Had a really great experience here last night and had to give kudos. I was out shopping nearby and my husband asked me to stop by this store to purchase a bicycle he looked at the other day since it would fit in my car easier. I walked in with nothing more than the name of the bicycle. Not even a picture or description. The staff was really friendly, helpful, and patient with me being the crazy customer showing up not knowing exactly what I was supposed to buy. Someone found me with a very confused look on my face looking at all the different bikes for the exact model I needed to get. She found the gentleman from that department and we found the bike after a few minutes of searching. It was quickly inspected with care as I filled out paperwork and purchased the bike. They even helped me get the bike in the back of my car which was much appreciated. Really great service, even for a difficult customer like me. Everyone was so nice and friendly through the whole ordeal and I got exactly what I came to get. Kudos to all three employees who helped me through the process. read more

Great little gem of a store. We didn't have anything like this in Florida where I moved here from. Pro: Great Selection Super great helpful staff Cons: Many items are overpriced If you want to be a bike shop, be one, stop half-assing it. read more

I know there's a lot of really really negative reviews on this place, and I was expecting at best a so-so experience here, but was very pleasantly surprised (and relieved) that we still have a good REI on the Eastside. REI does so well downtown with its flagship store, and had such a beauty in Redmond, that their own act is hard to follow. But some of the comments here are truly silly: one guy brings back something after a year, because he got tired of wearing it, and asks for a refund, which they gave him, along with a wry little bit of reaction, and he complains and gives them one star? c'mon. People are people, that's why I like stores instead of online. We all react, we breathe, too, is that such a sin? Want a more professional attitude? then don't expect a refund, you won't get one in places like that. How do you know if they gave you a refund because they might have wanted to help you in case you were strapped and really needed the money? Think about it. This is your peeps, they have hearts and emotions, and aren't afraid to show them. But you will do better if you can embrace the humanity than in a sterile, phony place. Your choice, I have not found service with heart in places with no hearts. Anyway...my visit...the place was busy for a Sunday, but parking was ample. I went in, and was immediately greeted by a courteous older gentleman who asked if he could help me find anything. I said, do you have that stuff..."waterproof spray?" I said yes, you read my mind, how did you do that? "It's raining and you're wet". I said that's cheating, but it's also great, thanks. He took me over to the display, pointed out the types of products and asked if I needed any info or anything else. In seconds I had my purchase, and was rung up by a very friendly checker. I wandered around the place for the other intended 4 minutes of my visit, but I stayed longer looking at lots of clothes and other things. The place, to me, is almost as big as Redmond, though it does not have the climbing rock, which at 71 I'm not interested in, just saying, but it had a pretty vast array of products, I did not see one empty shelf. There seemed to be several brands and choices of almost everything. I'm not even a camper, or outdoorsman, but if I were, I think this place would be very handy if not mecca itself, and certainly the best for many miles around. I am giving this a 5 star, not because it equals Redmond store (now closed) or downtown, but because they kept an REI over here so we don't need to go downtown for most things. I'm sure if they don't have it here, they can get it easily for us. We're lucky. I get the traffic thing, it's bad down in Bellevue in that area. But parking was awful in Redmond Towne Center, too, very often for me, and Redmond is no bargain traffic zone, let me tell you. For an eastside store, for an REI, it's all it should be, I am relieved to say. read more

Was waiting in line trying to pay for the bike shoes. There were three cashier available and all of them were handling returns. We ended up waited over 10 min just trying to pay. REI, there is something called customer Service counter where all the returns go. read more

okay this isn't the big REI in downtown - but this one is pretty nice - two levels... so its a decent size for a suburban REI - good selection of just about everything. Got a great deal on a backpack here. read more

So impressed with the customer service at this store! Went to look at a pair of Keen shoes and the shoe guy was so helpful. He told him how to expect the shoe to run as far as size and got on his computer immediately to help me find a pair in the right size at another store. Then went to clearance coats for ladies, someone helped me there and also found what i was looking for. Rock on REI........you are as good as it gets with helping your customers find what they need. read more

The friendliest employees I have ever met. I purchased a road bike here during their Memorial day sale and Calvin at the bike shop was an incredibly kind and knowledgeable person who guided me through the different kinds of biking lingo and equipment. I came back multiple times afterwards to buy different things such as bike gloves, cleats, and pedals, and Calvin was there again to help me. He even recognized me in the parking lot and said hello to me! I recently completed the Seattle to Portland bike ride, and all of my equipment was from REI! Every time I come here, I feel valued as a customer and love the interaction with the employees. Everyone here seems to genuinely love their job. read more

