What a great store. They have free parking and it's an indoor garage. They have free filtered water. They have a second floor and a first floor that is vast and has everything you need for outdoor outdoors or indoor sports and hiking and camping. They also have a co-op mentality where you can own a piece of the store. They also are able to have things on sale and clearance because they also buy back used items and you get it for more than half the price off. I love the store because it's also right on a waterfront where you have a walk and you have artistic chairs and lots of geese and people come fishing. It's a wonderful location. And the staff are really nice and friendly. read more

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Daughter wants to come here to try on some ski jackets, while she is doing her thing, I'm wondering around. the store is pretty big, also has a 2nd floor. I even saw the brand of Arcteryx, while you don't see this brand very much in dicks sporting goods, i guess it's too expensive. The collection is not huge, but few jacket looks very nice. Must come back! read more

REI - Outdoor Gear Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Clean and inviting. The sales pitch at the cashier was tying up way too much time in line. If I wanted a membership that I'd rarely use, I'd get one. I wasn't alone with that opinion. read more

What not to like about REI? Great quality stuff, big clearance section (my fave). I bought my backpack online and took it in to be fitted, turns out I was lucky and picked the perfect one. Staff was wonderful and spent a ton of time making sure it was just right. read more

Extremely knowledgeable and super nice ...cool environment...great prices ...cool customer perks....

Shout out to Beth who got me fitted with La Sportiva hiking boots. She knows her shoes and boots well, and helped me navigate an overwhelming selection. read more

Great location with friendly staff! I found a discounted boot and the partner boot was missing. Connor searched high and low for 25 min and took my name and number in case found. He found it! I had headed down to then check out with my other items but he made the effort to find me in the check out line to hand it to me. Great service and effort. So appreciated and made the shopping experience top notch! Thank you! read more

Great location with parking! This store is huge and two stories. It has a lot more stock than my local REI does just due to the size. Most of the people are spoke with were nice, although the guy I asked for help with my air mat had zero idea about them. He was nice though. The bathrooms were kinda clean and had the coolest wall art. The cashier was VERY slow though and it took ages to checkout with only the one person. The cutest area though was the little camp reading spot by the book section. They had a Berenstain Bears book my husband had to read my daughter while we were there. Overall a good REI. read more

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F-balls, this store is huge, but the layout is wonky if you were expecting, like me, to think this is the Gen-X version of L.L. Bean. The first floor is devoted mostly to bike repair & a huge section of parts & tools. The second floor is what I needed--plenty of affordably-priced apparel (this isn't Patagonia) for all sports types, though I got the feeling their apparel and equipment is geared toward camping, hiking, and water outings. REI is about the sport and less logos and brands, so you won't find things broken into sections like Dick's. Heck, I didn't even see Men's and Women's section signs, which is refreshing. Thanks to Emily big time--corporate will hear about how friendly they were on the phone & in-person. I appreciated their thoroughness to go the extra mile in the storeroom, and I got what I needed. read more

All your outdoor needs are covered at this REI in the heart of the city! Bikes, snowboards, camping gear, you name it they have it. Staff here are great and the facility is very well organized. Highly recommend stopping in if you're in the need for any jackets, boots, or other gear. They also have kayak rentals as well as a kayak/paddle board launch down on the river. Highly recommend taking advantage of this, it's a great way to see the city. They have sales on a rolling basis. Be sure to check the clearance racks for great deals. read more

The store appears to be understaffed, and their trade-in program is by far the worst I've encountered at any REI location. I would not recommend visiting this store for purchases or trade-ins. The experience was extremely disappointing. read more

THD SLOWEST SERVICE EVER! (This review is for the Shop-bike repair) Wow. I was waiting 10 min for dropping off a bike when 1 customer was before me and another 12 minutes to pick up the bike when 1 customer was before me. Unbelievable! Come here only if you have time to kill. read more

Very spacious. Helpful staff but hard to tell who they are at first glance. Well-stocked - had an item we wanted that other area stores did not have. read more

