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See what reviewers are saying

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Wonderful experience buying a waterproof jacket online for my husband's birthday. The staff in the shop were so helpful, polite and knowledgeable. Ali really helped me decide on the right jacket and e... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

After an MRI and a quickly arranged surgery for a large cancer, I completely forgot to arrange for a return to be sent back to Joe Brown. Once out of hospital and up and around again, I contacted t... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Good shop, quick delivery to Highlands. Website software can be a bit buggy but there are a few outdoor sites that use the same software, so we know what to expect. We've bought stuff from the two phy... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

You can tell the difference between a good retailer and an excellent one when things go wrong. We're all human, we all make mistakes. When Joe Brown made a mistake when packing my order, they didn't... See more

Company details

  1. Outdoor Clothing and Equipment Shop
  2. Outdoor Sports Store
  3. Rock Climbing

Written by the company

Joe Brown Shops specialises in Climbing and Mountaineering equipment from major brands such as Rab, Mountain Equipment, DMM, and Black Diamond. First opened in 1966, the shops have served the climbers and walkers visiting North Wales over the years and have equipped many big expeditions to the greater ranges. Today, the two Joe Brown Shops partner with The Climbers Shop in the Lake District to continue the tradition of offering great knowledge and service in a relaxed environment. Please Note: We have no connection with Joe Browns the online fashion retailer.


Contact info

4.7

Excellent

TrustScore 4.5 out of 5

32 reviews

5-star
4-star
3-star
2-star
1-star

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Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Great company

Wonderful experience buying a waterproof jacket online for my husband's birthday. The staff in the shop were so helpful, polite and knowledgeable. Ali really helped me decide on the right jacket and exchanging the one I originally brought was very easy and quick.

16 January 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Excellent customer service.

After an MRI and a quickly arranged surgery for a large cancer, I completely forgot to arrange for a return to be sent back to Joe Brown.
Once out of hospital and up and around again, I contacted them to ask whether I needed a new label or could still send the items that didn’t suit me back and was met with immense kindness. Customer services arranged for the package to be picked up at my home address, which at the moment has made things much easier for me.
The response was so kind, friendly and helpful that I feel completely confident to continue to buy Joe Brown clothes, which I love, online. Thanks guys.

17 September 2025
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Proper service!

Helpful and flexible. Online order could not have been better. They have a great selection of products too, especially, including for women.

23 April 2025
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Above and beyond!

I had the best customer experience. I called the shop after ordering a pair of mountaineering boots and upon arrival realised the sizing might not be right for me. John was incredibly knowledgeable and explained how I could try to alleviate certain issues with my shoes by tying my laces in different configurations. He helped me with the exchange process and when the new size arrived the laces were tied in the configuration we discussed on the call! It’s rare today to be able to reach a person in customer service, but for them to be so helpful and supportive, it is really above and beyond.

6 February 2025
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Jamie...top bloke

Jamie at the Capel Curig shop is an absolute legend. Really passionate about his trade. Went in on a wim just for a browse but ended up leaving with some epic gear. On top of that I added a titanium pot to my Christmas list....which I got on Christmas day! A lovely approachable bloke who is easy to talk to and gives sound advice without coming across like a know-it-all. Even met him on the glyders one night on a camp (1 day after visiting g the store). The guy lives the outdoors and knows his gear!!!

14 December 2024
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Excellent customer service

Ordered some products, dispatch was prompt, however, unfortunately DPD delivered someone else's parcel to me by mistake, I called the customer service number for Joe Brown, there was no argument or fuss, they created a new order for me on the spot, dispatched same day and delivered next day, really couldn't ask for more. Would definitely purchase from them again.

28 October 2024
Unprompted review
Rated 3 out of 5 stars

Optimus Svea 123r…

Looks like I got palmed off with a demo item as it arrived in a less than new looking condition. In all fairness I received a call from the shop immediately after I sent my email, resulting in a partial refund.
Bottom line is the item should not have been sent out in the first place!

8 December 2023
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Good shops.

Good shop, quick delivery to Highlands. Website software can be a bit buggy but there are a few outdoor sites that use the same software, so we know what to expect. We've bought stuff from the two physical shops as well over the last three decades and that was always a pleasant experience with helpful staff.

4 August 2023
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

5 star service

Ordered a discounted mountain equipment jacket, it arrived well packaged 24hrs later. Fantastic service.

2 December 2022
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Great customer service

First time I've come across this company online. I was looking for various items of kit as I'm walking the West Highland Way in May. The items arrived 3 days later, slight issue as the boot laces were the wrong size. I emailed them and received a response within 15 minutes apologising for the error and telling me to keep the one's received and they would send me a further 2 pairs of the correct size. These arrived this morning with a note again apologising for the mix up. Great customer service, very impressed 👌

29 January 2022
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Appalling Customer Service

I placed an order weeks ago, the money has been taken from my account. Hermes failed the delivery on the 9th December. Despite numerous attempts, can't get through to J Browns Customer Service on the phone, have emailed and have sent a contact request, no response to either. This is completely unacceptable.

