Braemar Mountain Sports Ltd in Braemar, Ballater

I've used this shop regularly over the last 8 years - the customer service is always a bit hit and miss.

I went in to buy a pair of high leg hiking boots (stalking/hunting boots) as I spend a lot of time on the hills doing just that! I knew exactly which boot I wanted, and in what size.

After hanging around the boot section for an age I eventually managed to get the attention of the sales person.
I asked him about the boot etc, and he said that it would have to be imported. I asked if they could do that and the reply was yes, but... (the 'buts' were not something that was an issue for me)
I managed to get the sales assistant to get the brochure for the company, but unfortunately he couldn't find the boot I wanted in there (he made a big thing of showing me the catalogue was 2014, indicating that I had got it wrong etc.
I said that I had looked at the boot only this morning on the Meindl website. So off he toddled to check the website.
He came back to say he'd found it. I asked how much it would be and he said he'd have to go and look again (ffs!) - but then started to question why I wanted the boot, indicating that I had made an error of judgement etc. (remember, I wasn't asking for advice, I know what boot I want, and why) I guess I don't look like I spend a lot of time 'hill walking' etc., so he made assumptions about me.
Previously he had also tried to point me towards another boot, but seemed to want me to buy the one they had - rather than a ladies fit. (he kept saying they are narrower in the heel - well, bizarrely, I have narrow heels, so that's the one I want!!)
I gave up at this point and left, as I really didn't feel he wanted to sell me the boots.
Sometimes shopping locally isn't the way forward!