written by ColinofWarwick on 25/01/2023
In the last few months my left foot, perhaps through arthritis, has expanded requiring me to wear wide fit shoes. As I'm going skiing soon I tried my ski boots and, although I was able to get them on, my left foot was painful after wearing it for a couple of hours. So today I went to Lockwoods, explained the boot had been "blown out" a few years ago but was now causing me problems. I feared that I might need a new pair but the boot fitter said he would try to get more volume into the boot to make it comfortable. I'm absolutely delighted that he was able to solve the issue. Excellent service!
written by robblobber on 14/02/2020
The toe part of my ski binding broke!!, not the newest skis in the world about 7 years old Rossignols, my immediate thought was 'nightmare' new skis or new bindings = expense I don't really need however 'nice' new skis would be. So I contacted Lockwoods at Leamington who I have used for a number of years for my ski gear, Lockwoods are not cheap but you get what you pay for, at Lockwoods you pay for really expert knowledge and skilled personnel, something I value. I asked if it was possible to obtain the required part to make a repair to the damaged binding, (not really expecting to get a result). My enquiry was owned by a man at Lockwoods who contacted his Rossignol rep and a week later the part is on its way to me to make the repair. Absolutely excellent customer service and diligence for a £12.50 part which saved me loads of money for new kit. This is service you would find hard to mirror in a 'chain outlet' Well done Lockwoods and thanks for the service and support.
written by on 01/03/2016
It should be a really great shop but their customer service is 100 years out of date. The gentleman owner was what can only be described as rude to one of my children and seemed to get cross with both me and my 1 old when he wriggled about whilst trying on snow boots!! It surprises me when so much can be bought online these days that the shop can be in a position to be so unhelpful, miserable and sour to a family willing to part with money for expensive ski gear. And yes it is expensive and with little selection across budgets for children. It is hard to find good ski shops but I would sooner drive than revisit this shop. During the prep for this family ski holiday (for 5 people) I have visited 4 other ski shops and my only truly negative experience was at Lockwoods and I didn'the even have all 3 children with me at the time. Lockwoods does have a lot of gear in store other than that I would have rated it with 1 star. I will not be going back.
written by muRooney485 on 15/02/2015
I had been looking for a particular brand of boots (Altberg) for my employment, but was unable to find anywhere locally that stocked the particular models of the brand I was looking for. I noticed that lockwoods sold some other models of that brand and so I contacted them to enquire as to whether they could offer any assistance with my search. The service I received from my original telephone enquiry, to visiting the shop was second to none. I was told over the phone that while they didn't have the particular model I was looking for, they would be more than happy to take time to measure my feet in order that they could then advise me on the boot size and width that I would need to order - given that Altberg make their boots in 5 different width options, this was exactly what I needed. On visiting the shop, the chap who dealt with me was the same who had fielded my telephone enquiry, and he spent probably around 45 minutes to an hour talking to me about boot options and measuring my feet, while all along knowing that I wasn't even going to be buying my boots from their store. I left the store with the exact boot size and width that I needed, and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this store for anyone. Excellent customer service is my opinion of this store!
written by ColinWalkey on 20/01/2014
Having suffered chronic pain problems with my feet for nine months the local hospital recommended a special a comfortable orthotic for all my footwear. The inserts are quite thick so I doubted whether they could be fitted into my ski boots as they would add extra volume (and therefore limit foot space) to boots that had already been blown out to accommodate the shape of my feet. I was prepared to buy new bigger boots if necessary but the technicican, having measured my feet, felt he could make adjustments to meet my needs. After shaving space from the base insert of the boot, and creating more volume by heating the top of the boot, he fitted the new orthotics and solved the problem. I was in the shop for about 45 minutes (10 minutes discussion, 20 minutes for remedy work, and 15 minutes walking around in adjusted boots). The knowledge and skill of the technician was excellent - and there was no charge. I'm sure many shops would have persuaded me to buy new boots - but Lockwoods put the customer's interests first. I shall need new boots in the next couple of years and I shall buy them from Lockwoods.
written by Roberas on 13/11/2013
Fed up with never being able to get good advice or walking boots that are comfortable I decided that a 40 mile drive to Lockwood’s was worth it to get good service, and a wide selection of boots. I wasn't disappointed. I went on a Wednesday morning when it was quiet, and the assistant (sounds like paper being moved vigorously) spent two hours helping me to make the right choice of boot. Well worth the time and trouble going there.
written by on 30/08/2013
After searching online for four variants of a small item, I found them on Lockwood's website. It was a Saturday when I placed my order. Both shop and mail order only operate from Tuesdays to Fridays, which is a bit limited in this day and age. Under 'Delivery Information' the website states "If your order is under 2kg in weight, you will be given the option of delivery by Royal Mail post at checkout." Although the net weight of my order was 500gm I did not get that option and was billed for £5.00 delivery by courier. Unhappy with that, I sent an email pointing it out and requesting that my order be sent by Royal Mail First Class for £3.00. On Tuesday morning I received a reply informing me they only had one of the four items I had ordered. All I can say in Lockwoods favour is they don't take the payment from your card till the time of dispatch.
written by mailer on 05/11/2012
This review is best described in percentages as will become clear .A Big thanks to the 50% of the staff I encountered at Lockwoods who were friendly and helpful (a middle aged lady with blonde hair and a similar aged gentleman). Not so to the remaining 50% sour faces who happened to be on the checkout as ski gear for my wife and kids totalling £704 when through the till. “Any chance of some discount for being such a good customer” and I would also return for my gear. There was some grunting and gesticulating from the happy girls which resulted in the £4 being knocked from my bill … 4 whole pounds… 0.5% I could do little but laugh and with my children present I decided to use the power of the pen instead of an embarrassing confrontation. So a BIG thanks to Lockwoods, I would have sent this email to them but you seem not to be able to contact them through email. A thanks to 50% of their staff giving 100% but not to the 50% who didn’t and a thanks for the 0.5% discount that I wished I had refused, “better than nothing my Dad would have said” no, not on this occasion I just felt insulted.