Austin helped me fitting a backpack. I have always had great customer service from REI but Austin went above and beyond. It feels like I went to backpack University with Austin today. Especially while he was doing rounds, helped many other customers on the second floor. I bought a Japanese brand that did not fit me well, and Austin helped me to explain that one, he helped me to try different sizes in store, and explained why Osprey is made for my body type. I am beyond grateful. I did not buy immediately for I felt I wanted to wait for the sale. I made a mistake on the other one I got online and have to take a loss on that one. Austin was very graceful about it. I decided to just buy the one he picked for me. What a difference backpack makes! while I felt pain on the one I got online (A good brand) but I feel I could dance in the one Austin helped me to pick. Thank you so much Austin and REI!!! read more

Poor customer service, not friendly, place feels disorganized compared to Backcountry down the street. I highly recommend going to Backcountry instead. Plus backcountry is dog friendly this place makes it a point to sell dog products but isn't dog friendly and they post it hugely on their door excluding the dog friendly community read more

I've been here a few times and consistently received patient and thoughtful help which is critical because every time I've been trying something new. My most recent experience was earlier this week. I'd decided I wanted to up my road biking game and had no idea where to start. Warren at the bike shop was kind and patient. He explained various options to be and was completely agreeable when I kept asking for things to be added and changed and removed from the bike. He never acted burdened or annoyed when I kept changing my mind. When I asked him to show my how he did things, he was delighted to teach me. Then, when I needed to pick out shoes and pedals and a new helmet, I worked with an exceptional sales woman, Kirby. She taught me all about my options and how to make good decisions. She never upsold me and seemed genuinely interested in helping me enjoy biking. After my purchase I realized I wasn't totally sure how to best tighten my helmet - I caught her (I think she was on her way to a break) and she happily stopped and helped me make sure it fit well and taught me what to do going forward. It's so great to have a place I can go to support new interests and not feel embarrassed about being such a novice. Kirby and Warren are great examples of why I continue to go to the Lincoln Park REI. P.S. Become a member - it's only $30 for a lifetime membership and the perks are worth it! read more

My fiancé mother (senior citizen) went to return a shoe that was purchased two months ago. The sole of the shoe ripped. We've been a loyal customer until now. On the REI website, the language is that if a merchandise is defective or whatever reason of the unhappiness, the store will honor the return or etc. Quite the different service in the store, the manager argued, attitude was combative during the conversation, and did not honor such return. It was such an horrid service given. We are not purchasing any merchandise from this store ever again. Ridiculous service from the manager. We are buying direct from Hoka store on Michigan avenue and other retailers moving forward. read more

Wanted to just voice my appreciation for Allen, the kind and patient worker that helped me pick out my shoes for my first back packing trip. Gave me great advice, but also just blown away by how helpful and informative he was in making sure I walked out with the best shoes for me. read more

DO NOT USE THEIR BIKE DEPARTMENT! If you are a cyclist or someone who bikes more than twice a year do not come here! I spent over $400 dollars with them for some of the worse service I have ever received. The general manager Ravi was horrible and rude, when I complained about the terrible service and tried to pin their mistakes on me. TBackstory, I took my bike for some simple maintenance to fix some gear grinding. They could never fix it. They also put crappy tires on bike and through out my road tires without calling or consulting me. The tape on my handle bars that they did were coming off after a month of service. They forgot to torque the gear properly and my peddles fell down to the floor in the middle of riding and almost caused an accident. I had lights on my bike and they threw them out. In total, they had my bike for a month, due to the incompetent techs, and I lost a month of riding this summer. I had to yell at them numerous times before I got any money back. Never take your bike here! Here are some better bike shops in Chicago that I recommend Village Cycle & Cycle Smithy. Village cycle fixed my gear grinding issue at half the costs that REI quoted me. Go to either of these shops do not use REI! read more

REI is great, and the new location is GORGEOUS and MASSIVE. The new location even looks like it has some nice outdoors spaces. You can find anything you need for outdoor activities from climbing to hiking to cycling to canoeing and they have clothing, accessories, and even food/snacks! The employees are extremely knowledgeable on all of the topics and provide a ton of help and insight when deciding between products. They also provide assistance with servicing bikes and other equipment. It can be a little pricey but you know the quality is top-notch! If it's your first time, you can sign up to become a member and get 20% off! And since it's a co-op you can also use your dividends regularly. Loved REI before and love it even more at the new location! read more

