Today, I learned that REI membership has its rewards. Two years ago, I purchased the Garmin Forerunner 305 during the REI anniversary sale. A few months after use, the screen started to deteriorate. I stopped by the REI Atlanta store today to check out the Forerunner 405. I brought my 305 with me because I wanted to make sure I wouldn't have another problem with a malfunctioning screen. Talking to the REI associate about my concerns, I learned that REI offers a lifetime guarantee on any product if it's purchased under your membership number. No receipt needed. No questions asked. Needless to say, I was shocked and delighted. All I had to do was provide my member number and hand over my Forerunner 305 to get the new 405. The staff at this store has always been helpful and knowledgable. Based on this experience, REI will now the first I look for athletic gear and apparel. read more

Holy overpriced outdoor gear, Batman! This place is something like limbo to me, because it's simultaneously heaven and hell (thereby also neither heaven nor hell). They have amazing gear (although no snow sports gear - just clothing) and clothing, but when I see a RAIN JACKET for $425, it knocks the wind out of me. I did actually buy a decently priced beanie for my next snowboarding trip, but everything else I looked at was pretty far off base, price wise. To get here, get off at Clairmont and head down the SB I-85 access road. Parking's kind of tight, but no problem. read more

What's not to love about this store? Well, maybe the parking lot that gets a little tight sometimes, but that's about it. Everything else is top-notch for a vendor of this kind. Customer Service: Every employee wants to make sure that you get exactly what you need & want, whether that means ordering a bike for you from one of their stores in another state (went very smoothly), or returning an item for any reason. Seriously, their return policy is set up to make things as easy as possible for the customer. It helps even more if you are a member. Quality Products: Many specialty clothing items can be found here, expecially winter sports items that have special wicking/cooling properties. Whatever your interest in the outdoors, this store has a nice selection of good stuff for your activities. Sales: There are a couple of types of extra-special sales that members are privy to. The Scratch & Dent sales are amazing. About once a month, each store has a Sratch & Dent (you may have seen people "camping" outside waiting for the store to open so they can have first pick of the goods. Anything that has been returned that can't be sold as new goes to the Scratch & Dent sale, where prices are 50-90% off the retail, so you can seriously rack up. The end of season sales are also a great time to score a deal. The 89-cent sale (where anything with a discounted price that ends in .89 is an extra 30-50% off) comes and goes quietly, so you have to watch out for it. Clean Store / Restroom: Goes a long way. For some reason, every time I drive to this store I forget to take care of business first. Probably because I am so excited to get to the store! Their restroom is always clean, and even has calendars posted of upcoming REI events. read more

I've come to this store on several occasions, even bought the lifetime membership... Not once have I come in and been greeted or asked if I need assistance. I've been sitting in the shoe department for 7mins now and no one asked can they help. I finally stop an associate to ask for my size, she said ok. It wasn't until she came out the back helped other people then looks at me to say.. "I didn't see it back there". She comes back and say I will look again. I continue to sit... (Because she said she will check again). While helping another customer she looks and says to me "I'm still looking". But the bottom line is I'm not sure if they are use to African Americans in "camping/outdoor" stores, but the experience here is sooo NOT PLEASANT. read more

This review is stricttly about Pasia. A Wonderful customer service agent I had the pleasure of speaking with today. I ordered a pair of hiking boots for a trip 2 days from today, doorbell rang YAY, my boots are here! Opened my box, correction ONE boot is here. Hi Pasia (explained the problem). She was very nice, apologetic, she found a comparable pair close is price a little more than I paId and had to get authorization. Her boss said no way, the customer has to go to a store and see if they have the other shoe (1 hour away). We'll check with the store as well. THEN I got bothered. Pasia checked again with another supervisor and the matter was settled to my satisfaction, BECAUSE of Pasia. Patient, customer focused care. I wish she worked everywhere. read more

Not cheap, but not as expensive as some make it out to be. I've been an REI member for many years and keep coming back. Wide selection of quality goods , helpful employees and a great return policy. One of the best places to browse for cool stuff, if you like this sort of thing. read more

