You're kind of rolling the dice for customer service here. I bought my kids some x-country gear for Christmas and the sales guy was very friendly and knowledgeable. Because my kids weren't there, he said if the boots don't fit it would be no problem to exchange. It was a great experience.
Well the boots didn't fit and my experience with the exchange was terrible. The employee was openly rude and hostile. Granted I had lost my receipt, but usually in that case an exchange is no problem at all. They were in perfect condition with all tags intact. She kept telling me it was going to cost me more money throughout the whole experience and was somehow aghast that somebody would like to return a retail item.
Well luckily the owner was there and it turned out that exchanging the boots was pretty easy and routine. They didn't have that size but they could order it and it would take a couple weeks. Ok great,I was satisfied again. Maybe the rude employee was having a bad day. Maybe I did find my ski shop after all.
It's been about 3 weeks and I phoned yesterday to see if there was any update. I was abruptly told that there was no way they could find out and was hung up on.
To be honest, rude service seems to be the industry standard at ski and bike stores in the Kootenays. I've already given up on places in Kimberley and Fernie, but thought I found a great shop in Cranbrook but I guess I was mistaken. With my kids ski and bike stuff, as well as myself and my wife, we easily spend $2-3000/year. I guess these local places are doing really well because they don't seem to need the money. After I get these boots I'm just going to order from MEC (actually Gearhub and Board Stiff in Fernie is pretty good).