Never wrote a review but I feel like some of the good ones here are just commemorating the products and wide selection in the store which is true but if there are any high praise reviews for the employees, those are fake. Some of the part timers at this REI really forget their place and act like the boss or manager, too much attitude for minimum wage employees. The old head in the back honestly needs to retire, dude has unnecessary attitude. Staff sucks, if you ask a question--I can guarantee you that they'll probably talk behind your back when you leave. They did in front of me when ringing me up just after the previous person in front of me left. My advice: Careful asking questions. Look in advance what you need. Shit, talk to the people browsing instead of the staff I swear socializing is not the staffs' strongest suit. read more

There are many things to love about REI - the expertise of the staff, the generous return policy, the wide selection, etc. This location is a relatively compact store but it's easy enough to order online to pick up items in store (if the store does not have the item in stock). If you're picking up an item in the store, you need to go to the customer service counter at the back of the store. The lines can get a little crazy which is a bit frustrating since there was no one in the actual line at the front of the store. You can also do curbside pick up around the back of the store which is super fast and efficient. read more

My experience here was great! For the mass traffic at this location and combination of their anniversary sale, the staff handled it well. Actually, the staff here is a lot older than the other locations that have a younger staff base This location had great customer service and were pretty friendly. They were willing to help quickly especially, for the elder customer base that came here. This location has a little more of their stock compared to others I have been to but they must have expected the traffic for their sale this weekend. The only think I didn't like was the parking area as it's shared with other stores and we just got lucky with parking and prices are still high for my cheap ass! Haha...but you get what you pay for and their great return policy! [48 /100] read more

REI - Bikes Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Today I returned to REI for Hokas. My friend Kathy had recommended them the last time we were together. Until I reread my review just now I had forgotten I had come in for them last time. Sylvester helped me. He was nice, but nowhere near as charming nor attentive as Egor had been. His coworker was much worse, far more interested in interacting w/ the young and fit than in an old lady who asked him for a shoehorn. He gave it to me eventually, after getting into a conversation w/ people, shoehorn in hand, right in front of me while I waited. Very annoying. Needless to say, I don't know his name. I tried on the shoes Sylvester brought me and decided to buy the first pair I tried on, called Bondi. The price was good. Although they're going to be having their July 4th sale, the savings are not enough for me to return and brave the crowds. The young man who rang me up was engaging and friendly, so my overall experience was good. He brought this review to 3.49. Otherwise it would be a flat out 3 stars, maybe even 2. REI is not where you go to get shoes fitted and put on, unless someone unusual and exceptional like Egor is there. He has probably moved on to greener pastures. If I need shoes again I will go online to Zappos. read more

Made it to review nr #300 :) We have been REI members for at least a year now and love the dividend option on full priced items as well as year round discounts! Annual garage sales has been helpful in getting things like tent, a patagonia tote bag, binoculars and other random items! We usually visit the store in Berkeley, I prefer it to that in SF because it seems more organised although I still have a hard time finding what I need sometimes. Store is usually packed during discounts times and staff is always busy so it can be hard finding someone to help you. They have I think only 2-3 changing rooms for women so sometimes might be a wait. However, I was recently there and was pleasantly surprised to find out that even the regular changing room fits a baby stroller ;) Their bathrooms are usually really clean and spacious. They also have water fountains which is nice when you need to refill your water bottle :) Also great to have the mezzanine-elevator at the entrance for wheelchair access or baby strollers :) Pricey place unless you avail from discounts or garage sale, but sometimes you need to hurry or you won't find your size :(. Also, they don't always keep all colors of brands. Overall happy to have REI close to Oakland and just a 15min brisk walk from North Berkeley BART ;) read more

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Over the past 15 years, I've spent countless hours and dollars at REI. My customer service experiences have varied. I will say that I appreciate the store's efforts to reduce landfill and waste by selling used and returned gear. I have several pieces of gear in my backpacking kit that I bought already used at the REI garage sale and they have served me well. I appreciate that REI stands behind the products they carry with their return policy. read more

