CAA Store - Empress

Fantastic experience: Great service and amazing selection of travel and local items

Fantastic experience: Excellent service

Negative experience: One of your trucks almost ran us off the road. Licence plate KJV 933 at approximately 109 pm on Sunday Jan 26 2025. His truck was covered in drive safely stickers and CAA logos. This was on Leila going westbound. He then swerved and took off going southbound McGregor so we couldn’t take a photo. Very bad very dangerous.

Negative experience: Call for a tow to my dealership and got a reply that it would take 5 days. I call a local tow truck company and that took 2 hours.

Negative experience: Called for road side assistance which was fast considering the weather. However, I didn't appreciate talking to a robot

Negative experience: If you shared more information freely, you might attract new to you customers. I'll stay with Canadian Tire, thank you.

Fantastic experience: Quick service for an international driver's license

Positive experience: A bit of a trick to find which door to enter, but felt served up the stairs.

Negative experience: My grandmother and I recently met with Rickie to book an Alaskan cruise. Unfortunately, the experience fell short of our expectations. While Rickie was pleasant, she seemed unfamiliar with the booking process and struggled to answer our questions effectively. For example, she had difficulty locating options we had previously discussed and even missed some of our desired inclusions. Additionally, the pricing she presented seemed inaccurate. After an hour of this, we felt uncomfortable entrusting her with such a significant trip. To provide context, my grandmother booked a cruise eight years ago with a different agent who seamlessly handled everything from the cruise itself to airport transfers and other travel requirements. We were hoping for a similar level of expertise and service. Ultimately, we left our appointment with Rickie feeling more confused than when we arrived. Rather than continue the process with her, we decided to book the cruise ourselves online. We still have many unanswered questions and will be seeking assistance elsewhere. While I wouldn't recommend Rickie based on our experience, I encourage others to research and find a travel agent who can provide the knowledge and support needed for a smooth and enjoyable booking process.

Positive experience: Didn't have the travel guides I wanted. Gave me a website to print my own

Negative experience: Absolutely horrible experiences. Used for new home insurance, initial set up went fine but first renewal was off the rails. My broker had left, then the replacement broker told me I needed to do repairs just days before renewal. In working through that, broker did not communicate payment dates or amount and then communication dropped again because that broker left. BIG red flag that they can't keep staff and have no system for passoffs. They also don't answer the phones, always have to leave a message. Horrible customer service. Cost me extra money and frustration but my new broker ended up saving me $800 annually on home insurance.

Fantastic experience: Went in today for a passport photo and was served by Tetiana. Was a pleasant experience and I was in and out in 10 minutes with 2 people ahead of me. As a non-member it cost 19.95 plus tax for 2 photos. Very pleasant experience, have already referred my wife and 2 friends who need their renewal photos. Thanks for the great service!!

Fantastic experience: Very helpful staff that can easily assist you navigating through the required paperwork from brining a vehicle from another province. Absolutely recommend

Negative experience: Talked to their insurance service for general inquiry. Got hang up before I finished my question. Terrible customer service.

Negative experience: Horrible, absolutely garbage. Every time I come in or phone I get horrible service and it gets worse by the visit. Last time I came in, they did not care about the customer. 2 customers and still took over 15 minutes to get served. Their travel agency is a joke, wanted to ask a few questions, no time, make an appointment. As being out of town, earliest Saturday appt would be in 3 weeks. How come you can't put 2-3 pers on for the weekend? I'll stick to the roadside assistance (still amazing) and you can shove the rest, I'll go online.

Fantastic experience: Went in to have a passport photo which was free for members. Was in and out in 10 minutes. Very pleasant staff.

Negative experience: I just came into the Empress location to buy travel insurance (3:30 pm) and was told they couldn’t help me. Not coming here again. If you say you are open ‘til 4, you should serve your customer. Not coming here again. I’ll just go home and do it online!!

Fantastic experience: Service was excellent and they have some very nice items. I like to see the items in person that I see online. I will absolutely go back!

