Play It Again Sports

I recently retired, and decided to get back into skating and playing recreational level hockey. So I bought a pair of new Bauer Supreme 150 hockey skates at the Leominster MA Play It Again Sports. It’s been 40 years since I bought skates, so I hoped to get some advise on different skate models and proper fit, including heat molding. The high school aged young man who waited on me was very pleasant, but not knowledgeable about hockey skates. I asked if the Bauer 150 model skate was heat moldable, and another employee said «we bake any skate that’s over $ 100». I assumed that they knew what they were doing. After purchasing and having them bake the skates in their skate oven, I later went to the Bauer web site, and it stated that these skates are NOT heat moldable. To be sure, I emailed Bauer, who responded that they DO NOT RECOMMEND heat molding this model skate. I went back to the store, and when I told the manager that Bauer recommended not baking this model skate, he very arrogantly replied «we’ve been heating skates for a long time, with very good results». I replied «So, you’re ignoring the recommendation of the manufacturer», and he very curtly said «that’s right». Another employee chimed in «We go on the recommendation of our rep», but he didn’t say if it was a Bauer rep. The manager refused to give me a refund, saying «we don’t give refunds». I then went to PureHockey in Marlborough to look for the rest of my equipment, and was greeted by a sign stating that they gladly take returns on unused items for any reason. I was waited on by very knowledgeable employees, who answered all my questions, and tailored equipment suggestions to my needs. I should have gone to a real hockey store to begin with. I may have made a $ 150 mistake, but Play It Again Sports lost approximately $ 600 worth of addition equipment sales.

I was very disappointed in my experience at this store.
I purchased a pair of soccer cleats (brand new, not used).
A week later I returned them, only to be informed that I could only get a store credit (not my money back); no one told me this when I purchased the cleats.
I can understand that policy for used items, but not for brand new items.
I was also dished a big helping of attitude by the store owner.
PIAS is a great store, but I’d avoid this particular location if you want great customer service and fair treatment.

Came here to buy some hockey gear for my nephew. Spoke to the owner who was extremely helpful with fitting for skates and recommending a safe helmet. Great prices and you can even trade in your old gear. Even grabbed a few nice golf clubs for myself. Definitely recommend for hockey gear and other sports equipment.