If the employees in the shoe department are even slightest overwhelmed and you have an alternative look or don't look like their regular customers base be prepared to feel like a 2nd class citizen. Get ride of the older guy in the shoe department and get a younger more diverse team. The older white man working on April 6 2024 @7pm was too tired to keep up with work and started to let his emotions and true feelings show through passive aggressive behavior. Clearly he has preferences on the type of customer he enjoys to work with. read more

I purchased an REI brand jacket & recently came to exchange it. I immediately walked to the back to talk to customer service but realized I couldn't exchange since they no longer had my size. As I walked out of the store with my jacket the employee at the door accused me of stealing because I hadn't gone through the line.... with my own item that I had clearly walked through the door with less than 10 minutes ago. I stopped to explain the situation and he tried to hold me at the door while he asked the register if the item had been paid for. loss prevention is one thing but flat out accusing someone of stealing an item they own?! I've been a loyal customer for 15 years but needless to say I won't be coming back. You just lost a long time customer REI. read more

Awesome customer service! We came in to get harnesses and rock climbing shoes and had no clue what to buy. Then this very nice sales lady who was going to go on her lunch break decided to stay and help us. She herself was a rock climber and gave us so many great tips on what to look for in harnesses and shoes. She stayed with us until we found both items we were looking for before leaving on her break. We were so amazed and so thankful. read more

Shout out to Nathanial for helping me pick out the perfect pair of snowboarding boots! Now I am ready to start my snowboarding season! He was both patient and super helpful! 5 stars for service! Super excited because I am now a member! I'll be shopping here more for all of my gift and outdoor needs! read more

Good selection and they had exactly what I needed. Everything was organized well. I was there shopping for some bike accessories.

I am a long time member of REI. I frequented them when I lived in Boulder and Oregon as is the place to stock up on outdoor gear. At the Berkeley REI branch I have picked up some yoga gear and recently went here to pick up some new kicks. The gentleman in footware was helpful providing great customer service ensuring me that my kicks were vegan. I ended up with a pair of Brooks Cascadia Gore Tex vegan kicks that look pretty fly and are comfortable to boot. A good pair of shoes is essential as I walk heaps in the SF Bay Area as am car-free so walking along with public transport such as BART or MUNI get me to where I want to go. read more

REI - Bikes Near Me - Berkeley, California

Had the best experience today at REI, Collin our cashier was an amazing problem solver and saved the day!! This REI has a good selection of returned/used items and I was able to find a pair of slides for a reasonable price. Super friendly staff I'll definitely be returning/recommending this store location to friends! read more

REI - Bikes Near Me - Berkeley, California

Great local REI. The selection is always top notch and the staff is great. Only issue is that it is sometimes super busy and checkout takes a while. read more

My husband and I just pulled up the the curbside pickup spot, and we had the best experience I've ever had at a retail store. The staff helped us get the rig up on our car and gave us tips and tricks along the way. What an amazing experience, honestly the best staff ever! Wow! Floored. read more

Friendly helpful staff. Neat and clean store. The parking lot and the check out lanes can be busy but one can easily avoid such hurdles by coming during a non-rush hour time slot. Excellent returns policy. I enjoy coming here - it's a neat one shop spot to purchase gear for an outdoorsy active person's needs. read more

This review is a little delayed. Everyone who works here has been really welcoming to me, always stopping to ask if I need help if I look confused, which is always going to be the case when I am looking for outdoor gear and clothing. It really stands out now, a time when businesses are having a difficult time finding staff. Much thanks to Wendy, who was extremely patient, taking the time to listen to me and make recommendations. I'm extremely happy with my purchase, and I even bought an REI membership through her, which has already paid off. Clare checked out my purchases, and was unfailingly friendly and efficient. The used gear section is a little bit of a mess, almost as if no one wants to deal with it, but they need to offer one. Overall, I'm very pleased with my experience at this REI, and with my membership and online experience. read more

Wright Socks are the BEST Socks! These are great socks for walking, hiking, and everyday wear. Due to their double layer, they help prevent blisters, and keep your feet dry and at a constant temperature. I always turn my socks inside out before washing them. While they don't come out looking as flat as when they were new, they still fit perfectly with no shrinkage. These are the only socks I wear spring, summer, and fall. read more

Its REI... and its huge. Lots of options here for gear, shoes, backpacks, and more. Great selection.