Fantastic experience: Very clear and organized.

Fantastic experience: I am a CAA member and I went to the Empress branch on Saturday, November 18 at 11am. I needed some maps for a trip and I was very fortunate…an employee named “Tiana” served me. She was very polite, friendly, and was very interested in my requisition, she solved all my needs with an exceptional Customer Service. Excellent employee.

Fantastic experience: Knowledgeable staff helped me get travel insurance and coverage.

Negative experience: So I'm on a motorcycle and traveled 2000 kms and wanted to ask a travel agent some questions about crossing the US border. Well, I was told by the lady at the front desk that they don't do walk-ins, and the earliest she could get me in was the 12th of Sept 13 days later and was sent away. I'll tell you if I live here I would be getting rid of my caa for sure. This is no way to treat your customers, especially if they are out of provinces. I won't be coming back to this store! I've been to many caa stores across Canada, and this is the first time this has ever happened to me. What is the since of having caa when you are on the road and you can't get help ( information)

Positive experience: I’m not a member but stopped in to get a National Park pass. They were very friendly and helpful.

Fantastic experience: Not busy at all , great rates on house insurance!

Fantastic experience: Their staff are very helpful indeed. Wonderful customer service!

Negative experience: We had our pictures taken for our passports. The person taking our pictures was unnecessarily rude to me and my wife. Bad day? Maybe! Still unnecessary.

Fantastic experience: This a great group to book with.

Fantastic experience: Quick and good service.

Fantastic experience: Found answers to questions!!

Negative experience: A very upsetting visit. Not the usual standard. Disappointing.

Positive experience: For vehicle insurance and travel insurance needs. Very helpful personnel. Visited again the office for some insurance needs. Associates did an excellent job.

Fantastic experience: Service was very good, staffs are professional and very reliable

Fantastic experience: After a short wait I was able to sign up for a CAA membership and also bought health insurance for driving to South Dakota. (Members get %10 off!) All questions were answered and I got maps and books to help plan the trip! The shop has many local Winnipeg products like roasted coffee, shirts, and Garbage mitts. People should come here to get Winnipeg souvenirs, it’s a hidden goldmine. Also in the shop are so many helpful travelling things: luggage, bed bug spray, lights, things to get your car unstuck, clothing and hats.

Fantastic experience: Great store with great environment and great staff

Positive experience: Edit January 25, 2023 - CAA responded to my complaint with a very kind email and a coupon I can use toward renewing my membership. I was originally upset because customer service did not apologize or even acknowledge that a mistake had been made. I've updated my review. Everyone makes mistakes sometimes. In the past I have had great service with CAA. Not today! I called for information about their battery replacement service that seemed to good to be true. Well, it is too good to be true. When I called this afternoon, to my surprise, I was told that someone would arrive within the hour. Five hours later he showed up with no battery, with the intent of boosting my car. I don't need a boost. After speaking to customer service, apparently I need to call back tomorrow to have the call removed from my account. Zero stars.

Fantastic experience: Great service today for my mother whose car wouldn't start after shopping (on Taylor Ave). Even though she was told there was a long wait time for service, a CAA truck arrived within 1/2 hour! The driver said he noticed that she had been a CAA member since 1956 and realized she may be older than most of the people on his wait list. So he put her to the top of the list. This thoughtful act was very much appreciated by my mother who is now telling all her friends. Thank you so much.

Fantastic experience: For trips that go beyond freeways, in addition to GPS, I want maps for an overview and detail for planning scenic drives. The CAA tour books cannot be beaten in providing vetted, accurate and informative information about communities, accommodation, dining options and self guided tours. The stores have great merch including classic garbage mitts.

Positive experience: Good service. Much of the merchandise is overpriced.

Fantastic experience: Fast and efficient and friendly staff

Fantastic experience: Excellent staff

Negative experience: I was put on hold for 45 minutes which made me feel like I made a bad choice.

Positive experience: Helpful.

