Hikers Paradise ... what paradise??

My first engagement with Hikers Paradise was in October 2020 ... upon walking in the owner, Leni, immediately had something snotty to say about the jacket I brought in which I wanted to find out if it will be sufficient for my upcoming big hike. I obviously said my say which I could see she did not appreciate.

From there she went into money making mode right away - she sold me the most expensive pair of hiking boots, without even giving me an option to view the others, after which she carried on pushing for us to just buy more and more. She told us to rather buy down than synthetic and ended up selling my friend a body warmer which we realized later was just that, synthetic!

A few weeks ago, I ordered some socks online. I phoned to find out what size, based on what I bought previously. The socks arrived and one pair was men's socks, but identical to the ladies socks. I enquired this upon which Leni let me know that the men's socks are better for South African feet as our feet tend to get swollen during hikes. Naturally I was concerned (as these socks are expensive and I needed to know I am taking my expedition on with the correct socks) so I responded asking that if that is the case, does that mean that all the other socks which are ladies socks are therefore incorrect for my feet? She never responded. I mailed again complaining to Memory (the lovely lady who works for Leni) that Leni does not answer my emails. I all of a sudden got a very rude response, but yet still not answering any of my questions. I sent photos to show how the men's sock fit and asked the same questions again, also wanting to know that if she feels that the men's socks are better for ladies, why did she send me one of both or why sell the ladies one at all? All I got back was "fit the SOCKS and send the unfit socks back". ?????

Although she has allegedly climbed every mountain possible and like to throw her "17 years experience" around, she does not have an ounce of people skills. She is unbelievably rude and once the sale has been made she does not give a flying hoot about you as the paying customer.

I will never in my entire life go back to her shop and I will encourage everyone I know, both in my running- and hiking clubs to do the same.

Leni, perhaps you should consider taking the next 17 years to learn how to treat your customers.

Happy customers will return again and again. However, not to your shop Leni.

Imagine how many more customers you would have if you could change the way you deal with people!