I went to REI today & had a very unpleasant experience. I walk to the register to Pay & I see the cashier Sophia giving my beautiful Mexican embroidered purse a look. She then proceeds & looks at my face & gives me a very nasty look. I then say "hello" she ignores me and scans my item, I Pay cash, she then Basically drops the money on my hand. I'm a latina women in case you were wondering. I want to think that the cashier Sophia, Was just having a bad day but I wonder if She's treating everyone the same today no Matter the color of their skin. read more

A solid version of the REI concept. Long on camping, climbing and cold weather clothes. Large biking dept and big paddle/boat inventory. Not huge in skiing, that's not REI's strong suit in general. Shoe dept is habitually understaffed on wknds. Checkout is speedy. Parking brings this store down a notch. Go behind and park near RoadRunner/TRex. read more

REI - Bikes Near Me - Berkeley, California

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Returning items were hassle-free and flexible. I had not been inside an REI for a bit, and after troubleshooting on which backpacking gear to get, I had to return three separate items purchased online at different times. Scott was amazing at handling my nerves and walking me through a simple return process. I had not returned an item through REI before, but I had an easy going experience. They're proactive in implementing efficient protocols, and, tailor the shopping experience for many. I'm a great fan. read more

I've always had great service from the bike shop at this location. They are incredibly busy and swamped most of the time, but the employees always keep their cool and service my bikes correctly. John I. was very helpful in assisting me with which services I needed, and which services I didn't, as well as working within my price point. Being a member pays off as well, with 10% off parts and free labor for certain services. Love getting my bike serviced here! read more

First time the other day. I ordered something online for pick-up. It was confirmed quickly. Very easy process, in and out of there fast.

Please do not get your ski bindings done here. Mine were installed incorrectly here (as verified by multiple technicians). Sadly I only learned of this after a trip to the Emergency Room and 8 months of physical therapy. read more

Frustrated with REI, I bought a bike from them and it's been an issue from the get go. I specifically bought the bike because of the date it stated it would be ready. A week after the order they pushed out the date pretty far(-1). So I had to rent a bike for the time I had already reserved with the other bike(-1). When I finally picked up the bike it has cables hanging down all over the place and back brake was leaking, I had to fix it myself(-2). Within 2 months the rear shock breaks and it was replaced(1+) thankfully by the manufacturer. Within the 6th month warranty the bottom bracket starts grinding(-1). And told me to bring it in and on the phone said if the bearings are bad they replace them. I brought it in and some old guy helped me and made assumptions as to why that could happen pointing the finger at me. So it's not covered under the warranty? The old guy who obviously it's not knowledgeable about bikes calls the manager "Brett" and takes Brett in the back away from me to discuss the bike and Brett comes out agreeing with the stupid old guy. At this point they've only glanced at it. I'm currently disputing it with "Dave" the upper manager hoping for some resolve. Cause they can already guess I won't back down. I originally asked if I could put the bike together myself and was denied do to their policy. But it was put together sloppy and obviously to fast. I had to redo a lot and obviously do a better job. Last time I buy anything from REI as I call the warranty..... B.S. I expect better customer service after spending thousands on a bike and it constantly having issues and then to have to debate over a broken bike within it's warranty. I called 2 other REI's and they stated that the bottom bracket IS UNDER WARRANTY. SPORTS BASEMENT HERE I COME! read more

