I gave up on Waikato Hunting & Fishing years back because often what was in their catalogue (or website)  wasn’t in stock, and then when you ordered something it never arrived on the promised date, also their staff’s product knowledge (and attitude) was hopeless.
I was however taken in by their latest catalogue and thought with the elapse of time things must have surely improved – Big Mistake!
I phoned to see if they had some HMR .17 ammo to be informed it was in stock. The next day I dropped in to be told it had all been sold, or it was “probably a computer error”.
At that stage I should have wised up, however  was after a high capacity reel and so ordered it with a rod and 700 metres of braid- which I stupidly paid for upfront. “Be ready by the end of the week” – and like a mug I took them at their word. End of week and nothing. Waited until next Tuesday and phoned. “will sort out and get back to you”- Yeah Right. No call back, waited till Thursday and phoned again “courier co*k-up and will arrive Friday”. Got a call on Friday “reel in”, although confusion as to whether I wanted a rod with it. I asked if it was spooled, didn’t know “ will sort out”. Got back “will put braid on tomorrow (Saturday) ”. Got back and I discover only 500 metres of braid on it. “That’s all it will take” notwithstanding the specs say 900 yards at the 80lb I required and when I paid for it 700 metres was not a problem - Other outlets I’ve since spoken to confirm 700 metres will easily fit on reel.
Don’t think they were trying to rip me off but rather  they’re just still bloody useless- being charitable I’ll presume the latter and never again make the foolish mistake of darkening their doorway.

Took a bloke out and he shot his first deer @ 258m having never used a rifle. Had to get him to sit down and use his knees as a rest and at last light. 1 shot . Smoked it. Well he's got the bug. Went into a HnF store to price a 243 which calibre he shot the deer with. The salesman told him the 243 was great gun but he needed a 7M so he could kill deer better and at a greater distance.This dude is no fool and using logic nearly told the salesman he was an idiot. Why do they do it.A potential customer now possibly lost because of brain dead advice.

Ballingers in Christchurch can be the same, ordered a Sauer rifle in January 2018, still waiting for em to tell me it's arrived.
But when I bought a thermal off em, it arrived on time and they rang me to let me know.
I think most shops probably have the same issues but HnF seems worse.  And to add salt to the wound their bulk buying claim is BS, their ammo is the dearest. So I try to support the little guy ( Outdoor Adventures in Ashburton in my case), and when I read the HnF catalogue I wonder if the advertisers who pay to have their products promoted actually check if their stuff is on the shelves ??

Reminds me of a time I went in to ballingers in chch, was looking for a pair of lowa cevedale (full shank boots) and was told I didn’t need boots that stiff and would be better off in Tibet’s. I couldn’t understand how he could tell me what boots I needed without any knowledge of how I hunt

I guess it varies from fanchise to franchise.
There's a dude in the Nelson store who seems to know his stuff.

It actually helps to get to know your local store owners/workers. They know what type of hunting/fishing you do, know what you do and don't like. Know what crap you will buy and don't need. Also makes it easier when you ring with a problem. That is any hunting store.