Eastern Mountain Sports in Ithaca
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Ithaca, Tompkins County, New York, US
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Health and safety
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Site: https://www.ems.com/stores/ithaca
- Monday:10AM–7PM
- Tuesday:10AM–7PM
- Wednesday:10AM–7PM
- Thursday:10AM–7PM
- Friday:10AM–8PM
- Saturday:10AM–8PM
- Sunday:10AM–6PM
Eastern Mountain Sports in other cities:
Ive had a few bad experiences there in the last couple of years. I was looking for a waterproof breathable shell and I knew which one I wanted and saw it on the EMS website. I wanted to go to the store to try it on, but no one in the store could find this Northface Jacket. So I left and ordered it online. A week later I was in there I found that same jacket hiding on the front wall corner. No one knew they were there! So I bought a Hydroflask. A few months later it started to leak and I wanted to buy a new flip lid for it but they didnt have them and told me to call hydroflask and order from there. I did this and after a few weeks of dribbling coffee on me I eventually got some gaskets for my lid. Recently the gasket fell out again and I couldnt find it and I needed a new lid quickly as I was traveling. They would not sell me one (just the lid, which they sell on their website for $5), even though they had a full shelf of them on hydroflasks. The manager was not willing to help me out. So I plunked down the $30 and bought a new hydroflask with a flip top lid. When I got home I found the gasket and was able to make it work so I went back and returned the ununsed hydroflask that I had just bought. The manager was very skeptical about my return and was not very nice about it either, but at least he gave me a refund. I have to say that the customer service there is sub-par. No wonder we have to order stuff online to get what we want. In addition, when I walked in, I was in the store alone for about 5 minutes before any employees appeared. I am only writing this because the manager was not very customer oriented as one should be in a retail chain and the overall customer service in that store has gone downhill over the years.
This is a smaller EMS shop, but hey, this is a pretty small city. The staff here has been super friendly, have gone out of their way to find discounts, and on one occasion took my word on a return (I was telling the truth, but it says something that they believe their customers). Definitely appreciate them.
Total reviews rating 3.9
24 Reviews for Eastern Mountain Sports 2023:
Review №1
2022-07-05Staff there was very helpful. Didn’t pressure to buy the most expensive items but what was practical. Very knowledgeable on the items for sale. It’s over an hour away but will be heading back in the future for sure!
Review №2
2022-03-04So their sales are good. Their stock is good. Thats the time to shop there when they have sales. Definitely not when things are at full price. Although they have quality gear, they are very overpriced.
Review №3
2021-11-10The staff at ems Ithaca are the best! They went above and beyond helping me get my new roof cargo carrier on in the rain. I felt so bad but it wouldn’t fit in my car so it had to go on top. Thank you, you guys are awesome!
Review №4
2021-11-23I have been forced to stay in Canada during the pandemic. No Eastern Mountain Sports (EMS) here. And online orders come with a hefty delivery charge and Transborder tax. When I learned that my small $ rewards would expire only three weeks before my return to the US, I asked for a small extension so I could use my reward to give EMS business. Customer Service (Sheleann) and a nameless male rep informed me that EMS would not accommodate me with an extension for my reward. Really, for $10? Rigid EMS has lost a loyal customer who happens to be a senior. Disgraceful.
Review №5
2021-10-24Salesmen in the store were completely unhelpful and one of them was very rude. I wish there was a zero star. This is our story: we went there to get a pair of climbing shoes. First, no matter how long we were waiting (maybe about 5 to 10 mins) near the climbing shoes area, none of the salesmen approached us or asked us whether you need help or anything. I should say that at the time, there were me, my partner, another person and two salesmen in the store. So it is not like a crowded place with so many customers walking around. When I finally asked one of the salesmen can you help us and do you have more shoes so we have a look, he was so angry. He almost yelled that WE DONT PUT ALL OF OUR SHOES FOR DISPLAY, YOU SHOULD COME AND ASK AND WE BRING THE SIZE YOU WANT. He also mentioned and pointing out sarcastically that THATS MENS SECTION AND THE OTHER ONE IS WOMENS SECTION as if I can not read the sign myself. After he brought shoes and put them angrily on the bench, after a few mins I asked him again whether they have 8.5 size shoes for my partner instead of 8 or 9 and the salesman said that IN THIS COUNTRY WE DONT HAVE SHOES WITH HALF DIGIT NUMBERS or something like that, which was so weird. Maybe he just had a very bad day. However, I have never met a salesman that rude who gets angry to be asked to bring more shoes. Its ridiculous how this store still functions with this type of behavior to customers at 2021 where you can order everything on Amazon or REI.
Review №6
2021-06-02Fine selection of outdoor gear. I have managed to get some good deals from EMS in the past! If you are looking for quality hiking shoes, this is the place. But alas, it is pricy for good material. Never the less, this a great shop in Ithaca to get your equipment if you are an outdoorsy person.
Review №7
2021-06-23Decent selection and good prices, but the customer service is terrible. The salespeople here just stand around and dont offer any help. I overheard one of the salesmen sarcastically telling a female customer who asked what is the difference between a 35 liter and 45 liter pack? 10 liters is the difference. I would rather shop online or go to REI.
Review №8
2022-04-15Yeah, dogs are allowed in store!
Review №9
2020-09-02Very bad experience!! Went in to look for a new pack for weekend backpacking. I said I have a 35L and was looking for something bigger. First guy says get a 45 and that’s it. I said I would really like something bigger like a 55 since 10L isn’t that big of a jump in capacity. So, I am left alone to look at packs. I’m trying on one of their cheap EMS 55L and another staff memeber says “DONT BUY THAT I have tried to make it fit people and I have never succeeded.” My response was - ok, can you help me? Do you have any other 55L packs you would recommend? And his response was “Well I would have to look at all of the packs.” and walks away. I would understand if the store was busy but the only other person who was there was a guy looking for a headlamp to walk his dog, not trying to invest in something they will have for years that is a really important piece of gear.I ended up pulling a few and trying them on. Even though I asked for help no one helped me. Spent $250 no idea if it’s even the right size. I googled reviews on each of them while I was standing in the store to help me choose. Would not go back here unless it’s for food or fuel basics that I need in a pinch that require no help whatsoever.
Review №10
2018-10-21Very helpful and patient. We were looking for climbing shoes, and tried on quite a few, found what we needed at a price as good or better than online.