REI, the physical store here in Bezerkley, rocks. It's like Candyland. REI on-line store rocks in a different way. Like, you can't smell the stuff and impulse buying is a little compromised. Or different. But if you know what you want, and in this case I did, and an afternoon browse through all the world you didn't even know you needed isn't what you're after, then by all means - shop REI on the computer. I was able to Santa my nephew and brother thanks to the on-line store. Little Peter now has waiting in Mom's house a broken arm. Or a skateboard, depending on how you look at it. Adam the brother now has a sweet new cookstove and a camping knife for me to use on our hikes back east. And almost best of all, shipping for over $200 is free for members. I've shipped home all I would previously schlep on the plane. That's whack. Free shipping rules. I'll be back with product reviews if I remember after I'm back from Christmas. But don't wait for that. Go shopping now. read more

REI - I told Peter that we had gotten Grandma a weed whacker, thus the big box. - Bikes Near Me - Berkeley, California

Love this REI! It's loaded to the gills with really almost everything that your backpacking heart desires! I came here today to exchange a gift by JD for my birthday. One thing I noticed is that the customer service department here is excellent. I spoke to a specific person named Kaye. She gave all the info I needed and helped me when I got there. The guy at the shoe department named Burke set aside the Vibram Performa(my second Vibram) for me and it was waiting when I got there. So there you go readers. They do what they promise and still manages to say hi to you when you get there. Awesome service! It's a small store let's say compared to the San Carlos one but they do have what you need in stock. The exact opposite of San Carlos! I also got a new Petzl Crampon to replace my old one and yeah they have it! Awesome. Happy Camper literally! Their unique store design is very much a welcome change IMHO. It sits in a strip mall with Chipotle and Walgreens. Sorta cramped parking since it's shared by two other really busy stores. But I waited less than 5 minutes for parking. Great day! **Tip in exchanging your gift** If you don't have a receipt like me. You can give the the gift givers phone number. They will then look up their account information and can double check when the purchase was made. The exchange is painless. ** The tip above will only work if your gift giver is an REI co op member. read more

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I am old enough to remember when REI was a single small store in Seattle which sold reliable, excellent quality, outdoor gear at reasonable prices. Those days are gone, sad to say. While they still provide excellent service, the quality of the products is now unreliable. A pair of $20 wool sox stretched several sizes larger the first time I wore them and are now useless. The 25L daypack they've been selling for years now has far fewer pockets and is made of flimsy fabric. While I get that REI may be victim of the race-to-the-bottom-quality phenomenon which is currently running across the entire universe of consumer goods, it is still heartbreaking to see a once excellent organization sinking lower and lower. read more

A friend and I attempted Mount Whitney last week! When we picked up our boots,crampons,ice axe etc rentals, MIKEL was an absolute legend and helped us get fit properly for the boots and swapped out my friend's rental to a better size. Nicest dude ever, thanks Mikel! When we wanted to extend our rentals for a day so we didn't have to rush back, we called and talked to LAUREN who was super friendly & sorted it out quickly for us. I thought it was going to be more complicated! Thanks for being a pleasure to talk to, Lauren! read more

I waited 30 minutes to pickup an item I'd ordered online and was told was ready. I texted as soon as I arrived and after 30 minutes I texted again. After 5 more minutes I left without my purchase. Love REI. Pickup sucks. Go elsewhere and get mail service read more

Three times now they've misplaced my work orders and haven't had my bike ready. Great bike techs, but lack of organization

2 clerks wouldnt accept my shoes I wanted to return, I bought them last october, not 100% satisfied, want to return. They said I could speak to the manager but they would probably say the same thing. Looking up the return policy, it says: "We stand behind everything we sell. If you are not satisfied with your purchase, you can return it for a replacement or refund" read more