Great store to get any stuff related to any outdoor activity, and excellent staff. Their knowledge about their products and their customer service would get a 10/10 read more

I love this place! I can't really afford most things that I want (jackets and bikes), but I like to peruse and buy insignificant things like iPhone armband holder things (but for your waist?) and yoga-mat slippers. Anyway. The staff - SO nice and knowledgable. Great selection for anything outdoors. Anything. OMG the PNW is crazy into outdoor stuff and the gear here is so...complex! I'm from Hawaii and all you need for anything you do is a bikini. Here, you need a rain coat, a down jacket, a windbreaker, a waterproof this, a that and REI has it alllllzzzzz. I also think they have a great return policy and yay for the dividend. Hmmm.... if I didn't buy all those little insignificant things, I could probably buy that bike I want... read more

This is an REI so you pretty much know what to expect inside: gear and clothing for outdoorsy type activities of course! There is also a pretty impressive rock wall inside that goes from level one to two: it doesn't have those hand grips, but does offer a lot of variation to the rock face so it seems like it'd be fun and doable to climb! The sales staff were all excellent when we stepped in today. They were all friendly and helpful...and knowledgeable too!! We probably had assistance from three or four employees and all seemed happy -- not the drones of the machine I've gotten used to in other places. I'm guessing this is a great place to work by the attitudes of employees. One even ran to another register spot in the store to get a bag for us -- he actually ran! Impressive!! Yes, the prices aren't cheap, but neither is the merchandise! You get what you pay for and you do get your money's worth here. If you're a member, you also get that nifty dividend later on too ;) AND....you may luck out and hit the store at a special promotion time which makes things an even better deal. Great items from many great companies for all of your outdoor needs! I think I spotted a bike repair shop here too; I'd trust these guys to do great work for sure! read more

REI Bellevue. The Redmond REI was super fantastic. Great store, great location, easy to get to. The new Bellevue location is horrible. I can't believe REI made such a stupid move. For the last time I attempted to stop by the Bellevue location on the way home yesterday. 3 of 4 times I have tried to stop at this store I have experienced grid lock traffic in and around the block. I did have one successful visit last year, but I went after dinner around 8 pm on a week night. Apparently this is the only time you can actually get to this store. I had to straddle 2 parking spaces since they are only 3 ft. wide and I drive a monster sized Subaru. read more

I got my rock shoes from this REI, and they were friendly and efficient about it. I went back and got a North Face STH jacket, and that went nicely too. I also love how each month they have a Clif Bar Flavor of the Month that you can get for just 99 cents or so. Plus members get free climbing on their rock wall on weekends. It's pretty awesome. read more

When I first moved to Seattle, I considered having an automatic paycheck deductions to the REI store. This store carries out sexy little tents and sleeping bags that are ultra-light and don't make you curse the manufacturers when you are loaded to summit Rainier. That same camp-gear that makes your non-Washingtonian friends turn green with envy when you whip out your sleeping bag from the traveling purse you brought on a casual camping trip. Yes, I love-love-love the selection of backpacking/camping equipment. As a ski-enthusiast, I love the SmartWool socks the store has to offer that allow me to show some flare, while taking off my ski boots in Stevens lodge :) However, as I advanced in skiing, I had to take my ski-tuning and "new skis" business to a more specialized store. Every time I have to take Seattle-bound flight, my heart warms up and my lips stretch out in an inner smile when I see Seattleites in their Arcteryx, Mountain Gear, Burton, Northface, Columbia jackets and Teva and Keen sandals, staring into their laptops while waiting to board. REI dresses us up. As to this store in particular, it is the first one I have ever put my foot in, so I navigate better here than in any other location. But more and more, I am taking my REI-shopping online. read more

Went in to get two new hiking boots. I need wide boots, water proof etc... I found a great pair of Solomons, easy to lace up and acquired it. I wanted a LOEWE but wide was not available. I ordered it and was advised 3 days later to come pick it up. Meanwhile the staff in the boot dept are very patient and know their business. Great place to visit and find good stuff read more

It's REI..not much else to say, they are amazing. But I will say this is my favorite local location and thwy have good parking and I can bike to it in warm weather off the Burke Gilman trail. I would normally give 5 stars but when I realized my $20 off was applied as .20 and had to get balk in line, there was no apology at all and I had to explain the mistake. read more