Fantastic experience: Awesome service

Fantastic experience: I only went to issue an international driver's license. Very fast service, polite staff and a very nice shop with many travel related accessories.

Negative experience: Had a Music Man that has a tow truck, so this qualifies him as a CAA contract employee. Vehicle was dropped off at a service station unlocked. A theft occurred. CAA said they aren't responsible and will not reimburse a 32 year CAA member for the loss/incompetence. No customer service, except to offer a reduction on next year's renewal. Get Dr Hook if you want service and not frustration. Ever since CAA has been based in Ontario the organization has been in a steady decline. They lack service vehicles and customer service. GET DR HOOK

Fantastic experience: Friendly and efficient staff.

Fantastic experience: Very reliable in time of need.

Fantastic experience: Took less than 20 minutes to do my insurance.

Fantastic experience: Helpful, knowledgeable and fast service.

Fantastic experience: It was fast, a very good worker!

Fantastic experience: Ordered online, called when I arrived and received my order. Supper easy and hassle free.

Negative experience: Great to have this service but very poor contact and updating ability. Probably fine when not too busy but when they're inundated with calls the communication structure breaks down. Geared toward online service, difficult to get a live operator to get an update or to explain current service call.

Fantastic experience: Great place to get some travel advice

Positive experience: Always go in person to pay my yearly bill , so I can see what's on sale and what new Products they hav for the public.

Fantastic experience: Good service as always at CAA Manitoba

Fantastic experience: I've had CAA for many years and never used it. In the past 12 months I had to use it three times. Change a tire, and tow it two times. One of the towing was fast. The other one was a bit slow, but it was understandable since it was -32. The tire was also fast. I would recommended even if you dont use it for a few years.

Negative experience: Service is horrible. Staff has no idea what services they have. You can spend an entire day in telephone hell. Constant hang ups, no call back. I have been a member since 1992. Used to love this place, the service. No longer.

Fantastic experience: Paid my yearly bill quickly and bought a tilley sun hat at a great price with a good selection

Fantastic experience: Enjoyed my visit. Went in for maps, came out with a sparkle pink mask plus maps. They were very friendly and helpful

Negative experience: Would not provide a jump start because I had been out of the country. Said they wouldn't even come and assist if I was in the ditch freezing to death.

Negative experience: To place a call for towing is terrible. Several attempts with multiple prompts and computer messages. On transfer to live operator calls are dropped.

Fantastic experience: Accomodating staff and theres a store inside!

Fantastic experience: Fastest service ever!!

Negative experience: Went in for a replacement drivers liscence. I gave my passport as my ID. The woman then asks me if I have a picture of my liscence on my phone. I said I lost it.

Negative experience: Horrible! Tried to pay autopac early! Never got the call back after insurance person took my name.

Positive experience: Was directed fairly

Fantastic experience: Great service

Negative experience: Somehow got my information, sent me a "membership" scam, refused to tell me who sold me their information.

Fantastic experience: Employers were very friendly.

Positive experience: I always use CAA when looking at vacations

Fantastic experience: The travel agent Marlene was super helpful and amazing

Negative experience: awful and rude

Fantastic experience: Friendly and very easy to access. Always can find something that I can use.

Positive experience: Great service and staff

Negative experience: Your customer service skills are horrible at this location.

Positive experience: Got down to business right away,did not have to wait long for service.

Positive experience: Not super friendly. No system for everyone being in there needing something. Don't know where the line is etc. Don't go on your lunch hour or you'll be standing there forever.

Fantastic experience: I was able to get fast travel insurance when I had to make a quick trip to the USA. Friendly and efficient.

Fantastic experience: Called for service at home Depot Polo park and they we're there in 5 mins. That's what I call customer service.