REI - REI has moved locations!! Now at 905 W Eastman!! - Outdoor Gear Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Came for the opening of the new location back in April and had five people come up to me in the first two minutes I was in the store and then couldn't find any help later. Many of the staff were talking to their friends and even after someone helped me find a shoe they never came back to check in with me. I did get a bunch of free swag from the vendors out front, so that was cool. I've since been back and while everything is spacious and well laid out, which I like, I find that I'm bombarded with help when I first walk in the door and then have to track someone down once I've actually had a moment to look around. I love their products and member benefits, so I'll keep coming back. I just wish the service was more consistent. read more

About their "membership"; would you give Macy's 30.00 for the privilege of buying something from them? The associates must receive some sort of compensation for selling a membership. Do not rely on their sales pitch's accuracy and no it actually is NOT refundable if you choose you no longer want it. Although Moose Jaw doesn't have the breadth of gear in store, it is available on line prepaid to the store their associates are very knowable and it is far less expensive the REI even taking into account their "end of year dividend". read more

REI Lincoln Park is wonderful! During the pandemic I have been ordering a lot online and picking up at the store - pick up is always easy and communication is great! I needed to get fitted for a backpack so I actually shopped at the store - easy parking in the garage, super helpful staff and they have a garage sale section! Joel helped me find and fit this beauty (pic), my new Osprey! Can't wait to start using it. read more

REI - Osprey Backpack - Outdoor Gear Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I'm so disappointed that their new location here doesn't allow dogs inside. They don't serve food, so I don't understand why they don't. I walk past here with my dog all the time and they have such a great river walk area that it is just a shame. Honestly I would be spending more money in the store if my dog was allowed to go inside when we walk by. Guess I just have to go to Dick's since they are dog friendly there. read more

I came to return an item and the associate was nice at helping but because the item was "special order" (I didn't know it was a special order) that it would take a bit longer to do the return process. Well, it ended up with me not being able to return the item without having my REI MasterCard on me. What good is it being a member and having the REI credit card when you can't return items and just get your money back, when you're using the company's own credit card. I have never had this issue, it's always been easy peasy return process at the REI in the suburbs. The associate gave me the option of store credit, but I don't need to purchase anything so that store credit will just be sitting there while I still have to pay the credit card company my money. The associate then asks if I had to drive far to return the item, I said yes! And all he could say was "bummer". I was clearly upset that I couldn't return the item and he continues to say "bummer". Now that's kind of rude. I don't think I'll be coming back to this REI. read more

I bought a brand new bike online. I went to pick it up today and spent a total of 45 minutes in-store. First, I waited 15 minutes in line to get completely ignored by the first bike shop employee working at the counter. Finally, a different employee rang me up but forgot to remove the security tag, which I learned at the door when the alarm started blaring. So I had to get back in line to get it removed. As I'm pulling away, now 30 minutes in the store, I see that the tires are dirty and the body and back fender are damaged. How?! I bought a brand new bike, and clearly, at this point, I'm realizing that no inspections were done. I was beyond confused as I had ordered a new bike, and this was far from it. I got back in line for the third time with little regard from the bike shop employees. They clearly knew they were trying to offload a used or damaged bike as a new one and tried to offer a discount for it. Deceiptful business practices selling a damaged and/or used bike as a new one with horrible bike shop employees which lack basic decency let alone customer service. I still tried to exchange it for a new one, but apparently, that's not allowed. So I had to return, then have the store reorder the bike. Except somehow, the bike shop staff shipped it to my house, which includes an additional charge for shipping; even though I requested to pick it up in store with set-up. All I can say is that the bike shop staff are terrible, negligent, and incompetent. The moral of the story is to listen to all the reviews. The bike shop is awful. The store is awful. Save your time and money. Shop local and not at REI. read more

Bought a suitcase that broke on my first flight, Rei gave me the number of the company that made the bag but they never responded.