I came into the store to return a jacket I bought about 10 months ago which is still in their 12 month return policy. I didn't have the receipt and I had cut the tags off so I wasn't expecting them to take it back but I went in just to see if they would. Despite not having the receipt, Kara, the sales lead, was able to find the purchase record by entering my REI member number. She then asked why I'm returning it and if there's anything wrong with the jacket. I responded and said no, there's nothing wrong with the jacket, I just don't wear it anymore. She was annoyed by what I said and commented that, "we don't really accept items just because you stop wearing them. Let me speak to my manager and I'll be right back." She spoke to her manager and returned saying that she'll make an exception and take the item back this time. She then had trouble putting the credit back into a gift card because the computer kept messing up and she needed help from the manager to complete the transaction. I guess she just became sales lead yesterday. I didn't appreciate the tone of her voice and I sensed a negative attitude from the very beginning. I would've been fine if they hadn't taken the item back and just left it at that. Instead she made me feel bad for being honest as to why I was returning the item. That's not the customer service I was expecting from REI. I was pretty disappointed. read more

I've been coming here for almost 12 years and it's time I write a review ! This is a friendly and clean store and their inventory is amazing for choices of products. I bought bike shoes on my last visit and have been so happy with them. The staff is friendly and helpful. Their prices are high and why I gave them 4 stars and not 5. Wish they had better prices for their gear. I recommend this store for all your outdoor activity needs. read more

Pretty good selection of stuff Carries gortex Friendly customer service Must stop if you're a jacket person read more

Parking is awful, combined with a Trader Joe's! Will never go to this location again. Called to confirm item I wanted was in stock, reassured multiple times it was. Drove 45minutes to find out they don't have it in stock, NO ONE offered to order it for me or provide the next level of service that REI used to be known for. Won't shop Bellevue location, Lynnwood store is too small and not worth the effort to deal with traffic for the Seattle store. Long time REI member and very disappointed. read more

I was there a week and a half ago looking for some basic ski/snowboard gear. First of all, REI is really not a very good place if you want winter sports gear - just not a lot of selection or stock. For that specific visit, I was looking for gloves, base layers (wool long underwear type of stuff), long wool socks, hats, neck tubes and ski goggles - for kids sizes as well as adults. Let's for a moment give them a pass on not having much of that stuff for whatever reason - maybe it's not their specialty or late December is a bad time of year I dunno - whatever. The real gripe and bad experience I had at REI was the bad service. After doing a quick search for some items on my list and not finding what I needed I went to an employee to ask if they had more of what I was looking for - maybe I wasn't looking in the right spots. She said that where I had looked already was all they had to which I commented that I found it odd they had so little stock of such items considering it was the ski season. To this she snarkly replied to me "Well most customers buy their gear ahead of the season". That may or not be true, but what the heck kind of customer service person shoves the blame back on the customer? She didn't even offer any other options - you know maybe check stock of your other store locations or something like a normal competent retail employee? So then I asked where the ski goggles were - she said "I think they might be over there" then pointing in a certain direction. Really? You think? You don't even know what you sell and where it is in the very store you work in? Ok - let me give you another free pass on not knowing that - how about asking one of your coworkers who might know? Nope - that was too much to hope for. I had to go do that myself. Oh and by the way, I ended up going to other stores that had plenty of stock of ski gloves, socks, goggles, etc. They exist but I don't want to name them in case Yelp flags my review for naming competitors. read more

2 stars for this location + 1 phantom star for the brand I have been a long time member and having long shopped at the Seattle and Redmond store for the past 10 years, the Bellevue location is a big step down. Let's start with parking: Fuel efficient spots: I get it, it's the northwest and we want to be environmentally friendly. But know your customers. Is someone going up the mountain going to drive a Prius? I see lots of those spots vacant while other cars are driving around in circles trying to find parking, wasting gas and emitting particulates. Compact spots - your customer have so many trucks and SUVs there are multiple rows where one car takes two spots. Just get rid of 1 or 2 spots and people will be happier that trying to jam their car into a compact spot. The compact spot is also one of the smallest I have seen in the greater Seattle area. My ford focus was completely within the line and I have to tell my petite wife to get out of the car first before I parked. Wayfinding: the store is poorly organized. There doesn't to be a rhyme or reason in the organization of sections. I work in a global design firm with retail expertise and this is not good work. Safety: multiple overlapping rugs in random angles is just asking for a lawsuit. I almost tripped multiple times. Selection: like R. H.'s review, there seems to be mostly clothes and little equipment. Now, I understand Bellevue real estate may be more expensive but again, know your customers. They all drive. Retaining your larger Redmond location with same cost will serve your customers better. It's not a long drive there. It's worse to drive to a closer location and not being able to find what you need. Aesthetics: not as good as other stores but I did like some of the themes with the flags, tables, and cut up camper. Overall: The location seems to be poorly conceived, planned, and executed. I was so excited about the location but is severely disappointed. I'm sure it will do well financially and corporate will think of it as a success but it destroys a little bit of REI's soul. Personally, I'll be going to the Seattle store from now on (even though I live on the East side) so I don't have to deal with the terrible parking and risk not finding what I need in the store. read more