When dividend season rolls around, I count my blessings and throw in an extra plaid shirt for the Mr. Seriously. So glad we are members at REI. Everything from camping gear to apparel to all the random outdoorsy things you need (or just REALLY want). This location is not exactly the most accessible, but has a serious surfeit of inventory in a single floor layout. We strolled in on a Saturday after sweating and playing frisbee in the park. Lo and behold, it was garage sale time and loads of boots, clothes, gear, etc. were available for a little bit of nothing. We circumvented these items for the real treasures: plaid button up shirts for the Mr. They're the tomato soup to his grilled cheese. When we got to the counter, the sweet lady asked if we wanted to use our dividend. In the past, it's been a smallish amount, but since we stocked up on camping gear last summer, it was more than $80. What a pleasant surprise! Certainly lessened the blow of the cost of said shirts. Staff at REI locations across the board are helpful and knowledgeable, but this location is notably filled with employees who know their stuff and want to help in any way they can. I highly recommend it. **And for a $20 one-time fee, the membership is a brilliant idea. Go. Do it. Reap the plentiful benefits. read more

I don't like the outdoors, but I love REI. Go figure. They've got everything for those who like being outside, and those who just like to look as though they've been outside. Parking is sometimes a little tight here, but that's the only complaint. The staff are friendly and courteous. They always have sales and markdowns. I suggest joining their loyalty club. You get a percentage of everything you spend there back as a store credit. They mail the redemption cards out periodically during the year. Joining the frequent shoppers club also entitles you to special sales during the year. They will again send notices alerting you to the special dates. REI is a great place to wander and waste a little time. read more

REI is my go-to place for camping and cycling gear in Atlanta. I used to work at the Buford location so I can speak to the wonderful way REI takes care of its employees. As we all know (well those of us that think), a store with happy employees usually has the best customer service. It has been my experience in this store that the staff is usually well-versed in their area and happy to speak to you. What knowledge I didn't get through personal experience, I gained by talking to staff a REI. If you're new to camping, the hardgoods staff will walk your through what you need to survive your first trip. As with any store, they will usually point you at the coolest new toy that is awesome and has 120,000 BTU's of amazing. Use some caution in buying everything they recommend. It'll run up quite a bill. The bike shop is full service, with board certified technicians. They'll tune you up, install new aerobars, or help fit you into a brand new bike. Keep an eye out for the scratch and dent sales and the elusive .83 cent sales (superclearance). Find Daniel in the outdoor school for training and courses to help hone your skills (nunchuck skills and computer hacking skills are not included). read more

As always I love this place I can live in this store! I really try my best not to buy anything that I really don't need but as always I'm constantly thinking about a new item that I would need if I got stranded somewhere on a hike. Staff is always friendly and helpful, beware that REI items are not cheap so if you are not use to buying expensive items from REI don't cry about it. It's also worth getting an REI credit card, you can same some money with the dividends that they give you as a member. Oh as always you can find hot men in the rock climbing section! read more

Well, I've been a member of REI since waaayyy before the Atlanta store(s) opened; I joined while shopping for hiking boots, circa 1977-1979. Here's a model for American business: bravo, the co-op. Highly recommended. read more

This is a wonderful REI. Compared to others, this store is on the bigger side. REI is the place to go for all things outdoors: tents, backpacks, water bottles, winter coats, hiking gear, gloves...the list goes on and on. The customer service at this store is exceptional. The store is always crawling with helpful employees who are happy to talk over merchandise options and answer any questions you have. On my most recent visit my boyfriend and I got a great lesson on differences between down vests and how the size of the stripes has implications for warmth and vest lifespan (who knew?) My only criticism of this store is its serious lack of mirrors. With much of the REI apparel there is no need to head to a dressing room if there is a mirror nearby. However, their mirrors are hard to find and given their scarcity you sometimes have to wait awhile for one to free up (I'm looking at you girl trying on 30 different hats in front of the one mirror in the women's coat section). Hot tip: if there is a big line at checkout head to the back of the store. There is a customer service desk where you can check out that always has a much smaller line. read more