Fantastic experience: Adriana was very welcoming.....and very friendly as a teller

Fantastic experience: Always there when I need help, in the city, out of province and rural areas

Positive experience: It's CAA

Positive experience: UPDATE: I was contacted by the manager whom apologized and made efforts to rectify the situation. I have been a member for 42 years and just received my renewal for my 43rd year which reminded me of an unresolved issue. Back in the spring I went in to purchase travel insurance and asked the person helping me a question regarding differences between plans. The person was very short with her answers and not addressing my question even when asked again. I left feeling as though I was an interruption in her day. A day or so later I received a request for feedback on my recent visit and was honest in my displeasure of how I was treated. They asked if I wished to be contacted on the experience and I said I would like that and gave my cell number. Upon getting this renewal reminded me that no one ever got back to me so I called the number on the invoice for the Administration Office and the gentleman who answered said he was at a call centre and when I asked for the number to the Administration Office he said he was not at liberty to give it and I said I had been a member for 40+ years and asked again as I had an unresolved issue and he said he could not but could give me to a supervisor. I was on hold for about 5 minutes more and then he came back and said the supervisor was busy. I reiterated I wanted to speak with one and was told none were available. I have a plan the dealer who sold me my vehicle offers free and am giving serious thought of not renewing as if this is how CAA Manitoba feels they can treat a 4 decade plus member I would rather not continue. They seem very disconnected to their reason for existence.....Their Members

Positive experience: CAA is a good place to go for international driver's license, vacation packages, passport pictures, travel insurance and more.

Fantastic experience: Folks here were incredibly friendly. Customer service was second to none. I came in for my passport photo and was out of there in less than 20 minutes.

Negative experience: Had the worst experience at the Empress store Friday eve. Left work downtown at 430. Usually would have made it in plenty of time but it was snowy and traffic very slow...bumper to bumper and very slippery. Got into store shortly before 5. Woman at counter was on phone. I could hear all the staff behind the wall discussing their after work plans. Who was going and who wasnt. About 3 minutes after 5 PM another woman comes over from across at the other counter. I tell her I rushed here to make my house insurance payment. And she says oh sorry that they close at 5PM. But I was in the store before 5 and waited for 5 minutes before anybody came to help me? Now I realize its Friday night and everybody wants to leave. But I had just rushed through horrible circumstances and needed to make the payment. They would not take my payment. What absolutely horrible customer service!!!

Positive experience: Only place to go for Overseas International Drivers License. A Must when you drive overseas.

Fantastic experience: Lawrence (proud st. James resident) from road side emergency services helped me with my old jeep. It doesn't want to start, despite of being boosted. Lawrence pulled his hammer and said sometime the starter motor pinion get stuck. Sure enough...vrooom. First try. He followed me home, gave a ride back to pick up my other car, gave me a cookie and the most helpful is the new trick I learn to keep my 30year old jeep running. I couldn't be more happier with the road side assistance. This is 2nd time needing help. The guys are always so friendly. They really cheered me up when I am stuck. Man, what a profession. Thank you!

Fantastic experience: Orderly, clean place with accommodating staff

Fantastic experience: Good service

Fantastic experience: Friendly and helpful

Fantastic experience: CAA made my bad days good, and my good days better, and my better days my best until, like Ozymandias, my hubris got the best of me, and my best days became my bad days, and as I salvage the remaining ashes of my once mighty empire of wealth and power, I shall make my trek to CAA to make my bad days good once again.

Positive experience: Helpful staff

Negative experience: I came here needed to buy a travel insurance. I waited 30 minutes while their was only 1 person buying insurance and two working lady. A lady saw me and gave me a judgmental look and I saw that her name was Kirsten. I am a business worker and never have seen a attitude this horrible. The service was horrible and what I came their for wasn't done. I would never come back there and I don't recommend it.

Positive experience: Fast and professional

Negative experience: For insurance, I have bad luck, doesn't get good experience there. Not friendly I met.

Fantastic experience: Always courteous and helpful. Lots of discounts for members

Fantastic experience: We went in to talk about a cruise and the lady that helped us was great, answered questions, called places to figure out what was the best deal and had the less day's at sea. Much better experience than other places we have gone.

Fantastic experience: Good service

Fantastic experience: Excellent experience. Good deals in clearance. Staff is friendly and helpful.