West Marine – Monterey

WoW. Went in just to look at a kayak, came out spending over $ 500. The staff is very helpful and knowledgeable about everything they sell. They don’t pressure you into buying things like most retail outlets do. Jordan, which I believe is the store manager really knew the in’s and out’s of the local fishing arena. This place is small but they can get most products next business day at no charge.

While I didn’t settle on a purchase, I definitely had a good experience here.
They promptly answered the phone and my questions.
Their in store selection was very limited with the fishing end of things. Yes, I realize I could order something and get it within a couple of days. I needed something that day and had to resort to other retailers.
The clerk was patient and not hungry for a quick sale (I want so say his name was Brandon, but I’m not sure). He recommended a good rod/​reel combo that I could order through the store.
I noticed he was answering calls and helping multiple customers (even though it was fairly slow). He did a good job of juggling it all, but I couldn’t help but think that staffing may be an issue with this store. There was another clerk mulling about in the back, maybe he was on break or something, but the guy who helped me made him look like he was in slow motion.
Good service and input (from Brandon at least), but I wasn’t impressed with the fishing selection, given the proximity to Monterey Bay.