I was currently wearing size 13.5 gloves. I walked around looking at gloves for 15 minutes, and no one asked me if I needed help. Mind you, they had like 8-10 people working that week day in the store, but they all seemed too busy talking with other employees and what seemed to be vendors. I finally asked someone for help, he talked to me for 2 minutes and moved on. I had to get gloves that day, so I found them on my own. Started looking at shin pads, couldn't get anyone to help me, so I bought the gloves and left. Looked online later that day and the gloves I bought were priced for less on their website, yet they sold them to me at the higher price in the store.
I went to Pure Hockey later that week for the shin guards. A woman there answered all of my questions, walked me around, showed me the options, gave me some perspective. Just went back to Pure Hockey this past week for a new stick, full shield, and some accessories. Once again, the guy there walked me around, answered my questions, showed me options, gave me perspective.
The service I expected to get from a local, smaller shop I received at the larger chain store. I can't believe how poor my experience was at Strauss. Whether I'm buying sporting goods, hardware, music gear, whatever, I always start with the local shops to support them and to get what I assume will be better service. Will never go back to Strauss. Shared my experience with guys I skate with, most of them said the same thing about Strauss. What a disappointment.