I wasn't sure why the REI store moved just a few blocks away but was excited to see the new space. I have been a few times and have been pretty disappointed every time. The first time I visited it seemed like the store shouldn't have even been open yet. Huge spaces were just empty, merchandise was being sorted on folding tables and no one seemed to be around to help. Any other time I've been at REI every time you turn a corner there is an employee asking if you need help. After walking through the entire store I had to go to the registers to find someone to help me. When the store is busy the staff are running around like crazy just trying to keep up with the customer demand. As an REI member I've very disappointed. They need to figure out how to get back to the quality of the last location. read more

If you're buying shoes or boots, make sure you ask for Coach Mark ~ he'll help you figure out what you need and teach you something!

Ordered a bag on the Dec 9th from their site. Took forever to ship and when it finally did it never arrived to the store! I went to the store to see what was going on and all I was given was an apology. Not like there are no other bags in stock right? Order: A177742756 Thanks for nothing REI, this was my first and last shopping experience with them. read more

REI is a great outdoor gear supplier. I have been a customer/member of RIE for years. I have been to so many from Seattle, WA. To Boca Raton, FL. They always have the professional equipment and gear I am looking for, and their gear is top shelf. Maybe lacking in the "home grown" newer equipment, however, REI Brands have never let me down as of yet. There are so many other quality brands offered as well. I recommend REI as the go to place when looking for hiking or camping gear as that is what I am into. Yet they also provide for kayaking, biking, mountain climbing and so much more. Their facilities are incredibly stocked , and if they do not have what you are looking for, ask. I am sure you will not be disappointed. Their call for gear is quick. The sales people are well knowledgeable and their service department is gifted. They know how to answer questions and professionally. I know when I walk into an REI Store I am going to meet incredible sales people whom are not pushy, but are attentive and helpful, with shoes, clothing, back packs and add-ons. From ultra light stoves and cook wear, to googles snd crampons. From trekking poles to paddles. REI is reliable. read more

This brand new REI is quite spacious. It is just a couple of blocks away from the old location in the Blackhawk Building. They have a large selection of items for the true outdoorsy person plus a sizable bicycle department. I spend time looking through the backpacks and I was impressed that they had the ability to custom mold Osprey hipbelts for your backpack so you will be more comfortable while hiking. The staff is helpful and friendly. read more

REI - Outdoor Gear Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Terrible customer service. Manager at the top of the stairs stood over me as I waited for over 3 minutes to get assistance and told me that I had to wait for Dave. This is the second REI location where the service abhorrent. read more

I had an REI tent fly that became sticky. It was beyond the year so could not just return. 7 other tents taken on a service trip were fine camping night 1. I have been camping since the 1980's and I know how to take care of a tent so it isn't that. When camping night 2 one week later this tent fly was already sticky. REI customer service would not replace the tent and did not have the right sized rain fly. But did offer to sell my another of the same tent to replace it at 20 percent off. I was very disappointed and this is after being passed around to 5 different people. I did purchase the tent with the measly discount. Interestingly the tent was already on sale for 30 percent off and they kept saying we are giving you a tent for 50 percent off....but initially admitted really all they added was 20 percent. I did not want to waste the other tent and they suggested I clean the fly with some of their products which I then purchased from REI and tried but did not work. I ended up spending $199.00 at REI. So I asked if they could send me the replacement fly (which is not the right size for the tent but would see if we could make it work) which they had originally offered to do. But now they said "No, we already sold you another tent." So they got a sale and a disappointed member. And thanks for not helping the environment REI. If I want to do the right thing I have to figure out if that replacement fly works and spend more money on an REI fly that went bad the first time. So I would not suggest purchasing the REI brand. It was clearly of lower quality than the other tents we brought on the trip which were of various ages and all held up just fine. Also, their customer service was inflexible and condescending. Their voices were pleasant enough but the attitude was less than helpful. I really had hoped they would do the right thing and I would not be writing this. read more

