The service in this store is really fantastic. The guy who helped me gave me some great advice on the cycling shoes I was buying and answered my questions knowledgeably which I really appreciated. They have lots of good stuff in the store. The only reason I did not give 5 stars is that they were basically out of ski socks in February which is sort of weird. Otherwise a great store! read more

I called to find a piece for a Yakima rack. I was put on hold for more then 2 minutes and the hung up on 3x. The only reason I called back was because I need the piece right away for a trip out west. When I finally did talk to someone they had no clue what I was talking about. I've been to other REIs and I'm stunned by their customer service and incompentent staff. I called Moosejaw (talked to 1 human being on the second ring) and found the piece in need and placed it on hold. Done and Done. read more

drove all the way here from the 'burbs to pick up an order i placed online. unfortunately the rashguard they held for me had a stain on it. so i found the only other one in store in my size, but it had no tag. i asked the cashier chick to please add a tag in case i needed to return it (was planning to order a different rashguard from their site and compare the two). she added a tag with a big chunky metal tip and made a hole in it. so it was either buy the one the stain or the one with the hole. so i asked for a credit instead. she didn't even apologize. duh. read more

Allen in the shoe department with the assistance of Chuck, helped my daughter find the Perfect hiking boot! Spent an hour with us... informative and very professional. We then returned the original boots she bought and Wore with no issues!! LOVE REI !!! read more

I frequent this store often and there is one thing that is consistent with all of my REI shopping experiences, which is SUPERB customer service! Most recently, my partner and I went in to get her fitted for a backpack. Ross (Sales Lead) was so helpful, resourceful and patient with helping her try on numerous packs. I highly recommend new backpack hikers to visit the store and ask for Ross - he is super knowledgeable and friendly. read more

Super friendly staff, I spent over an hour trying on the same three pairs of boots. Even though I'm sure they were tired of me but no one showed it :) bought the boots and I still love them. read more

I managed to get a hold of a manager who definitely went out if his way to help me out. The trick is finding one. Tip: call back in the middle of a week day. read more

Wow! This place is amazing! Anything outdoors you can find here! I bought a fanny pack here on sale and love my purchase. They have everything from camping gear, swimming, hiking, running, etc. huge store to explore everything. Really cool place. read more

My wife was ecstatic that they carry Freshette, the "feminine urinary directory to assist women in urinating standing up." Or "lady funnel" as she calls it--for camping/long-distance biking. read more

Worst customer service ever. I redeemed gift cards with my purchase; the POS crashed. OK, I understand these things happen. When the cashier rang me up again, of course the balance on the gift cards was zero, because cashier redeemed them. She asked for assistance - first thing they ask is if we're sure there was an original balance because they are showing zero (insult; duh, see above), and there is nothing they can do and I would just have to pay with my credit card and they would research what happened to my lost balance and if they can find it send me a new gift card in 4 weeks. Ahem - REI redeemed the gift cards and got the funds. Horrible and unhelpful, and unfriendly manager who kept saying that he had to follow policy and make sure that REI had their money for sure before he could help me. Great - glad you clarified that REI's policy and mission is all about making $$$ and not about their customers. read more

Friendly staff and tons of choices! Plus the 10% back rewards plan is worth signing up for, especially if you plan to attend some of their free courses. read more

Mike in the bike department is fantastic. He was affable, knowledgeable, and helpful. He talked me out of a $1200 purchase, suggesting instead that I rent from another company. His suggestion turned out to be exactly what I needed, and saved me hundreds of dollars. I didn't buy anything from the store this time, but I will sure go back the next time. Can't recommend these guys highly enough. read more

Biked over to REI to take advantage of a Memorial Day weekend sale. Walked my bike into the store (it's a vast space) and the bike area is right up front. Knew exactly what I wanted and the clerk helpfully demoed the item (a pannier) on my bike's rack. In and out of the store in about 15 min (knowing exactly what I wanted and having checked their website, etc.). Nice place. read more

First floor is nice and organized, second floor not so much. It's very difficult to find what you need up there, especially the women's section. read more

I am not sure what led to some of the more negative reviews of this store. Perhaps it was the time of day, whether it was a weekend or weekday... Who knows? I went on a Friday morning, just after opening. I was greeted within 1 minute and asked whether I needed help. When I informed the associate that I was looking for a 3-in-1 coat, I was shown immediately to their location in the ski gear and informed there were a couple more options available upstairs, as well. I perused the options downstairs and then went upstairs to see what else was available. there weren't any that I liked that weren't way outside my budget but another associate greeted me and asked if she could help. After hearing my specific needs for the coat (under $300, synthetic fill), she helped me find one that I liked. There were only L and XL on the floor. She was about to go check for me when she had to take a phone call. Not only did she still return with the item but she apologized that it took her so long. Long story longer, I was able to get a nice North Face 3-in-1 with synthetic fill for $200, well below my budget. Everyone from the time I entered until I checked out was polite and happy. I had zero problems with the store or its associates. The only critical feedback I can give is the same complaint I have of most clothing stores. The in-store variety is limited relative to what is available online. In-store options should run across price points, styles, brands, and fits. Otherwise, a wonderful experience. read more

