Love REI, and this has much the same as other REIs. Perhaps because I go to their flagship store bunLake Union, I find there is no "wow" factor. It is basically an enormous square room of merchandise. I was hoping for a more personal vibe. I went previously to their bi-annual "garage" sale, which has incredible deals! It is returned merchandise. We got almost $200 off a baby backpack :) Of course, I will continue to shop here but will go into Seattle instead when time permits. read more

I love all REIs but this store lacks a women's clothing section. I was in Issaquah a couple weeks ago and decided to stop in with my fiance to use our 20% off member coupons. He found tons of apparel on sale in the men's section. When we moved into the women's section, I was extremely disappointed as it was less than 1/2 the size of the men's section. Almost nothing was on sale too. Next time, we'll skip the Issaquah store and head straight to the downtown Seattle store, even if it's one of those extremely busy days (or the last day of a sale). read more

Caution: long story. So a few years ago I picked up some asolo backpacking full leather boots. When I bought them they told me that they would be good for at least 15 yrs. After about 3 years the soles completely fell off and the stitching on the back heel was all tearing. It wasn't long until they were unuseable, which of course was frustrating. Upon taking them to the store to see if I can fix them they told me that there is nothing I can do and that this is just normal wear and tear. This of course was absurd. I did not put more than 500 miles on them and I was promised they would last for many more years. Upon deliberation, I decided to go back again and try to get them fixed. This was a positive experience and they told me that I could get them fixed and rei would pay for the difference. It was frustrating how long it took to get what I wanted but eventually it did happen. I told them that I didn't want to rip them off because I really like rei, but felt like if I was going to be spending $300 on a pair of shoes I should expect to get more then 3 years out of them. I appriciate that they fixed my boots, but it cannot be denied that the process was longer and more tedious then it should have been. I trust rei to sell brands that can take the beating and go the distance, which wasn't the case with these shoes. Rei gets 3 stars because it's hit or miss with the employees. One experience was amazing and one was horrible and left me questioning if I should ever trust rei again. I hope this helps. read more

I am surprised to read the review that was posted on here first. Every time I have been in this REI I was amazed at how attentive everyone was and how people jumped in on the registers when it got too backed up. As with all REI's, I am constantly shocked at the fact they take all returns. I've seen people come in with the craziest excuses ("doesn't fit me anymore": that's because you gained weight OR "there's a hole in the shirt": that's because you bought it in 1993). Yet, without question they have taken all returns, as the essence of the co-op stands by this. It's crazy! But I like this store and its workers and hope it withstands the economic crisis. Remember when you're shopping out there these days that stores can't staff up as much as they'd like, but at least the store is still there and we don't have to drive all the way to another town. read more

We were helped by associate Chase at the rental counter. He is the best!! Helped us with a big order super patiently. Would definitely come back to REI. read more

This review is about Melinda who was helping me pick out a road bike. I went to the alderwood mall to try out a bike that was unfortunately not in stock. Customer service directed me to issaquah where they had one more left in stock. I decided to make the trek down. As a bike newbie, I really needed help. Melinda was amazing. She patiently explained everything about the size, specs and components and worked with me to make sure I was picking the right bike for me. I spent almost three hours there!! I ended up with a Scott road bike with a killer sale price. She had already left work and I didn't really get to thank her for her awesome customer service and helping put me at ease to make such a big purchase. Thanks, Melinda!! read more

The staff was very rude and unhelpful. It is a very unwelcoming store. It seems like they get the returns from the other stores and try to sell them as new. read more

The flagship REI was out of stock on the item we were looking for, so we decided to drive to the Eastside, to the Issaquah REI. Some of the previous reviews mentioned poor service, but we were pleasantly surprised and quite happy with the level of service we received. We're from out of town ( Vancouver Canada) but were on a mission to find some good quality skis at a reasonable price. REI has always been quite competitive and offers a good selection. You also get to research their product offerings on-line before you head to the store. We found the skis we wanted and needed the bindings installed on 2 pairs of skis. After mentioning that we were from Canada and would only be in town for the day, the staff expedited our order and completed the work in less than 2 hours. I should mention that this was on a busy Saturday afternoon right after Christmas!. We have always been happy with REI and the staff at all their stores. Product selection is not always readily available but the staff will search their database to find a location nearby that has the stock. Oh and don't forget, as members you earn an annual 10% dividend, so you can come back and buy more stuff. read more

