Pearl Izumi Factory Store

Pearl Izumi EU writes on it's website in Dutch, German and French that it's Valkenburg Factory Store has all items discounted between 30% and 70%. On Facebook they write it's an Outlet, in description and some posts. That is simply not true. Most items are discounted approximately 15%. There is a little Sale / Outlet corner though with higher discounts. Be warned also that you cannot get your money back if you choose to return an unworn item. They provide coupons instead. So in fact it's kind of just a normal store in terms of prices, bar the fact they do not do refunds. Whilst shopping, when asked if I could find what I was looking for (items with a discount of 30% or more) I confronted the store personal about the information on the website and my disappointment that most prices were at normal store retail prices, the answer of the employee was "They're good prices, Castelli charges much more for similar items".. True, but than don't write on the website that all items are discounted 30% - 70%. I came from far to visit this store, whilst also visiting the scenic region. I came to the store especially in fact to see and feel cloths with the new PI Dry Water-resistant technology, and they did have items with that technology, luckily. Also one specific item I was hoping to find and try on. When I asked the employee about sizing he replied "I'm wearing size S". I subsequently asked if he knew his chest size. He didn't, and didn't understand why that would be relevant. Just check the Size Chart of any bike apparel manufacturer and you'd know why that's relevant 😐 Whilst in the fitting room I overheard the employee whispering to a colleague about me negatively... VERY unpleasant!!! I did find what I was looking for. Some well discounted PI Dry Thermal Arm Warmers at 50% discount, UV protection Leg "Warmers" at 75% discount, a pair of Shimano Touring Gloves at 60% discount, and a PI Dry softshell commuter jacket (Pearl Izumi Rove) at 25% discount. In the end I did not buy the jacket because I learned I cannot return it UNWORN for a refund, if after wearing the PI Dry Thermal Arm Warmers I'd find the water-resistance or breathability of the fabric not up to my expectations. I cannot think of any clothes shop I visited in the last years that does not issue a refund for unworn items sold at retail prices returned within 1 or 2 weeks, if for any reason I decide to return it.. Do I like Pearl Izumi bike apparel? Yes! Will I be happy with my PI Dry warmers? Hopefully 🙂 Do I like Shimano (who own Pearl Izumi brand)? Yes, definitely! Veryvery much so! Their bike gear is simply great. But I really did not like my experience with this Pearl Izumi Factory Store Valkenburg unfortunately.

Nice assortment of riding gear. Friendly staff and a little discount for prices.

Professional and kind staff. Very nice assortment and things.

Nice and well-arranged shop, little offer in the MTB area, which is a pity. But the information from the shimano store was very enjoyable. You can rent the newest bikes for € 27.50 per day, have your measurements taken for the correct adjustment of your bike. Very customer friendly.

Previous visit was in the old building, now a new, modern building. Again, enough products, which are heavily discounted. Great service, despite the Corona measures.