7 recommendations

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  Gene Connors

  Shared on facebook.com 6 years, 3 months ago

  My recommendation of Willi's Ski Shop is simple and straightforward: Visit Willi's first and last before purchasing ANYTHING "ski"-related, or you will short-change yourself.
  
  This recommendation comes with the confession that this is my first-ever recommendation of ANY retail establishment. I make recommendations of any sort very, very rarely, and only when a person or place EARNS it. Willi's decades-long care for my wife, kids, grandkids, and friends has more than merited what I voice here.
  
  My comments here relate mostly to Willi's Castle Shannon (3738 Library Road) store. It is closest to my and my family's homes. I therefore am most familiar with it and the folks who work there, especially Hardlines Manager John Tokesky and Softlines Manager Donna Gagliardi. But my experiences with other stores, such as Seven Springs, mirror what I describe here. And I have no doubt that the caring attitude displayed by Willi's personnel stems from the "top"-- from Willi, Linda, and Greg Klein, and Bill Linkenheimer.
  
  From my work as a (part-time) ski instructor for 30 years, I have acquired a fair amount of knowledge of and experience with ski equipment and clothing and the needs of new and not-so-new skiers and snowboarders. My knowledge, however, pales in comparison to that of the folks at Willi's. But that's not all, by a long shot. Much more impressive to me is that Willi's cares so much more about providing you with the info you need to make an informed decision than "making a sale." In other words, Willi's wants to establish and build a relationship rather than just make a sale. Willi's wants you happy and satisfied. That instills trust that keeps me returning to Willi's with family and friends.
  
  That is why you may hear "You may not need new boots. Let me work on your current boots, to see if that solves your problem." And, once Willi's makes a sale, or a refit, they stand behind it. A classic example is boot fitting. Ski boots, particularly for most of us with "different" feet (mine are high arched) are very, very difficult to fit. And, all too often, you cannot tell how boots will fit and perform until you "work" them "on the snow." That is why Willi's will extract your promise to come back for any needed tweaking, just to make certain you are comfortable and satisfied.
  
  My most recent experience with Willi's was before Christmas. My youngest daughter Maria, her 22 month old daughter Kosti, and I went to the CS store for John Tokesky's care and attention. (We phoned, in advance, to learn the day and time easiest "on" John and his pre-Christmas schedule!) John gave us his undivided attention during our visit. He first established a rapport with Kosti, and next addressed and answered our questions and concerns. Only after that did John fit Kosti with boots and skis. The result? Kosti "came away" delighted and excited for her next grand adventure! John set the absolute best "tone" possible!
  
  Bottom line: Don't take my "word" for Willi's. Visit Willi's yourself. Maybe just to chat and "kick their tires." Get to meet folks you hopefully you will learn to trust and on whom you can rely, as my family, friends, and I have.

  Original recommendation

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  Vincent Orrico

  Facebook Verified 6 years, 3 months ago

  This place does excellent work and takes care of each customer the way you would hope they would!

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  August Futryk

  LinkedIn Verified 6 years, 3 months ago

  Yes! I have purchased many items for my board trips out west! They have been helpful with recommending top quality products, amongst other products within budget! I've bought boards, board bags, clothing, helmets and goggles from this place! Always friendly and helpful!

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  David Schmidt

  Shared on goo.gl 6 years, 3 months ago

  Outstanding service. Matt helped me tremendously with a custom boot fitting. I highly recommend both he and Willie's.

  Original recommendation

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  Bryant Hank

  Shared on facebook.com 6 years, 3 months ago

  Stopped to purchase a helmet last night at the Monroeville location. Doug was my sales person and was helpful, knowledgeable and not at all pressuring.

  Original recommendation

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  Jordan Cataldo

  Shared on facebook.com 6 years, 6 months ago

  Last season I visited the monroeville store and bought the whole get-up to go skiing. I received some great help getting fitted for boots and was relieved that the employee understood my skill level (being that I am a beginner in skiing but played ice hockey for years). I got some great gear and headed for the slopes. Everything worked wonderfully except my one boot ripped! Off to the wexford store (nearest to my house) to try and return them. I explained how they were only used one day and the 2 employees there were glad to take them back. Except, they didn't have those boots in my size anymore and since it was nearing the end of the season, they offered me a gift card instead. I gladly accepted, thinking I could score some boots at the next sale.
  
  Fast forward to the pre-season sale at Seven Springs. I received phenomenal help from Nick getting fitted for some new boots. I ended up getting better boots than what I had before and still have $60 on my gift card!
  
  All in all, I have had excellent experiences at 3 different locations and would recommend any of their stores to anyone shopping for some gear before they head to the mountains!

  Original recommendation

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  Chase Fiore

  Shared on facebook.com 6 years, 7 months ago

  I went to their preseason sale to buy my first pair of skis after years of riding snowboards and ski-boards. The staff was extremely knowledgeable, patient, and professional. The entire buying process was efficient and convenient—I love that they'll mount my binding and have them ready at the store of my choosing well before the start of the season. That's on top of the great deal I got on some amazing gear.

  Original recommendation