We had the best experience today, though I've been a member for 25 years today was very special. Trevor, the manager, helped a young guy we met and been helping accomplish a traveling adventure from Alaska to Patagonia in Argentina. The kid's name is Beto, he began his bicycling travels two months ago in Anchorage and arrived in Issaquah 2 days ago. Beto's bicycle trailer was ripped and broken so we picked him up on the side of the road, REI Issaquah donated to his cause and gave him a hefty certificate to reload his equipment and supplies. Beto Sobre Ruedas, will continue his adventure tomorrow morning crossing the sound to Bremerton and peddling his way south on SR101. If you see him, lend him a hand or wave at him. Thanks read more

This is a decent location with excellent parking. They have anything you could possibly want for outdoors. The staff is very helpful . The location in Bellevue is larger but I find this one easier to find what I'm looking for. read more

Not the biggest REI store but still does have a lot to offer. Friendly employees with good customer service. All my experiences have been really great. The only thing that really holds them back is just the size of their store. I wish they had more of a shoe selection but you can always use the REI website. read more

This review is not about the store itself. But the bike shop. REI has a policy that the have to assemble bike that are shipped through their store. I totally understand and agree with that policy. My issue was that my bike was not put together great. I had to readjust my handlebars and my rear axle came loose on my first ride. I also had to readjust my fork. It's an air fork so they offered to set it up for me. It was set to high for my weight so I had to readjust it. Most cyclists or mountain bikers I know always say don't use REI bike shops for reasons like this. Last thing is the REI sends an email when your bike gets to the store if you purchase online. But I was informed when I went to get my bike that it wasn't assembled yet. Still love REI and will continue to shop there. read more

Bought bike for my kid at REI in March. Generally good place to go buying any outing stuff. Employees are generically helpful, but the stuff at Bike counter is not very passionate to help you. I feel they'd rather do nothing or talk with each other than proactively help their customer. read more

As we know, it's tough to compete with the crushing force of Amaz0n, and REI hangs on for life thanks to crafty initiatives and sometimes tough decisions. Yet, the relevance of retail establishments like REI to consumers is supporting local and establishing relationships. Unfortunately, lifetime warranty means different depending on who you ask, and a the many abusing this benefit are spoiling it for everyone at REI and elsewhere... be kind. My latest experience shopping, during the Anniversary Sale, involved a bike and other goods. Shop and floor staff alike were accommodating and efficient. We know retail employees are not getting rich doing this and some days are better than others but most of them strive continuously to deliver satisfaction and talk about outdoor fun. Kudos Issaquah REI ! read more

We dropped in for some snow pants in end of February which rightly so, was end of season for skiing and other winter activities. We found a couple of pants in the clearance section when a friendly store attendance (can't remember his name) came by to offer help. He was quick to check for back- inventory and promptly brought 5-6 more options to the trail room area. He was friendly and gave us good and unbiased advice on other equipment that we might need for our adventures. That's what I am typically looking for, unbiased advice, especially in areas that are not my expertise. My husband is a member so he gets good dividends and members only discounts too! read more

Too pricey and don't always have what you want (esp. Patagonia). Staff are nice though, and good looking store.

This store has the same square footage as the flagship downtown and the staff is much more attentive because they have half the traffic. I really like coming here, even though the women's shoe section is a little smaller than it is downtown. Good store, good employees, good selection. Worth the trip to the East Side. read more

I needed to borrow a bike pump to inflate my tires on my new bike. Service desk made a huge deal about it and deliberately took 30+ minutes to help me out. Terrible customer service at the bike shop. read more

This is my go to REI, even though it's not the closest to my home. I love the atmosphere, selection and knowledgable and helpful staff. Don't miss the members only garage sale every month. But be sure to get there early. And I mean EARLY. The place is swamped on garage sale day! read more

Great REI store with honest customer service. This is my local REI. I stopped in to return some running shoes that didn't work out. They returned them without hassle. I was also looking for a running wasitpack. They have a small selection of three types, but it was enough to choose from. The sign called the waistpack a "hipster" style instead of the name "zipster" on the tag. When I went to check out I asked to see if the price of $17 was accurate because of the tag/sign confusion. It rung up as $30. The cashier said she would honor the sign price, and I never even asked for that! We walked over, I showed her the sign and she manually changed the price. I will continue to be a loyal REI customer ! read more

