Every time I go to the Mall of America I have to stop here…read more It feels more than a toy store. There's many different stations/sections of the store that you'll find unique products for adults and kids. Staff are always ready to help. Demos will keep you in the store for awhile.

Toys AND outdoorsy gear?! Talk about an awesome combo! Just looking at the storefront says "Fun!"…read moreInside you'll find camping gear, warm clothing, silly animal slippers for all sizes, survival guides (like rope tying and more), many fun plush critters, toys/gifts/games that encourage outdoor play, etc. Definitely cool to look around and browse; I didn't have much room left in my luggage to buy much more stuff, but I'm super glad a place like this exists. Kind of gave off the vibe of an REI for kiddos, haha. Way better to get kids into going outside to play than always staring at a screen. =)

Sometimes people just go above and beyond! Thank you, Kathy! I was buying a birthday present for my…read morehusband, and didn't know the member number and all the things and she totally went out of her way to teach me and ensure I got it all sorted out. I was not expecting that level of help and I'm so wildly appreciative. She really made my day.

I've been an REI guy for years. Every time I go to this location I end up regretting it. This place…read morehas been on the skids for a long time, and at this stage, I'm done shopping there for good. Some of the worst customer service I've ever experienced. It's nearly impossible to get any help unless you mill aimlessly around the store for 40 minutes and hope that you can catch someone's notice. On floor sales staff spend their time walking between various products and complaining about the fabric texture. When I approach them, with eye contact, to ask if they've got a size available for a pair of pants, they scamper away like frightened deer. To add insult to injury, on my way out after giving up, their register staff apparently finds it appropriate to take the opportunity to heckle me when I inform them I can't get any help from anybody and therefore won't be buying anything. Beyond insulting. You can legitimately get better general selection, service and prices at Dick's, Eddie Bauer or any other specialty store. Don't waste your time.

My favorite backpack had a broken zipper. My local tailor couldn't fix it, but Repair Lair did in…read morejust over a week with a matching new YKK zipper. The price I ended up paying was slightly lower than the price quoted, in part because of a cash discount. I might have gotten a new backpack for the price of the repair, but then I would have been stuck with a useless backpack. Also, there's a good chance that a new backpack would be poorer quality. I'm so glad my spouse spotted this little shop while we were driving down Minnehaha!

They repaired my tent, restrung the poles and it works great!…read more I also have bought quality used gear from them a decent prices.

They have the best customer service and high quality products /gear. This is my go to place for…read moreall our outdoor needs because the company stands behind it no matter what- highly recommend

We came in there with the family looking for long underwear and a puffy winter jacket for my son…read more I know, toddlers quickly outgrow this stuff after a year and this stuff is expensive, etc. However, for some things, I like to get durable quality. The puffy jacket somehow holds up to my son tearing up playgrounds, climbing all over stuff, rolling around, and generally beating up the coat - and it keeps on going, looks as good as new. So, I am ok with getting another when he outgrew the last one - which is still in great shape and we can re-use for his little sister. Also, we like coming here because the staff is very knowledgeable and helpful finding the right product, the right size, etc.

Great service. Great stuff. Great place. I always have a great experience when I visit Mend.read more

Finally, a fly shop in Minneapolis. And finally, a review of it on Yelp (years after it opened)…read more Mike, the owner and sole employee, is always in there. He's got a big beard and a big personality and isn't a salesman. He'll tell you exactly what you need if you want help--sometimes recommending the lower priced items over higher priced items because he's a genuine dude out to make fly anglers vs. make a buck. I've bought countless bugs from him. A rod. A waist pack. I think a t-shirt at some point. I've drank his free beer at the occasional, random store parties he decides to throw on a whim. It's a beautiful store. He even sells American made jeans if you decide that on your way to the river, you not only need bugs but also some raw denim for whatever reason.

L.L. Bean coming in clutch for the MOA trip 10/10 great…read moretents and especially the shoes

Looks like an environment that supplies the niche audience what it needs. Not only did I find…read moreequipment, but functional house items as well. Wide shoe section that I wasn't expecting. Clothing for everyone in your family. I believe there was an education section, which is valuable to beginners and or people who want to brush up their skills. Customer service was absent. Saw associates free and looking my way but no one approached me at all. I don't know if I'll be back, not something I want to experience again.

Good selection of new and used climbing gear, Steve was very knowledgeable and friendly!read more

If you have fond memories of Midwest Mountaineering, that longtime Cedar-Riverside staple, this new…read moreoutdoor activity gear shop is definitely good news for you! That shop's manager has now opened Lake State Mountaineering with similar wares and similar values. So we're talking high quality canoeing, climbing, camping, and hiking gear from a combination of large, small, and local vendors. They have a website you can order from, but if you want to browse in person and get knowledgeable advice from this passionate crew, you can pop into the shop. They have some pretty high-end merchandise, but I'm seeing some tempting sale offers and they have a rental program that might help you get kitted out for an adventure. This storefront location might be tricky to find at first. Enter through the building's Washington Avenue door, next to the barber shop, then follow the signs through the door there and up the stairs, where you'll spot them. I promise there's a nice store up there! You're on your own for parking but it's easy enough to find metered street parking. If you want to properly gear up for this kind of activity and want the best equipment, sold to you be a locally-owned store who will give you honest recommendations that come from deep experience, this is where to go.

This is a little gem in our cities!! I'm not a runner but I still need good shoes for…read morewalking/working out. Their staff here really take the time to understand your feet (watching you walk/run and also using awesome technology) to help you find the best shoes for your feet/body. I'm a St Paul girl so was a little bummed when they turned Saint City Running into Mill City Running to help with their overall branding. Same stores just different names. I can forgive them for this and will still shop here. LOL!! They also sell apparel, accessories and running nutritional support. Mill city also offers very active run clubs if you're interested This is a busy location/area so parking can be tough but it's worth it!! Prices are on par with everywhere else and with the service you receive, it's the place to go!!

The store formerly known as Saint City Running (now Mill City Highland) is an awesome part of the…read moreTwin Cities running community. They hold free group runs for local runners and host run clubs frequently. I love that they have some Saint Paul-specific clothes that you can't find anywhere else. The store has a good variety of clothes and shoes from popular and newer running brands, and the staff is very helpful when it comes to picking new shoes and even bras! They also have a nice locker-room like space downstairs for you to store things during group runs. A great place to support if you are looking to shop local!