Ok, first let me give a hats-off to the great people who work here, from the lady who helped my wife find winter clothing (on sale in early June) to the great guys in the bicycle section to the help-desk team at the back to the greeters at the front and everyone else we have dealt with. The team on the ground in this store is first rate and deserves accolades. The problem is, the management doesn't keep enough of them on the ground. These people are working their, ummm.... fingers to the bone (that's Yelp appropriate!) to help every person that walks in the door, and frequently the sections are understaffed. Customers wait too long, and have to sort through the confusion, to get the help they need. Problems are resolved only by the dedicated efforts of the employees. I can't imagine how they keep up their great attitudes. I couldn't do it. Management needs to put enough people on the floor so they can support each other, and cross train so that when one section is slow it can send people to help the sections that are busy. It wouldn't hurt to lower prices, either. Who wears $300 pants to go hiking, anyway? read more

I love REI and I've been shopping at this one for years. It's not the biggest location, nor is it their best, but they pretty much carry everything that one might need for a weekend adventure out in the wilderness. And if they don't have it, then hit REI.com for their full inventory - you can ship anything to any of their stores for free. FYI, REI is a co-op, so get the membership. If you shop there regularly then it will pay for itself in dividends. Wait for sales - they usually have 20% percent sales at least once a quarter. Never pay full price for anything, trust me, it will eventually go on sale. read more

In a chain of stores known for their service and quality, this location is still my favorite to date. While the "flagship" store in Seattle was certainly larger and more visually impressive, this small one beat them hands down in the helpfulness and courtesy of staff and desire to make sure you got exactly what you're looking for. You might be able to find similar gear online slightly cheaper, but I've found that in almost every case that REI more than makes up for the difference in quality and support. On the rare occasion a piece of gear didn't work out for me, I was able to exchange it without the slightest problem. Never walked out of this REI location not smiling. read more

The thing that stands out with this store and location is I've always had excellent costumer service! Recently got my bike out of the garage and it needed a bit of tuning. I needed a new shifter and knew I could replace mine myself but wanted advice on what is new and a good replacement. The bike department was outstanding! They made recommendations and even where to order online, Amazing! I ordered online did the repair myself. I didn't get the new wire end caps and could only find them online in packs of 25 or more. I went back and and thanked them for the advice they had giving me and mentioned the end caps... The woman in the bike department brought out 4 and just gave them to me! Yes I've bought a lot from them. Even this bike and all my kayak and camping gear. I always come back for quality of costumer service! Great job REI Bike department. read more

REI should stand for "Run!! Expenses Inevitable!" You can definitely spend some money here, and I have for sure, but it's definitely a get what you pay for type of store. I've purchased jackets, hiking boots, socks, gloves, caps and i'll continue to spend money here because it's all quality. Love their wind stopper material and enjoy their very helpful staff, who all seem to be an outdoor enthusiast of some kind. Don't let the sticker shock freak you out. If you're getting started in outdoor adventures, come here, shop around, get advice and do the cashiers a solid and just get the membership card. It's free and you get dividends back at years end. Love this store read more

Love REI! They have a huge selection of outerwear and any kind our outdoorsy stuff you may need. The workers at this location are very helpful. Their return policy is pretty awesome! You have up to one year to return any item. Also, if you sign up for a lifetime membership, you get dividends based on what you spend as well as discount offers. read more

I was shopping with a friend and didn't need a bicycle, camping supplies, North Face jackets, or any yoga costumes, so I just wandered around the store while my friend tried on clothes. A female employee with long brown hair and a green utility vest followed me around the store relentlessly asking if I needed help. I started to feel personally attacked by her so I ended up standing outside while waiting for my friend. Does REI really have that much of a theft problem? I ain't stole yo shit. Go on with all that, RUDEY McRUDERSON. Two stars for the good selection of dog poop bags. read more

This REI has a great staff. Everyone I encountered there was super helpful and knowledgeable.

