I know from the Canoecopia following on this forum many have heard of this store. I spent a good while there today and feel their service went above and beyond. I was having trouble fitting a Yakima Q Tower I purchased at a previous Copia to a new vehicle and came in looking for some advice/help. One of the managers, Tadhg (Tige, a true Irishman), spent a lot of time out in the cold helping me fit and figure how we can get my canoe on my vehicle. We ended up taking off the factory roof rack and getting everything to fit just right. (He showed me how to remove and then replace when I need to carry the canoe)
Took longer because of the cold but this guy always had a smile and made sure everything was just right. I thought this service deserved a mention as Canoecopia is approaching and people may have not gone or purchased anything from them in the past. I'm not a cold weather fan and getting this to work on my van has changed my attitude to looking past winter and for the warmer temps. Thinking canoeing thoughts again!!

I've shopped there many times and always had a great interaction with the staff.

Great store and an even greater staff. It always makes me happy when I buy something from them (although usually at Copia since I’m a couple hours away).

Rutabaga +++

butthead

Being a former"Baga" myself, it's nice to know the customer service tradition hasn't changed. What's great about working at a store like Rutabaga is that it's not just a job, it's a lifestyle. That is, the people that work at Rutabaga use and enjoy the equipment they sell; they're not just there for a paycheck.

Speaking from my own experience, I enjoyed working there because you're promoting activities and equipment that you love. It's not like selling TV's or appliances. You're actually promoting a sport and gear that you're passionate about. Because of that, it's enjoyable to interact with the people that come into the store and are of like mind.

Although I don't know the current staff at Rutabaga on a personal level, I'm sure the attitude and the work ethic are much the same. Although it has been many moons since I have worked for Rutabaga, I have also always thought the service at Rutabaga has been fantastic regardless of the staff.

Hans Solo

I've had many positive experiences there, but last summer the owner allowed my nephew to test a boat after the normal time. Unfortunately, he dumped the canoe and Darren had to go retrieve the boat and paddle. No complaints, no grumbling even though they had to spend the extra time at the end of their shift. Great folks!

My wife bought her kayak there a few years ago when we lived in Madison. We walked in, spent probably an hour sitting in them in the store and learning their features. Took one out and she loved it. Turns out it was Darren, had a good BW talk with him and at the time had no idea we were working with the owner.

I was a broke college kid in Madtown in the mid 80s. I had spent a lot of time outdoors before that time but had never seen gear like they had there. With my lack of funds, I wasn't going to be able to afford much of hardly anything, but I loved going in to just drool seeing the stuff and yearn to spend more time away from work and studying.

They were always so kind explaining how some of the gear they had was advantageous. I will always remember that place very fondly.

Have been a fan and customer of Rutabaga for 15 or so years - even as I moved from Madison to Eau Claire, and now to Duluth. Rutabaga helped me get into paddling, and I have never looked back. Have purchased many/most of the things I use regularly on my wilderness adventures (or misadventures) ... as well as a number of items I use regularly otherwise (Filson jackets and hats, etc). The staff changes over time, but Darren remains and makes sure the customer service and fun atmosphere remains, which is on full display every Canoecopia weekend.

Hauling canoes and kayaks has brought me there a few times. The people there have always been helpful and kind. Never pushed me off just because I haul boats. Often I coinside hauling with copia. One year they let me park in the "gated" area of copia at the alliant center. I've also watched their staff with customers. I wish more stores had as helpful of workers. You know right away they are there for more than a paycheck!
Makes ya want to buy something... Haha!