I absolutely love REI, and this location is fantastic. First off, become a member -- it is cheap and there are lots of perks. Then, enjoy! This store is quite large, and I've never had issues finding what I need. I've also found they have pretty darn good sales on clothing and gear. Employees have been really helpful for the most part. The bike repair service is top notch and the best prices I've found (if you are a member). read more

I have been to REI's all over the country and they are always great. This location in Lincoln Park is up to par. I would say it's the perfect amount of customer service. They are there if you need help, but not too pushy. And as a member, you get great deals. They carry great, quality products and their staff know's there stuff. read more

This store is huge, has everything you would need for an outdoor adventure and has many sale items all the time. The staff is helpful if you can track one of them down. The prices are similar if not lower than other gear stores. You can park in the garage behind the store for free with validation or on the street for a couple of bucks. Become a member and your experience will be much better, you can return anything and they will always work with you. You also get invites to the garage sales. read more

I love this location in the city. They generally have what I am looking for and staff is always willing to listen and help with any questions I may have on products. Pricing is fair and I always know what to expect when I shop here. read more

I have been disappointed the last few times I have been to REI. Some of the sales associates just point you in the direction of things you are looking for instead of showing you where it is and the options available. I have spoken to some associates that are very helpful. But then we can never find the size to fit me (I am six feet tall, 170 lbs, not a hard size usually to find). Specifically gloves the last time I went. Everything suggested to me wasn't in stock or was too small. And you won't order things for me. I am told I have to do it myself online. I was also recommended toe warmers by a cashier. Either this is the worst product for warmth I have ever used (never even got warm) or they were defective. But the cashier swore by them. Her upsell was the straw. I am shopping elsewhere from now on. read more

This is a very nice new store with an impressive selection of clothes, and extremely helpful and friendly sales people. I also like that they have their own brand which is cheaper than the high-end stuff like patagonia and marmot (which they also carry) - it's great for things that are not going to be heavily used (like the skiing pants that I might use just once a year). read more

I like their selection, and have always found the staff helpful and attentive (and trust me, I am sure I don't look like a mountaineer or whatever). The best thing is their 100% guarantee. I returned a pair of shoes because they hurt my feet. I hadn't worn them outside or anything, but they didn't even ask that. No questions, just a smile and money back on my card. Parking is easy, and it's close to the Red line stop at North/Clybourn. read more

YAY REI. I could spend days in here... They had so much fun stuff. I am getting ready for a long trip to south america, and had lots of questions about hiking boots. The staff was not very helpful. They couldn't really talk about every single shoe, and there were not enough people working... so the changing rooms were full of others un-wanted clothes. However, the goods are amazing and I got some great boots and some clothes on sale! Looking forward to my rewards at the end of the year because I became a member! read more

I must say, I was so impressed with today's experience. Tom, a expert in the shoe department was so helpful in educating me and helping me pick the right shoes for an upcoming trip. It involves hiking, walking, some mountain climbing. I was going to buy a pair that had a lining that would cause heat. I did not know that. Besides that, he was patient. Listened to my concerns and I am so thankful there is people who are actually so knowledgeable in their fields and can give the customer such superb service. read more

I looked online and they had pictures of tons of downhill ski gear, when I arrived they had nothing but cross country. I asked the attendant about their gear, she told me there's no hills around here we don't sell that stuff. Yet as I looked around , I saw nothing but mountain climbing gear and I thought to myself we don't have mountains around here either!!! The store sucks the people are rude and I will never set foot inside there again. Go to Viking ski gear if you need anything!! read more

Comically bad service at the bike shop. First problem: the bike I was sold was defective - possibly dangerously so. The day after I purchased it, the pedal fell off while I was riding. Thankfully I wasn't hurt, and I was able to walk it back to the store to get it fixed. Second problem: after receiving an email a week later telling me to return to the store to pick up my bike, I arrived to find they hadn't even started the repairs. Oops. Third problem: after I explained the situation to the personnel there, they said that they were too busy to work on my bike while I was there. REI, if you sell a customer a busted bike and then wrongly tell him to come pick it up, that repair job should jump to the top of your queue. At this point, I'll probably just return the bike and buy one from another vendor. To be fair, the staff were all perfectly pleasant - I just don't have time to make 4+ trips to purchase a new bike. read more

Went to this REI recently for the second time. I don't really count the first time because all I bought was a gift card and water bottle. The second time I went, I needed help: I was about to to hiking for the first time. I needed shoes and socks. The sales associates were really helpful, patient, and listened to my concerns. I never felt rushed and came out with a good pair of hiking shoes and some sweet smartwool socks. All in all a good experience - I'd go back if and when I need to. read more

