My review is directed solely at the owner of this location. Unfortunately, every interaction I've…read morehad with him has been marked by condescension, disrespect, and an overall lack of basic customer service. As a public servant working as an Emergency Responder, I hold myself to high standards of professionalism, accountability, and compassion--on and off duty. I don't expect perfection from others, but I do expect a minimum level of respect, especially from someone in a customer‑facing role.
My family has spent thousands of dollars at Dolson's Source for Sports. We've always enjoyed the store, and the staff--aside from the owner--have consistently been kind, helpful, and welcoming. Unfortunately, the owner's behaviour has repeatedly overshadowed that.
The most recent incident involved a pair of New Balance S. Ohtani cleats my youngest son was incredibly proud to earn through his hard work in baseball. After purchasing them, we learned his age group wasn't permitted to wear metal cleats. He never wore them outside, and they remained in new condition. When we attempted to return them, the owner refused, claiming the gold cleats were "too scuffed" to resell--even though they were barely touched. After having them professionally polished, the staff agreed they looked brand new, but the owner again refused before even examining them, stating, "I told you already, I'm not taking them back," and implying the issue was simply that I "made a bad purchase." He took the shoes out and looked over them intensely, looking for any issue to point out as a reason to not return them. He remarked, "Well, you really did over on these," as he couldn't find any issue with the shoes at all.
His dismissive attitude, lack of empathy, and unwillingness to even consider store credit--especially given our long-standing loyalty--were deeply disappointing. My son was crushed, and the entire interaction was handled with unnecessary hostility.
This experience has been reported to the BBB, and I strongly encourage others to be cautious when dealing with the owner or, if possible, to avoid the store entirely.
I want to be clear: the staff and the owner's children are wonderful. The issue is solely with the owner's conduct.