I love REI, but the knowledge of the staff has gone downhill since moving from Redmond. Paddling, hiking, rock climbing, apparel, multiple times the answer I got from the staff is "I don't know" or "No one's ever asked me that before" with zero effort to help me find someone who would know the answer. Also the women's restroom has 3 stalls, but only one sink? Seems like a poor design choice. If you know exactly what you want the store is fine, but go somewhere else if you don't. read more

I'm looking for a bike to ride on trails and streets. It's been a while since the last time I was on a bike, so I didn't know exactly what I'm looking for. This store has very nice and knowledgeable staff, they really took the time with me to help me find what worked the best for me. There was a bike my size and they didn't have it built and they took down my info and built the bike few days later for me to try. They do get very busy if you walk in on a weekend so there might be a bit of wait, but overall good place to shop, friendly stuff members, good store policies, big parking lot. Two thumbs up. read more

I've been an REI member since the early '80's and just visited the new Bellevue WA store. Very disappointing. Cheap store fixtures and fittings, they didn't even seal and polish the concrete floor. Cheap concrete work at the entrance where the rain water pools right in front of the entry door. Very little equipment, mostly a clothing store. Nothing special about the store to remind you of the great REI traditions or the great lodge feeling of other stores. Strange entry from eastbound 4th Street, no way to turn into the parking lot. Not even as nice as Southcenter or Redmond stores. Kind of an insult to Bellevue. Looks like I will still have to use the downtown store to find equipment. The project manager on design and construction of this store gets a thumbs down. read more

Visited to rent some snowshoes. Staff was busy but still could help us find some snowshoe parts at another store. Staff could be a bit more knowledgable about parts since there was minor confusion about the types of tails available for my snowshoes. read more

I went in looking for a new ski parka knowing that they would be closing out this seasons apparel. I had seen an item a few months ago, but felt their price was a little high. (this surprised me). I found the beautiful, moss green parka in the sale section at 30% off. I also bought a heart rate monitor on sale . Great retail therapy after months of hard work. Hiking season is comming and I will be be spending some more time at REI in the near future. read more

A definite downgrade from the Redmond store, the main thing i notice is that the selection is much smaller. They have a large amount of space but most of it is empty. I wanted to look at some snowboard jackets and found the selection is like 1/4 of what it used to be. Then i wanted to grab some gloves and found empty hangers with barely 3 types of glove to choose from. This used to be my go to store, I guess now i will just shop online. read more

Tried to give it a chance... Today was my third visit to this location. Each time gets worse. Layout sucks; men's and women's clothing on the same racks... customer service is more like customer rudeness, and fellow customers are equally irritated, probably from crappy parking. Today's highlight; I asked an employee if customers can test ride bikes at this location. She said yes. I asked how I can purchase a bike that has not been test ridden. She said I can't, that all the bikes in the store have been test ridden (how does she know?). She smirked at me, as if to say how dare I want to define the terms of my next big bike purchase? Ugh. I'm going to try Seattle or the Alderwood location as someone else wrote. I'm presuming I can order online and have it sent to the store for assembly (not public test riding). This location is a crap hole. read more

The customer service here isn't very good. I went in to this store a week ago to buy myself a late Christmas present and I thought, what better than to buy myself some Snowboard Boots. For the past 4 years, I've always rented but this year I wanted my own pair. I walked in to the store and searched for the snowboarding area and found the boots. I probably spent about 25 minutes there and was never once greeted. I saw a guy walking by scanning tags so I asked him for help. He told me that he doesn't work in this area and I would have to ask someone who worked in that section. I told him that I've been standing here and have yet to see anyone else. He says ok and then walks around and tries to find someone. We run in to this girl in the ski area behind the snowboard area. She appeared to be having the worst day of her life. I asked her for a size and she said she didn't have them. I ask her what the biggest size she had and she said "those are girl boots, you know that right?"... Obviously I did not. Nobody was helping me. I asked her to show me where the guy boots were and she said "all of the boots we have out is what we have left, you're a little late in the season" once again, obviously. I was so upset. The pace that I walked out that store, you would think I had an emergency I had to run to! read more