I took my bike here to get a rear rack and new seat put on. I really only chose REI because I had gotten a gift card for Christmas. In short, not only did the bike shop employees make sound recommendations on what my bike needed (tune up, new chain, etc), but they did not have that typical elitist bike shop attitude. I'm a fairly novice rider and have been to 4 different shops now, all at best lacking friendliness, at worst being so condescending it sickens me. Not REI!! They were so helpful and willing to explain everything. I even thanked them for not being assholes. The guy helping me at the time gave a knowing smile. Even better, if you buy the lifetime membership, their tune up is $64 - that's the cheapest I've found it! read more

Very helpful, though not always knowledgable...with a good selection at reasonable prices...the best part is the online ordering and free shipping to the store! read more

I've walked out of this place twice when customer service was too busy to check me out cause they were sorting or some other stupid crap. You can't go 10 feet in the store without getting prompted for service but it seems like the registers are a bit understaffed. read more

Every retailer should model their business after REI. The floor staff is unparalleled in both their product and outdoors knowledge as well as their commitment to make sure you leave fully-informed, with or without selling you something. I have never felt pressured into buying anything and the staff has even told me when I could find a better price on their website or at another retailer. Their return policy is also unparalleled. They have no problem taking back something you have taken on the trail for whatever reason from durability issues to comfort. This is a great place to play with a wide range of gear and see if it is a good fit for your needs. Despite shopping around elsewhere for the gear I test out at REI, 9 times out of 10 I end up giving them my business. read more

Every time I have gone in here, I am standing around for 10 minutes trying to get help from an employee, they either don't have enough employees or the ones there simply don't give a damn. I wouldn't need help finding things if there was any sense into the way they lay our their items. Good luck making sense of the clothing section on the 2nd floor where everything is scattered and strewn about. I immediately went across the street and spent my money at Patagonia because after about 30 seconds of walking in someone asked me if I needed help in finding what I was looking for, who would have guessed that actually leads to sales!? I just wish I could get my 20 bucks back on becoming an REI member, and spent my money elsewhere. read more

Helpful people but they didn't have an 11.5 in any of the three pairs of shoes I liked. I spent the next 40 minutes looking for another jacket only to be told at checkout that they do not accept American Express gift checks. I guess I should have asked when I walked in, but I thought they were accepted everywhere. read more

I LOVE REI!!! The staff is so knowledgeable and friendly and their return policy is pretty darn amazing (if you're not satisfied with your purchase, you can bring it back within a year). I only take away a star because it's a bit more expensive than other sporting good stores. read more

Prices are rather steep considering all of the great online deals you can find on identical products. Somewhat of a disappointing customer service policy on price adjustments. I recently bought a $200 pack that was discounted one month later and they would not adjust the price I paid because of their 14-day policy. A bit strict when you have spent thousands of dollars in their establishment. read more

Love this place. My boyfriend and I go to many REI and this is our favorite one. Everyone one is supper friendly. Not pushy either. We went in knowing what kind of hiking boots my boyfriend wanted a he had the Same brand before. So they brought them out and didn't try to sell something else.We also went there looking and a special kind of snow shoe and they had it and told us so much On the types and terrain we would be using them: they also rent snow shoes and that supper cool. Over all awesome place! read more

Great store, easy red line access and knowledgable staff. Had 3 great experiences in a row.

All the normal REI stuff but crafted to Chicago. Really good. Shane is the man.

I love REI, just not this location. My first trip here I was in the market for a sleeping bag. I went in and stared at the wide array of bags. I knew generally what I wanted, but I felt overwhelmed and though talking to a staff member who knowledgeable would be helpful before I took the dive and spent a nice chunk of change. No REI employee in sight, so I sauntered to the front desk and asked who might know the which bag would be cozy without being too warm. Well, the woman who they called over instead directed me to a sheet listing a few bags and their specs. Her lack of knowledge was painfully obvious. I finally felt embarrassed for her, excused myself, went back to my office and read about the best bags on the market online. My second trip here I thought would be a no brainer. I needed to replace my bike headlight. I grabbed the one I that looked great, went to the check out, and went on my dandy way. Dandy until I got home and attempted to install it. But wait. I open the box and look. No headlight. Immediately I called and spoke with someone at customer service on the phone. She skeptically said bring it in and there will be some questions I need to answer. I'm not naive to think it's bizarre it's empty, but a bit of an apologetic tone would be nice. It's frustrating to spend money on something and get nothing but an ugly box. Not to mention having to brave traffic on North yet again. I tried very hard not to compare, but this is not the REI I knew and loved in Colorado. read more

I was so excited when Lincoln Park finally got an REI. I have always had great experiences at REI. Unfortunately, the LP store was a colassal dissapointment. I went in looking for hiking shoes and couldn't get any help beyond someone fetching my size. There was no one there to provide any guidance on fit or use. I basically had to fit myself. Thank God for customer reviews on line! I also tried to pick up some clothes for the hiking trip. The only time I could find the someone in the clothing department was when the sales lady walked in on my in the dressing room. She didn't even knock before she unlocked the door! This is a great store if you know exactly what you want and don't need any customer service. However, if you will need assistance in any way, shape or form, you're better off going somewhere else. Especially for the amount of money you're likely to spend. I've gotten better customer service at the The Sports Authority. read more