This is a bit of a mixed review, and I truly don’t want this to come across the wrong way. I’m a long-time fan of the MAAP brand and ended up purchasing two items via the recent online sale but only after two disappointing in-store experiences at the Melbourne Lab store. Let me start by saying, I work in sales myself, so I always look at situations like this as a learning opportunity. I hope the feedback is received in that spirit not as a complaint, but as a chance to improve the customer experience. A few weeks ago, I walked into the store ready to buy three items: a Draft Vest, white socks, and a neck warmer. I’d done my research, had a $75 Strava voucher from a completed challenge, and was ready to make a purchase. I was greeted by a friendly team member who informed me the Draft Vest wasn’t in stock but offered alternatives like the Flow and Atmos vests. The Atmos was significantly more expensive, but I appreciated the upsell again, I’m in sales, so I get it. After some discussion, I decided on the Flow Vest in white, which also wasn’t in stock. The team member suggested the women’s version, but I passed on that option. We headed to the counter, and I was ready to buy the socks and neck warmer, then asked if I could also pay for the vest to use my voucher. I was told I’d have to wait until the vest came in later that week. Fair enough I left everything aside and was told I’d be contacted once it arrived. Friday came and went no call or email. I had a ride planned that weekend and decided to pop back in. The vest hadn’t been unpacked yet, but I thought I’d grab a new jersey instead. I found the Training Thermal LS Jersey in Rhubarb, loved it. No Mediums on the shelf, so I asked at the counter if they could order one in and let me pay on the spot to use the voucher. Again, the answer was no. So in the end, I just paid for the socks and neck warmer. To this day, I still haven’t been contacted about the vest or the jersey coming in. From a sales perspective, this was a real missed opportunity. I walked into the store twice, ready to buy, and couldn’t complete the sale either time. I was always taught to close the deal especially when the customer is standing there, ready to spend. Yes, I did end up purchasing the items later during the online sale and in the end, I got a better deal but that only happened because the in-store experience didn’t follow through. I’m sharing this not to be negative, but because I genuinely care about the brand. I want to see MAAP thrive. But experiences like mine could turn new customers away, and that would be a shame. Thanks for taking the time to read this.