This is a good REI store, well layed out and fairly well staffed. As with all REI's the prices tend to run mid to high but the quality of product is always good. Parking can be a bit of a pain especially on weekends. I usually park in the mall lot and walk which is fine except for those rainy days. I have noticed that I get faster help from the associates when I go in with my suit than when I go in with my flannel shirt and jeans so not sure if there is a commission environment or what. Or maybe I just look more desperately in need with my suit on ;) All in all I would give a B+ read more

After spending one hour and $400 in REI... I did not have one person ask if they could help me, and the cashier didn't even bother to thank me or have any other common courtesy interaction. Incredibly disappointing REI! read more

This was my first visit to REI. I came here looking for men's Helly Hansen outerwear. The store has a cool layout, but it's difficult to find what you're searching for. I found a small selection of outerwear. They had some heavy snowboarding apparel; too heavy for what I needed. Overall, it's a large store with little inventory. Also kind of embarrassed that my keys tripped the loss prevention sensor on the way out. Not cool. read more

Rented snow shoes here and a friend got some help finding tails for his snowshoes at another store. Staff was helpful but a little busy and slower than I would like. Good experience overall. read more

As the wife of an avid, REI fan, I have purchased countless gifts online. At present, I am no longer able to use the "guest checkout" while crediting his membership number. When I called for help, the representative suggested that I obtain my husband's account information, sign into his account, and then make the purchase. When given the option of removing any surprise from a gift or relinquishing any member credit for the purchase, I'll shop elsewhere, every single time. Followup: REI's response via email, "Any time you have issues adding a membership number to your order, you are more than welcome to give us a call and place your order by phone at 800-426-4840, between the hours of 4 AM and 11 PM PST. If that's not convenient, you can contact us with your REI order number and the REI membership number that you would like your order applied to." The identical phone number that I used to reach the not-so-helpful representative. read more

This review relates to the Bike team/department at Bellevue REI. They are awesome. Over the last 6 months I have used their services on 5 or 6 occasions, dropping in with 2 bikes I bought used. First time I was anticipating the need for a tune up of some sort. Guy spent 30 minutes looking over and cleaning my bike and said no need for tune up. No charge. A couple of weeks later went in to get new tires on - they did it on the spot. After an upgrade in bike, again, not from REI, I dropped in and again they went over the bike for me, adjusted shifting and spent 30 minutes talking thru some upgrades I wanted to make. Fantastic service. Seriously, these guys rock. They don't upsell, they do listen and provide sound advice. Cheers! read more

Except for all the drooling, I love REI. Seriously, if I had a lot of money... well I wouldn't for very long if I were in REI.This weekend, I picked up a birthday gift for a friend, which was very well-received... because who doesn't like REI? The staff is exceptionally knowledgeable and not the least bit snooty. Over the years, they've helped me with my snowboarding and cycling problem... I can quit any time. Really. read more

Super friendly and helpful staff. It's probably the main reason I keep coming back to this location. I'm giving this only 4 stars because 4 of the 5 times I've been here I've had to order the items online or go to a different location because of this REI's relatively small size. Will sadly. E missed once they move to Bellevue. read more

To be honest I don't usually shop at REI. However I had some giftcards I'd been holding on to for a while and needed a new pair of running shoes so I thought I'd see what they had to offer. The sales associate recommended a few brands for what I said I was looking for, but I decided against them and chose a pair of shoes that I initially thought were great. After wearing them for two 12 hours shifts at work I realized I was very wrong and they were too narrow. I did my best to clean the shoes (the soles were a little dirty) and hoped that they would take them back, but wasn't expecting them too. Especially since I paid with gift cards and my boyfriends dividends. Not only did they take the shoes back without question they credited my debit card! I actually ended up seeing the same sales associate as before and he gave me a few different things to try. I ended by buying his initial suggestion in the first place!!! Silly me. He even found me a pair that wasn't an obnoxious color. ;) I became a member that day and plan on returning again in the future. Only docked a star because I agree with the parking situation at the Bellevue location (confusing and not easily maneuverable in DT Bellevue) and because their prices are generally WAY expensive. They do however have good sales and I usually end up with giftcards after birthdays and christmas. read more

Just went through the 3rd bike inner tube in 4 weeks. Even paid to have 2 installed professionally. Just got done pushing my bike 2 miles. Not happy with the quality of the inner tubes and not happy about getting these flats on the same wheel 4 times despite the "inspection" done at REI. read more

I bought my things on line and went to pick up at store, there were just not that many choices there and they only shipped one thing at a time,(which means I have to go back there again) and i was hoping they have electric bikes there, but they didn't.... read more