REI (Recreational Equipment, Inc.) was founded in Seattle, WA in 1938. REI's headquarters is located about 3 miles to the southeast of Seattle-Tacoma Airport, in Kent, WA. From REI, I have purchased a broad-brimmed hat, a compass, a dome tent, maps, and hiking boots. THE HAT. The hat is a wonder-to-behold, because it does a great job at providing protection from the sun and because it has maintained its original shape despite me wearing it for about 30 hikes during the past couple of years. All of my hikes are either about eight miles long (mountain hikes) to about 22 miles long (urban hikes). The hat is colored light tan, and the brim has an average diameter of 13 inches, and the hat's height is 4 1/4 inches. Turning the hat over exposes the label, which reads, SUN DAY AFTERNOONS. Regarding the "roof" of the hat, turning the hat over reveals a secret pocket in the roof, where the pocket is secured by Velcro. The pocket occupies the entire roof and, it is my guess that you could stash a folded map inside, or an emergency car key inside. I use the outside "wall" of the hat as a little art museum. As one can see from my photograph, I used epoxy for attaching three cloth patches and two snap-on metal medallions. The cloth patches are from, Pigeon Point Lighthouse, Cape Meares Lighthouse in Oregon, and the Route 66 Museum in Barstow, CA. The medallions are from Point Reyes National Seashore (has picture of a lighthouse) and from Oregon Caves (shaped like a bat). Thank you REI for this amazing hat (in contrast, I bought a canvas cowboy hat at Mammoth Lakes, CA and, within a couple of years, it turned into an unrecognizable sagging mass of shapeless cloth). THE COMPASS. I've used the compass when hiking in Joshua Tree National Park, for protection against getting lost. I've spent 35 different weekends exploring this park, but used the compass only twice. Once was during my hike starting from Desert Queen Mine Trailhead, and then I descended about 50 feet into a dried stream bed. I hiked along until I arrived at some rusted old machinery used for mining, and then turned back. Most of this hike was through the dried stream bed. But I could not remember where it was that I had descended from the main trail down to the streambed. For a minute, I thought of using a pen and paper to write a good-bye message to my family. Yikes! Mister Compass came to the rescue, and it told me, "Go west young man." The other time I used the compass was during a hike along Boy Scout Trail to Willow Hole (in Wonderland of Rocks). This trail also follows a dry stream bed, but I realized that in Wonderland of Rocks one could easily get permanently lost. Although I did not get lost, I kept an eye on the compass during my hike back to ensure that I was generally hiking towards the northwest. Thank you REI, for this security blanket. DOME TENT. Attached is a photograph of my magnificent dome tent. It has a built-in floor that is firmly attached to the lower edges of the domed walls. Also, the tent comes with an outer fabric shell that covers the dome, and that provides extra protection from the Cold Rain and Snow (title of song recorded by Grateful Dead). Despite having purchased this tent about 25 years ago, the long aluminum poles have never gotten bent out of shape, and the tent's fabric has never ripped. MAPS. I bought a couple of topographical maps from REI. I bought them, not for navigating, but instead as wall decorations because these maps are beautiful. HIKING BOOTS. When hiking in Redwood Regional Park or around Lake Chabot, I always wear running shoes, but when hiking in the desert I use the leather boots that I bought from REI. During desert hiking, boots are needed in order to prevent injuries from cholla cactus or from Spanish dagger yucca, and also to protect from scorpions and snakes. During two of my desert hikes, I was stupid and wore my running shoes, and the result was a foot infection from a cholla cactus and a lower leg infection from a Spanish Dagger (I went to urgent care at a hospital and got minor surgery to remove the cholla spines and I got antibiotics). Maybe its time for me to buy some new leather hiking boots from REI. read more

REI - Dome tent from REI. I bought this tent over 25 years ago, and its still in mint condition. - Bikes Near Me - Berkeley, California