written by on 21/08/2012
Great service from knowledgeable folk. Situated in an area with little quality competition, but boy oh boy why are they open for such a short period? Sureley someone must realise how much more business could be done if only the place was open for trade when customers were available!
written by redbell on 31/12/2011
I bought a pair of ski boots in Jan 11 and after over 3 hrs tweaking them i went away a happy customer. However, when i actually got to the slopes all was not well and after just two runs i couldn't stand the pain any longer, the boots had to go. So i returned to the hire shop! On returning, i went back to Lockwoods and spent another 3 hours having the boots remolded and tweaked to get them to fit. I think that it must have been the numbness in my feet but i thought they were now fine but it happened all over again on a recent trip. Having now gone back nearly a year later, they have now given me a completely different boot and fitted them at no extra cost - AMAZING! Now here's hoping they work on our next trip in the coming weeks! I think this was just one of those things but so happy that they did this for me.
written by billyboy08 on 19/09/2010
Really struggling to give Lockwoods one star to be honest. They have some great equipment (as do many other ski shops) but the attitude of the manager makes you want to walk straight out again. I had a problem with a purchase a few weeks ago and after a brief discussion with a member of staff they passed me onto the manager. What a waste of time that was!! In this day and age you do not expect a shop manager (I think owner in this case) to have such an attitude towards his customers whn they are not totally happy with something. It is buyer beware in this case me thinks. I for one will be keeping my trade with the likes of Ellis Brigham as I have never experienced a man quite like Nigel Lockwood - he does not deserve my business (or that of my friends to be honest). Don't make mistake I did!! Funnily enough I bought some skis from another midlands ski shop last year and they told me that they found Lockwoods had an "attitude problem". I din't understand what they meant until just recently...
written by on 15/07/2010
I travelled for a couple of hours to visit this shop and I have to say it was well worth it. I bought some custom shell ski boots which have been fantastic. I didn't realise there was so much involved in picking the right ski boots and having them made to fit. The staff were extremely knowledgable and helpful and it was reasonable busy for a random Thursday morning. Definately worth a trip and has some good ski wear and accessories too.
Ellie , Derby
written by badger2122 on 14/05/2009
vango tent, excellent price, ordered from Lockwoods Ski Shop tues night and they phoned next day to thank me for my order and to say it would be here weds, and it was. excellent service.
written by on 20/03/2009
Bought a top from Lockwoods Ski Shop, Leamington Spa, when I got it home some of the stitching was faulty. Manager refused to refund the money offered a voucher. I found the owner/Manager very rude and didn't seem to have any idea of customer care. Some good equipment and some good staff
written by huggy2008 on 21/03/2008
I was recommended lockwoods from someone who was sold some foot beds by them, I needed a pair of walking boots.
My feet were measured so much more thoroughly than anywhere else.
The boots I got fit so well and are so comfortable for what I do.
They have so much knowledge on boot fitting and how the foot behaves and spreads out etc.
I had no worries buying front hem when I live about 100miles away, their fit guarantee is the best ever.
Try them - you will be impressed.
written by shaunjgault on 27/01/2008
I have used Lockwoods for all my families skiing needs for the last 14 years. They have always given good advice and made our skiing enjoyable by providing us with the right equipment to suite our specific needs. The staff are friendly and helpful.
written by TheGreatSandaledOne on 20/09/2007
Being semi local to this shop and a keen skiier I have to say that these guys are possibly the most experienced and approachable team of people I have ever dealt with face to face. And not just for skiing stuff but for other outdoor pursuits. The store is a bit out of the way but then again the sorts of things that you would be shopping for would often warrant a specific journey!
The ski tech guys in the back of the store really know their stuff. As good skiiers themselves they offer honest advice with experience to back it up! Before buying my Skis on Ebay I approached one of the guys and he quizzed me about my build ability etc and eventually gave me a few options of what to buy. I will point out that 2 of these products were not that which they had in stock and he did not try to push me onto stuff they did have!
I trust these guys and would recommend anyone wanting to get some expert advice on any number of serious outdoor pursuits/ equipment/ perhaps even technique if they have the time then go in and talk to them. They carry a huge range of products for all sorts, if it can't be found in there you'll have to shop around! The only downside to this is that the products in some cases, not all, but some can be expensive. I don't mind paying a little more for the piece of mind i have that I have got the right product, fitted where it warrants it.
written by Tony H on 25/07/2006
After 4 days of wear of a pair of £60 sandals (during two weeks) the owner refused to provide a refund but would only mend the product. After two further days wear, and on breaking again, the shop owner only under duress, refunded my money. However, he refused to sell me another pair of sandals stating "any normal person would only expect a repair" and that I had high expectations of a pair of sandals. He was also to repair the sandals and sell them second hand when I believe the product was from a faulty batch.
Written on: 01/08/2007
In this particular instance, Tony H. was particularly unpleasant and irritated the manager, and as a result the manager was not able to provide his usual customer care. The sandals were successfully sold on to someone who was delighted with them.
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As rated by our community of reviewers
Guest's Response to billyboy08's Review
Written on: 14/06/2011
You win some and loose some.
Sometimes customer care can be stretched to the limit.
All the staff remember the customer and will be pleased that he will not return to the shop.We are all human!
Most customers find our service fantastic.
Nigel lockwood
Owner