=== 1. VERDICT/VALUE Good selection, but most importantly,…read morethe staff are spectacular - and the pricing isn't far off from the big-box/chain stores too! === 2. REVIEW Sure, you can go to big-box / chain store and find someone who knows what to do, but you'll often not, especially in this post-pandemic time. Kirby's offers a wide selection of clothing and equipment across many sports as well as staff who are knowledgeable - typically haven't bought/used it in their personal sports experience. This helps with purchasing the appropriate items at the right time. On top of that, they have a spirit to serve the best solution where possible. Case in point - our most recent experience involved purchasing a hockey helmet and mask for my little guy - toddlers are tough to match up size-wise with many things and ultimately, three staff members collaborated together to not only find the most suitable helmet and mask (from two different manufacturers, while charging only the lower, packaged price), but also ensuring it was the perfect fit for him before we left. This would be unlikely to experience in a big-box store. This experience, and the escort to the front to pay (ensuring the cashier knew how to ring this all up in my favor) was amazing customer service and reinforced our desire to continue going to Kirby's for our sporting equipment needs! === 3. ENVIRONMENT The high ceilings give it a grand feel; the space is reasonably well-organized and lit. There is an outdoor basketball court that can be used. Wheelchairs and baby strollers would have not difficulty here. Parking is somewhat limited in the lot upfront, but we've often parked on the street nearby.

I was on the hunt for a baseball glove for myself and my 8 year old son. Kirby's has an incredible…read morearray of selection, styles and sizes. Prices are on the high side, but the store had some affordable options. Staff were helpful after I tracked down a sales associate. If you need a specialty item, I'm sure the store would have it. There stock of items is very impressive. Additionally the store provides credit for local sports associations. I receive a 10% discount for belonging to our local baseball organization.

This was our first time here in Victoria British Columbia. We decided to check out this place full…read moreof sporting and camping equipment. MEC is a membership store it only costs $5 to join. The "WASHROOM" as it's called over here was clean. There's a large selection of everything you could possibly need for camping, biking, hiking and backpacking. It is an interesting place to visit and browse. My husband is very interested in cycling. He got on the demo Tacx bike which generates power and is an interactive game which you ride in competitions in famous locations like Central Park. As my husband rode a crowd gathered to watch and cheer. He was riding hard, shifting gears and working up a sweat!! He was not in his riding outfit or clip on shoes, but he rode quite a distance and was ready to buy if we weren't so far from home. The price is a huge factor. Our son briefly tried out the Tacx bike and thought it was awesome.

I have shopped at a number of MEC locations over the years and this one seems a bit more cramped…read morethan the others. The shoe area is certainly tight. No worries. I love every MEC store and I've been a member since the 90s so I can never leave without buying something. Indeed, while others were scooping up deals on clearance merchandise -- this store was packed with people -- my two items were full price. Darn. I still left happy.

I wanted to post about Karsten and Cameron's work at the new Valhalla Pure Outfitters (VPO) in…read moredowntown Victoria. Karsten at VPO mounted skis for me last week at the end of May (!). His work is excellent. It's hard to get good ski service in Victoria, and Karsten went out of his way to get a rig. I've also gotten great help from Cameron at the same store. Besides the staff, the Victoria's VPO has an excellent, concentrated selection of climbing gear. It's the store you would get if hard climbers (that were moderate gear nerds) were told to fill out a garage. Compared to a big Vancouver and Seattle store, the floor space is small. But the careful attention on selection shows, and gives the store a compact, useful character.

We had a great experience at the Victoria store. My wife has very hard to fit feet, different…read moresizes, bunions and orthotics. Nathan helped her with a foot scan, then patiently helped her in to various models and widths until she found just the right pair. He really was knowledgable and went out of his way to make sure she got the right shoes.

Aidan, you helped me find the shoes of my dreams. I wasnt sure what style I was after but I knew I…read morewanted New Balances. Aidan helped me pick out different shoes that suited 'the vibe' I was going for. He offered pristine fashion advice, he was a pleasant conversationalist and went above and beyond in ordering New Balances in for me! I can't wait to pick them up and to shake hands with this employee. I bet they're an aquarius, so you already know they have good vibes. NB is lucky to have an employee like Aidan *thumbs up emoji*

Robinson's Outdoors is exactly the kind of independent shop that reminds you why local stores still…read morematter. The staff were genuinely friendly, approachable, and--most importantly--knowledgeable. They actually took the time to answer questions and make sure I understood what I was looking at, instead of just pointing me to a shelf. You get the sense they really know their gear and care about helping you make the right choice. Sure, you can buy outdoor stuff on Amazon, but you're not going to get any level of service. There's real value in being able to talk to someone who's an expert and can guide you properly. Overall, an amazing experience--I'll definitely be back.

I love visiting Robinson when in Victoria. The staff is super friendly and knowledgeable. The…read moreselection of gear is top notch, this past visit I got some Smartwool leggings. I am always happy to support and give my dollar to local businesses that encourage people to get outside!

We had to bring our shotgun in to have the trigger lock removed because we lost the key. The staff…read morewere great, customer service excellent. Minimal charge and they were quick to get it done and add a new lock and key without us even asking. A++!!! Thank you! I wish more businesses were this wonderful.

Every time I call to inquire with something, staff have the answer. If I call regarding a product,…read morestaff confirm and send me a pic and text. I asked if a package of steelhead gear could be put together for me, as I will be coming down island and will only get there at closing time. I was to be fishing the next day. A package was put together, I got in and out before closing, and gear works great! Always great customer service and locally owned and operated!!

We have been customers of Sports Rent for many years and have always enjoyed the service. We have…read moreused their ski tune shop for our family ski trip. We also ensure that we get Big White Biggie Ski Discount Cards from their shop to save money skiing. We have also rented from them and found the staff helpful and friendly. A great family business that has been operating in Victoria for 30 years we understand. We would highly recommend them.

Rented some bikes last Sunday from this location. Great service, great equipment. Pricing is…read moreexcellent! Had a fantastic day of cycling around Victoria. So many great trails to bike. Thank you Sports Rent for being so conveniently located and for having such friendly and accommodating staff. xoxo Kim and Marc