Sportsman's Warehouse

This has been one of the most poorly run retail experiences I’ve ever had. I called the Slidell location to check the availability of a rifle and was placed on hold multiple times. I was patient, understanding that the store may have been busy, but after waiting a total of 12 minutes, someone finally answered—only to immediately hang up on me. Still wanting to do business with the store, I called back and explained what had happened and asked to speak with a manager. Although I didn’t reach a manager, I did speak with a salesperson who told me the rifle was in stock but could only be purchased online. Unfortunately, the website showed zero inventory and offered no option to purchase. I was then given a customer support number and told I could complete the purchase over the phone and pick it up the next day. Online support was unable to help and instead offered a store-to-store transfer that would take 5–6 days and cost an additional $50. Hoping to avoid that, I called the store again to ask if the rifle could simply be held for pickup the next day. Once again, I experienced long hold times before finally reaching the department manager—who informed me the rifle I had been told was in stock was actually being held for someone else. At this point, I was understandably frustrated, having received three completely different answers from three different employees. The manager explained that it’s a large company with 150 stores and that this is “just how it works,” while again suggesting I pay the $50 transfer fee. I’ll be taking my business elsewhere—to a company that values clear communication and customer service.

I challenge anyone to find a more knowledgeable, professional, or courteous staff than the employees in the Hunting and Firearms section of Sportsman's Warehouse Slidell!! I've shopped there for years and recently have made numerous purchases instore and online for pickup over the course of the last few months and will say without any reservations that they are simply the best there is. While all of my experiences there have been met with nothing less than perfection, I would like to mention three individuals by name who I have come to know these last 6 months through my visits to the store. First and foremost is Mr. Ben, a softspoken young man whose courteous nature is welcoming to any customer. While all staff members can mount and sight-in optics, Ben is the "go-to" guy. His customer service professionalism is only outmatched by his meticulous attention to detail while servicing any firearm needs. Second is Mr. Colin, a spunky young fella' who can always make you laugh and put a smile on your face while conducting business. He's the staffs archery expert and his enthusiasm for hunting (particularly archery) is contagious. As a newbie to crossbows, Colin assisted me numerous times in picking out equipment that met my exact needs. Last but certainly not least is Mrs. Emma. I believe she was previously the Hunting/Firearms Manager and is now the Asst. Store Manager, but she truly is the glue that binds the team together. Just be forewarned, don't let her feminine appearance fool you, the girl knows what the hell she's talking about when it comes to firearms!!! If you've spent as much time in Sportsman's as I have, you realize that the pace can change instantaneously. One minute there's only one customer and the next minute there's 10 anxious customers all with unique needs. To see Emma and her staff multitask through all the customers amazes me. I know I would certainly lose my calm demeanor. To all the other staff members, I apologize for not personally mentioning you by name, I've always been treated amazingly and always have been able to purchase the equipment that I needed without any delays or issues.