On early Tuesday, August 10th, my husband and I went to REIs new Lincoln Park location. After leaving at approx 11:30am we went out to our car (across the street) only to learn that the battery was dead. After calling a couple of nearby service stations, I sent my husband back into the store to ask if they knew of any local services to jump battery. He came out with an REI employee who went to get his car/jumper cables. I had to leave for an appointment. My husband later told me that the employee was able to jump our car and he refused to accept any cash offered. Of course, I asked if he had gotten the employee name...he hadn't. So I can only zero in on date and time, but no name, we want to express our gratitude. This employee went above and beyond. We'll be sure to return to this store, this time making sure the car lights are off! read more

Terrible customer service here. I will echo what others have said as the reps feel entitled and surely shouldn't work in customer service.

Whoever the middle aged caucasian man is with glasses and facial hair working cash register at 730pm on 12/19/22 should be fired on the spot. I received the most condescending, unprofessional attitude for a blanket purchased that was UNDER the "30% off" sign for the brand. I was only told it was not on sale at the register after waiting in line for 30 minutes. The guy at the register told me "it was probably put under the sign with a bunch of other stuff that doesn't belong there". Well guess what buddy? That's an unacceptable response, not my fault, and, I as customer have no way of knowing that. Lazy, unprofessional, and just downright wrong. Would not recommend this location. read more

M and I trekked through a gauntlet of outdoorsy stores to prepare her to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro. I know practically nothing about the necessities for such a trip and (frighteningly) M knows next to nothing. That is why the employees at REI are such god-sends. The employees at this particular REI shine a step above the rest. We went in about 45 minutes to closing and scarcely a week before M's departure. M was dubious about getting everything that trip but I was worn thin. This MUST be our last trip. I walked into the two level store with confidence and quickly found an employee organizing a shelf. I told her our plight and gave her our list and her assured response helped us both feel like she was up to the task. She led M throughout the store, carefully explaining variations of items we knew absolutely nothing about. After closing, another employee chipped in and the two of them outfitted M with everything she needed for a successful climb up the mountain. About $700 later (certainly not cheap), M and I walked home with about four bags of stuff. The clear benefit of going to an REI is that it seems as if many employees have first hand knowledge of climbing mountains and doing outdoorsy activities. They have speakers come to the store on a regular basis to discuss their adventures. Additionally, REI has trips that people can pay to experience. The employees explained that the REI trips are much less expensive than doing them independently of an experienced group. read more

REI - The inside of the store from the back, second floor. - Outdoor Gear Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Membership has its privileges. I've been a big REI fan since the Oakbrook store opened back in the early 90's. My only regret is not becoming a member immediately, I mean it's only $20 for a lifetime membership. $20.LIFETIME. MEMBERSHIP. Since REI is a co-op, that membership gets you a 10% annual dividend on your purchases in addition to other special savings and discounts. Oh, the dividends I missed out on before I saw the light - le sigh... REI carries a quality selection of brands and items, including their house brand. I've purchased a lot of stuff ranging from sleeping bags to wicking undies and a lot of other stuff in between. It's not just the products that keep me coming back, but the service too; I have always found the staff friendly, knowledgeable and not pushy. I don't know if it's common knowledge, but REI also does more than sell clothing, shoes and outdoor gear; they also offer classes and workshops, gear rental, and adventure travel. I've actually attended a few of the in-store events here (yoga and bike maintenance) and they've both been not only free, but great. The only thing I don't like about the classes is that while you can enroll online, you can't update your attendance online, you need to call in to the store. TIP: If you can't find what you want in store, check out the website; they'll ship it to the store for free. TIP: They have 100% satisfaction guarantee, if you buy something (and even use it) and are unhappy with it, they will take it back and refund your money! read more

I am shopped at REI for years and the Chicago store is horrible. Basically the management. About a year ago from this writing I was returning something and had my dog, a service dog, with me. He told me dogs can't be in the store. After I explained he can, he still did not get it. I told him to go away as he does not understand a service dog as well as he was a fool and took control of the situation and just ignored him after that. The problem that is worse is that the store is poorly stocked. Many times a mess and it is as if the people who manage this store do not really care. read more