17 December 2021
Unprompted review
Joe Brown Climbing logo

Reply from Joe Brown Climbing

Hello. I wanted to reply to your review as I believe you have left this for the wrong business, we are Joe Brown specialist climbing and mountaineering business based in North Wales. I believe you are trying to contact the fashion clothing company Joe Browns.

We do not ship through Hermes so I am confident it is not our business but if you have any questions please contact me. We have had this same problem on Trustpilot a number of times, I believe our business profile is easier to find than theirs as our Trustpilot rating is higher.

If as I believe this review is not ours I would very much appreciate if you could remove and re-post against the correct business.

Many thanks

Paul Holtom
The Climbers Shop & Joe Brown Shops

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

They sent me the item with a disgusting…

They sent me the item with a disgusting stains on. Glue marks and scuffs on the shoes.
The bottom of the shoes also is showing that the shoes were used.

My husband even asked me whether they were a second hand item.

Worst online shopping experience ever.

24 September 2021
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Top quality service

During the current lockdown I have had a number of dealings with Joe Brown Shop, purchasing a couple of mid-layers, gloves, and a pair of boots, and deciding to return one mid-layer requesting a replacement in a different colour. I had a number of telephone conversations with Paul and Brian. The service provided has been top quality, with timely deliveries. The Rab, Mountain Equipment, and Scarpa products I bought are top quality also. Highly recommended.

25 January 2021
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Excellent Service, second to none.

Bought a pair of Rab Mits on line paid for next day delivery, but did not arrive (I could only guess this may due to all the problems we are all facing at the moment) anyway I emailed the online shop asking for an update, received an email from Brian saying they had been a delay by the curriers, then offerd to refund the postage which showed in my account within 48 hours. Thanks Brian.

8 January 2021
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Shocking Customer service

A party of 4 of us visited the Llanberis store on Sunday lunchtime on 11/10/2020, looking for a lightweight jacket for my friend, who from a young age has breast, so struggles with the sizing of the women's fitted jackets. On entering the shop we looked around an found all the women coats available were small sizes. My friend found a coat she likes in the men's/unisex part of the shop, but when enquired about trying them on the gentleman, if you can call him that after this , stated you can but we will have to quarantine for 72 hours after if you don't buy it so prefer not. My friends partner then proceeded to ask what makes of women's coats go up to a size 20? the answer for the gentleman was astounding! 'non of the stockiest have size 20 as FAT/BIG LADIES DO NOT CLIMB MOUNTAINS!! words failed me, absolutely disgusting. My friend was left feeling humiliated and very upset. They exited the shop, where to make matters worse the gentleman followed us out and proceeded to add more insult, leaving my friend in tears on the high street. The level of customer service, let alone equality and diversity is non existence. Jus for the records they would have had a sale on a £125 coat if they were more welcoming with trying clothing on. We all understand the difficult time we live in no more than me being a nurse in the NHS, but there is no excuse for bad manners and rudeness period. Also a point to note, my friend has climbed Snowdon several times. meeting the summit and several of the other surrounding mountain ranges. We will never shop in this or any of Joe Brown stores again if this is the behaviour they advocate.

14 October 2020
Unprompted review
Joe Brown Climbing logo

Reply from Joe Brown Climbing

Dear Mrs Coates,

I am very sorry that you felt you had to leave a negative review about our shop.

It made very unpleasant reading and I can fully understand why you and your party felt upset. I would also like to re-assure you in the strongest possible terms that on no account do I as a Director nor any of my staff condone the behaviour you describe.

We take all reviews very seriously, especially the negative ones as there is always a lot to learn.

Please rest assured that it is never our intention to make customers feel uncomfortable. Since we have re-opened after lockdown, we continue to work extremely hard to balance our role as retailers providing knowledge and expertise on specialist products with the strict Government Guidelines that allow us to pass on the spot Covid inspections performed by Trading Standards Inspectors and continue trading during the current pandemic. One of these guidelines is to discourage browsing, the touching of garments and having to quarantine anything that is tried on – this is why our staff member had to talk about it.

On the occasion of your visit to our Llanberis shop I would like to explain the sizeable mis-understanding that took place and give a voice to our member of staff who is genuinely appalled to read your review. Since 1966 Joe Browns had been providing technical clothing and equipment for rock climbers, mountaineers, and hillwalkers. When our member of staff was talking about “climbers” he was referring to rock climbers and had absolutely no intention of belittling any of your personal achievements. The information he gave you on sizing was correct; is a regrettable reality that our suppliers only make up to size 18 in the garments we stock.

When he became aware that he had unintentionally caused offense he was very concerned and made his way to the door saying “excuse me” to gain your attention so that he might apologise. The opportunity didn’t arise so as a company, we would life to offer you our apology via the Trustpilot platform for any mis-understanding as it really and honestly was utterly un-intentional.

Thank you for taking the time to leave your review and read our response. We are all trying to navigate our way through a very difficult time and with the added restraint of losing a large part of our ability to communicate due to face coverings.

Stay safe and enjoy your outdoor adventures.
Cathy Casey
Director
Hooked On Granite Ltd t/a Joe Browns and The Climbers Shop

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