Army & Navy Store

2.5 star rating
7 reviews Rating Details

Category: Shopping  [Edit]

1045 Grape St
Whitehall, PA 18052
(610) 266-1045
Price Range:
$$$
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Private Lot
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes
About This Business:

America's Best Contacts and Eyeglasses offers two complete pairs of eyeglasses for only $69.95* with a free eye exam. With over 300 stores nationwide,…   read more »

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7 reviews in English

  • Review from William B.

    • 11 friends
    • 51 reviews

    Bethlehem, PA

    3.0 star rating
    4/26/2010

    This is definitely a cool place to find outdoor equipment, boots, or clothes. They also have pretty decent prices, as well. On the downside, however, the layout of the aisles is nothing short of labyrinthine, making it almost impossible to navigate to the desired section. Once found, you have to deal with horrendous customer service. I spent a good half hour looking at boots with no less than three sales reps only feet away before they even acknowledged my existence. What makes it worse is that I was the one that asked them if they had something in my size. If that is not the essence of horrible customer service, I don't want to know what is. The sheer selection, in footwear and elsewhere around the store is the only reason this place still has three stars.

    So, go there if you want to find some eclectic or somewhat hard to find item. Just don't expect the people that work there to help you find it.

  • Review from Bob B.

    • 5 friends
    • 21 reviews

    Easton, PA

    1.0 star rating
    1/24/2012

    I used to love this store, but something's fallen off for me in the last year.  

    With regards to firearm purchases, I felt that for the price of the investment, I'd rather drive to Cabela's.  There is a greater selection and a little less attitude.  The women's wear section *seems* like it hasn't added any new merchandise since the last time I was there.  It gave off the impression of being a dusty, neglected area of the store.  Some of the goods are priced way too high for the Army / Navy tradition (I mean the more generic goods, not the brand name snowboarding gear, t-shirts, etc).  The shoe selection seems to have declined too, in terms of variety (while the prices are still high for the shoes that aren't on sale).  

    The store still does retain that overly packed, crowded, slightly claustrophobic vibe that is inherent to the Army / Navy shopping experience.  If you're into DG, Fox, and other things, they definitely do carry t-shirts here that you won't find in other nearby stores. The problem is, I can also find those t-shirts online without having to spend 40 minutes going through stacks and stacks of t-shirts in a too warm store.  That said, if they're having a sale or BOGO on t-shirts, it's a pretty good deal.  

    Finally, the parking area outside is a disaster and for me the bottom line is that if I find the outside of your store a hassle, I'm not going to bother with it and just keep going.  The last few times I've been here, parking has been such a headache it's not worth it to me anymore.

    The last time I was there, a lot of customers were parking in the back of the store.  It's not a parking area, per se, and isn't well lit.  If there hadn't been several other customers there when I arrived, I wouldn't have felt safe parking there at all.  If you  have to park on the side or back, walking to the front of the store feels a little perilous, as it is a narrow area and cars are coming in and out.  

    Second, while I was waiting to pay, I witnessed a dispute between the manager and a disabled customer over the manager letting people without placards park in the disabled spots. He sort of made a "who cares?" joke or something about it - he was laughing - and the dispute ramped up.  Right there, at the check out area, where dozens of customers and associates were standing.  I really regret making that last purchase, because as I was leaving I saw the woman in the parking lot.  Her car did have a permit on it and she was very upset and shaken.  I can't be bothered to spend money with small businesses that don't value **all** of their customers (or who treat them like that in front of other customers).  

    They really need to repave or restripe their lot, provide adequate lighting and space stripes in the back and otherwise let their customers - including those who have disabilities - feel that the lot is safe and accessible and that their business is welcome.

  • Review from Buck R.

    • 1 friend
    • 48 reviews

    Brooklyn, NY

    5.0 star rating
    8/10/2011

    This is hands down one of the best stores in America. If your an outdoor enthusiast, then this is where you will want to do business. The selection is by far the best you can find from entry level all the way up to an expert. Why support a Dicks when you have stores like this with people who actually have knowledge

  • Review from Glenn T.

    • 5 friends
    • 102 reviews

    Bethlehem, PA

    1.0 star rating
    10/31/2010

    I think Yelp! should have a "no star" category because this business would fit in that category. I remember when the Army & Navy was on 7th and Tilghman Sts in Allentown a long long time ago. I used to go in there and always found great surplus and friendly staff.

    My recent trip was a disaster compared to when I used to buy from them on 7th st. I went to the gun counter on 10-30-10 to purchase a new concealed carry pistol. I was ready and eager to buy.

    There were three salespeople hanging out behind the counter. One was going on and on ad nauseum about an experience he had with a bagel. It seemed like his story went on for over half and hour, even though it was only five minutes. Another sales rep was talking about some firearm that he recently won-almost to the point of bragging and boasting. The third sales rep was kind of sort of waiting on another customer.

    I stood there perusing the pistol selection and NO ONE came over to ask if I needed help. I purposely looked at the two guys who were sitting and talking about bagels and guns-still I could not elicit a response. I rode in on my motorcycle and was dressed in biker leather-it was chilly outside. I guess they prejudged and prequalified me as being a "biker dude" who had no money.

    I guess they have no need to make a $600.00 sale-maybe they sell enough jeans and don't need to sell any firearms. Who knows? I do know that I went to Cabelas and purchased a pistol to the tune of $600.00. The customer service there was EXCELLENT!

    . Oh! Their firearm prices can be whopping 50% higher than MSRP-yes, 50% higher than what the manufacturer sells the item for. Check out their website and you'll see. EG: A Walther PPK  has an MSRP of $525.00 Army & Navy's price: $742.00! More than 40% higher than MSRP.

    From other reviews I have read about Army & Navy (here and other), it seems they have poor customer service overall. Maybe it is time for a new manager?

  • Review from Kyle N.

    • 2 friends
    • 13 reviews

    Philadelphia, PA

    4.0 star rating
    9/13/2011

    I've been going to WHAN for a few years now and my experiences there have always been great.  Anyone expecting to see or buy just army surplus is, well frankly, a bit out of touch.  These guys are a retail store in business to make money and offer goods that are hard to find in this particular part of the Lehigh Valley.  They do sunglasses better than anyone around, they do skis and snowboards better than anyone around.  The same goes for hiking and camping gear.  If you're looking for white tees and camo, they've got it.  But, they're so much more.  I've never had any problems with any slackluster customer service, either.

  • Review from Daniel H.

    • 6 friends
    • 128 reviews

    Bethlehem, PA

    1.0 star rating
    Updated - 4/26/2011

    What the heck did they stop selling surplus and the such? I went here and most of their inventory was just overpriced sporting goods and generic teenager clothing. The customers were also all predominantly teenagers.

    Listed in: Firearms, Guns, FFLs

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    1 Previous Review: Show all »

    • 1.0 star rating
      11/4/2010

      Unfriendly service. The prices on firearms and ammunition are also not competitive whatsoever.

      That… Read more »

  • Review from Vanessa W.

    Bethlehem, PA

    4.0 star rating
    8/5/2006

    This place is good for some alternative clothes and shoes as well as outdoor gear. I've comparison shopped, and much of their hiking gear is less than competitors.

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