I visited REI last weekend and I had a pleasant experience. It was a bit difficult to find parking on a Saturday afternoon, but nevertheless, the inside had plenty of space and products to browse. Will definitely visit again next time I have an upcoming camping trip! read more

3 stars is for the store, not for the brand itself. I love REI and am a member so the review is about this particular location. This REI is right next to i85 and the parking lot is always packed. So parking here is usually not fun but doable. I supposed you can find everything here as you would at other stores, but it always seem so disorganized. The inventory is usually lacking and the sales are always not that easy to understand. The staff is usually pretty helpful if you manage to catch one. Overall, this location is so-so and doesn't turn me away from shopping here. Hence, 3 stars. read more

I love this store. Since my first experience at the beginning of the year I have come back several times and never been disappointed. I got my water bottle for my bike and they gratefully installed it for me for free right away! Exchanging or returning stuff is pretty easy and the deal of getting back 10% if you are a member is a sweet deal. Also, I recently had the chance to take one of their road biking classes and was really happy about it. The staff was super patient and helpful and they place our safety above all. I can say that after just one all-day class I feel much more comfortable going around with my bike. read more

Fast stop, good shoes. My ten year old pair of Lowa hiking boots started to come apart at the soles this year, and of course I postponed taking them to a repair shop until three days before a major hiking weekend. "I'm sorry, but they're disintegrating," said Shoe Repair Guy. "Nothing I can do." Cue REI trip. This store is right off 85, and I was in and out with a replacement pair of boots in under 15 minutes, even counting the time the customer in the footwear section spent trying to tell me all about the benefits of his exciting near-barefoot footgear. Expedient service and a blister-free weekend gets 3 stars for REI (and 5 stars for the Lowas.) read more

2 CARS BROKEN INTO while shopping at this REI. Myself and another couple were victims of having our cars broken into at this REI. Valuable property was stolen. Both incidents happened within 30 minutes of each other on Tues, Feb 4th, 2014. The Staff was VERY helpful at the time of the incident, but when I called the manager, Stace, a couple of days after and recommended the store install a security camera system, he informed me it was a corporate matter and he and the other managers could do nothing about it. Very helpful!!! I wasn't even given the address of the regional manager! IF YOU SHOP HERE, BE CAREFUL - break ins seem to be a usual occurrence according to staff. read more

Best store for all of your outdoor needs. From hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, camping and running. They have all the equipment and expertise staff you could ask for. Their products are a little more but they have very high end quality products and guarantee the products. If you need any help their staff are very knowledgable and helpful. read more

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I needed a bicycle wheel for my hybrid off-road bike. I found everyone who helped me to be very courteous and professional. They will get more business from me for sure. read more

This is the right place to shop in lotta camping gears Running shoes so much more with a great price

This place is the Whole Foods of sporting goods apparel and equipment -- decent quality merchandise but ridiculously high prices. Also they mispreresented their membership benefits to me saying you receive a dividend on ALL purchases. Not true, there is no dividend on sales items. I only shop here if I can't find what I need at Dick's or some other more moderately priced store. read more

Knowledgeable staff and a nice variety outdoor sports gear. Good variety of active wear for men and women.

I come here for mostly everything I need for camping and outdoor gear. I bought Osprey pack here a while back, and the person was very helpful. i made the visit on Sunday, and it was packed like always. However, even though it was packed, the sales people were still very attentive to me. I had a few questions about GPS watches that kept track of my distance, pace, time, heart rate, etc..and i had 2 people help me out. it was great, even when i said i still needed to think about it, they both were still very helpful. read more

They very awkwardly tried to shove their membership down my throat after I kindly turned it down multiple times. I had to listen to the same forced speech at another location. It was very annoying and I won't be going back unless I'm given another gift card. read more

Not having ever been camping, I found no use to come here and didn't step foot into this place until last year: Dating what I refer to as a "yippie," I was tricked and found myself surrounded by all this "outdoorsy" stuff. I was intrigued more than anything on my first visit. Wow! This place has everything imaginable for the outdoor elements and I cannot imagine someone being unable to find outdoor clothing and/or gear that is tailored to their style (rugged or more sleek). The thing I love about this location and stuff is the retail space and the helpful staff. Seems like there is one always around the corner and they aren't pushy. I would recommend anyone looking for outdoor gear to head over to this location. read more