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This location seems to carry items that I cannot find at my local Concord REI: www.tinyurl.com/s27exp2 However, I don't like coming here, even as a long-time REI member. Why? They must have A LOT of issues at this store, as their loss prevention strategy is hyper-vigilance and I always feel "watched" even though I'm doing nothing wrong! It is required if you are returning an item, that you check in with the security guard next to cash wrap at the front of the store when you enter. He then looks in your bag and puts a sticker on your items after which you proceed to the back of the store to the return counter. On the way to the back, he monitors your path, while employees on the floor also watch you walk over. If they're so concerned, then why did they put the return counter in the rear of the store! Why not place it in the front like at other locations?! In addition, the line at the return counter is always long and also takes a long time, since there is usually only one employee processing go-backs and damaging out items! When I came here to check out a pair of shoes in my size that weren't available elsewhere, the sales man was reluctant to help me! He kept asking me why I wanted to try them on and if I was in the store with anyone else. This was all while the security guard was circling the shoe department! I don't want to feel uncomfortable when I shop, but rather I'd like to feel like a valued customer. Unfortunately, this REI location is not the store for that type of positive customer experience : ( read more

We trust and love REI. We have invested a lot of time & money supporting them over the years. During Covid, their bikes were backordered. I placed the order online in June per Customer Service's advise, so they could fulfill the order since there was no stock, and faster to ship to the store instead of my house. Dismantling the bike after building it, could add another week. Anyway, I received a confirmation of "shipment within 30 days." I called after 3 wks to get an update. They said I would receive an email when it arrives at the store. Called again after a month and they said my order will be delayed another 2 wks. I was patiently waiting and excited despite the delay. When I checked the status again, my order said "CANCELED!" I wished they would've emailed or called to provide better Customer Service, or offer my what's in stock; hence the 2 stars. read more

I have a poor experience almost every time I visit this location. They are seriously understaffed, which is odd since I've been told this is one of the most popular REIs in the area. Recently I need to rent some gear and had to wait almost 30 minutes because there was only one guy who could do it. When he finally helped me his attitude couldn't have been more off putting. I provided him with my membership info and he started filling out the paperwork. I asked him about the cost and I was surprised because my friends had rented the same gear and paid 10 bucks less. He seemed annoyed so I told him I would take it and he processed the reservation. Sure enough when I looked later I saw he charged me non-member pricing. Called and cancelled and went to Sports Basement. On another recent trip I went in to pick up an online order. Someone had put my order back on the floor. I asked why since I was still within the pickup window, and associate said it had "been a while." So ridiculous. Why offer this service if employees are just going to put something back on the shelf because they're tired of looking at it? Overall I find the employees generally to be condescending, especially if you're trying to learn more about the function of a product. I go to REI because I'm assuming they're knowledgeable about the product. Almost everything they offer can be ordered on Amazon for less, but if you're trying a new activity the value in going to a store is being able to ask questions. What I DON'T appreciate is being talked down to. read more

Second time ever returning an item to this store, second terrible experience. Again returning a very gently used item and getting super judgmental questioning ("so you're returning this after 9 months used?"), though no explicit lecture this time. Officially the REI policy is within one year and can be gently used, but this store will shame you for using it even for non-borderline returns. Line is long too. I'm just going to mail it in next time. REI should change its policy or retrain this store. read more

Wow I just read a lot of the other reviews and folks must be walking in at the wrong time! I've been here a few times and always had great customer service (even now during covid). There's a max capacity in the store so there will be a line outside (moves fast) but they're open. Store is laid out nicely and not too squished that you have to be next to everyone when you're shopping. The bike counter specifically is super nice and I got help getting measured for a new helmet and another employee helped me get my bike seat off the post cause I had a hella busted screw in there. Also gave me some pointers on why that was happening and how to help fix it. They put my other seat on for me, so thanks y'all! I've only been through the bike section recently cause I try not to look around too much or I'll buy some BS I don't need, but from what I hear sounds like a lot of their items are flying off the shelf/low stock since it's summer and folks are doing summer things. This is the nearest REI to me so I'll continue to go here and you should too. read more

Very clean and well organized store! We came here to pick up a rooftop cargo box (Thule) and they had a good selection of different sizes and colors available to choose from at the time. Worked out well and they were very helpful during the whole process with advise and carrying it to our SUV. Came back again today to look at a few things for Xmas ideas for family and was welcomed with the same helpfulness and big smiles. read more

REI - Bikes Near Me - Berkeley, California