Please keep someone in your car when shopping at this location, there have been several break ins to cars - mine this afternoon before dark. The store does not have security cameras on the parking lot. Our car window was broken and in less than 20 mins all our car contents were stolen. To further prove the point, there are signs on the exterior of this location advising they are not responsible for valuables left in car. Shop another REI location until this store has adequate surveillance. read more

I'm a card carrying member of REI so take this review with a grain of salt if you will. Caveats aside I love REI! They have a fabulous return policy for members- don't cheat the system bitches (I'm looking at you), they carry loads of great brands in all manners of "recreation" be it camping, cycling, running, hiking, etc, and the people who work there are so durn chipper. I also need to brag on the bike department. I'm training for a triathlon (I know I'm a bad ass;)) and originally went to the store thinking I might buy a bicycle for this one time event. While talking to the bike dudes they pretty much told me decent road bikes start at over $500 and that if I had another bike they could fix that bad boy up for cheaper and save me some dough. I'm all about saving money so I went the cheaper route. I dug in my pops garage for his two 80's race bikes and brought both in, asking which one would be better and cheaper to get a tuneup. They picked out the old 16 or so speed Schwinn. It cost about $200ish for a tune up, new tires, new cages, new wrap, and some other things to get the bike back in racing shape. BTW I still have the old Peugeot and it's for sell *hint hint*. The best thing is that some of the money spent on parts goes towards my dividend. They also showed me how to actually use the bike since I haven't ridden since I was about 14 or so. All and all I was very happy with my bike shop experience and my bike has been rocking it ever since. Now if I can only win (or just finish) the tri. read more

Ohh REI, I love how your opportunities are boundless. You are the perfect lunchtime wander. Just walking in the door makes me feel a little bit healthier... and sparks my desires to be more adventurous. There was once a point at which I never knew dry-fit socks existed... but now... how did I ever run without them. AND your selection of freeze dried foods is abundant - not to mention strangely delicious looking- that I am almost tempted to purchase a stash for my home office (you know, just in case I have to wait out the apocalypse). It is amazing how you can walk into REI with the sole intent to purchase new pair of hiking shoes, and walk out with a kayak, bike rack, and a full getup of ice climbing gear in the middle of April... in the south - but hey, you never know when you're going to need a pair of Crampons (am I right?!), and you can ALWAYS count on REI to have the top selection. P.S. minus one star for you for the price tag on your gear - $475 for a Kayak paddle? I mean, really?! read more

don't come here on weekends. there is absolutely no parking. it was a disaster to try and navigate the few spaces they did have.

REI used to be one of my favorite places to shop for outdoor equipment, but a lot of that was on the fact that they had a 100% guarantee on purchases. If you really want a product, you can find it cheaper online and probably have a better selection of colors. But this place is still worth going in to try some things on. The service here isn't anything special as many of the employees will walk right by you without asking if you need anything. I know that is not company policy as my mother and brother both worked at REI for 5 and 3 years respectively in Reno, NV. All in all, I still like to buy my electronics here because they always seem to have a problem after having them 6+ months and having that 1 year return policy is nice. So I will continue to buy my GPS stuff here. read more

i've had positive experiences at REI. i could see where somebody could be frustrated if they got stuck with the junior staff though. my salesperson was very knowledgeable and helpful. read more

One of my all time favorite stores in atlanta. There is always educated and helpful staff roaming around. I love all of their clothing, and when I need any kind of outdoor equipment, I head here first. I've bought knives, backpacks, bicycles, kayak equipment, yeti's,....you name it. I replenish my Salt Stick pill supply here regularly during the summer. Playing tennis in the atlanta heat is seriously hard on your body. These keep me cramp free in 90 degree weather during a three hour match. Their "perk" program, or whatever it's called, is amazing. I was there yesterday, and I had over $300 in free merchandise! What a treat! read more