As always this sporting goods store is excellent in customer service every time we've been here. Usually all sizes were available for me in the brands i liked. Will be back and strongly recommend to give this place a try and won't be disappointed!!! read more

I went to buy a nice pair of Hiking shoes on sale. Ispecfically told the sales rep I wanted this. When I paid the little sales clerk said sorry those aren't on sale. I already waited in line 30 minutes. The sales rep was not offering any helpful insights or suggestions. My experience at REI sucks again! Good thing they have a good return policy. read more

During the shutdown, it has been difficult to get things done, and even more so get good service. I needed my bike tuned up and the ENTIRE process left me feeling like, "yes, there are still competent and nice people out there!" From the initial call to schedule the appointment to the drop off process and pick up. The staff were knowledgeable, friendly, and all around awesome. It's a trek for me to get here but I would say it's definitely worth it. 10/10 read more

Older guy working was negative. I wanted to sit inside the $1400 tent on display because I wanted to buy it. I wanted to see how comfortable the mattress was. He wouldn't let me. If he was nice about it, it would not have bothered me. Taking my business elsewhere. Hire beautiful souls. Not grumpy old men. Your band is not the name. It's the face you see and energy you feel when getting help. Sending this business love so negative energy leaves. read more

I came by here today to look for some hiking shoes, since I have taken up hiking this past summer and my regular Nikes aren't cutting it. When I got to the shoe department, there was only one older gentleman working there. He was helping another customer when I got there. I grabbed a shoe that I liked and asked if he could get it in my size. He snapped at me, and told me he would help me after he finished helping the other customers. I was like ok...after he finally brought out the other pair, he left to go help the other customer and didn't even ask if I liked the shoe or if they fit. I mean I know this isn't going to be Nordstrom service, but I've had better service for shoes at other stores. Luckily, it fit great, so I left to go pay it at the front. Or else I would've probably left without buying any shoes at all! read more

Smaller location, but has everything you need. I have scored some awesome clearance items here!!! Staff has always been friendly. We have done ok here in regards to shoes and sizes needed. It is not the largest selection, but if they have what you want it's all good. We tend to shop at several REI locations, but when near here we like it. read more

Unfortunately I have to second what Vince said. I have had mixed experiences returning items back to this store a well. One of the times it was to return an REI backpack that I felt I had been pushed to purchase over rival brands. The big issue I had was that it didn't fit the insulated version of my camel bak hose through the opening. No matter what I tried I could not get it through. When I tried to return it I felt like I was being interrogated for I crime I committed. I felt very uncomfortable explaining what seemed to be an honest flaw and it didn't help that the young lady behind the counter had more questions than greetings. read more

The store has a decent selection and it is very clean. That being said, the staff is about the unfriendliest bunch I've ever experienced. I went in to buy a specific pair of shoes (I had every intention of buying!) and I had to wait fifteen minutes while every other customer around me was waited on before me. The least I expected was a polite "we will be with you momentarily after we help these other customers." Nope. No acknowledgement of my existence. Come on! read more

I came in to look for warm coats for my mom initially but then I myself fell in love with those coats. REI carries a very good collection from Patagonia to Marmot to the North Face. Staff were nice and attentive. read more

I made a last minute trip to this REI on Black Friday about half an hour before they closed. Even after what I'm sure was a crazy day, Trevor assisted me with genuine care and went through the pluses and minuses of many jackets without rushing. I ended up leaving with a jacket that I love and a great feel for the Issaquah REI. Thanks for the help, Trevor! read more

Overall, I have not been very pleased with my experience at this REI. While things were pleasant, I found the actual technical knowledge of the people who have helped me lacking. They were friendly but overall not educated and recommended the wrong length products, etc. I have not had this problem in any way or form at their downtown flagship. Also, the selection here is naturally limited (not being a showcase or flagship store) which means you are ordering online or driving downtown or to Lynnwood, etc. I think they could do a lot more to make this less of a warehouse store (in organization and design) and do a ton more to wow the customer. I expect more for a satellite location, not less. read more

POOR CUSTOMER SERVICE: The cashier I dealt with was a total @ss. After I purchased a $15 shirt on clearance, he was very condescending and told me if I'd joined their membership program, I'd have already made up the $20 fee through savings. I politely told him I've literally spent $30 at REI over the past 5 years, so actually he was wrong. He insisted that he was right. DA HECK.... he clearly is too stupid to do simple math... let's see, you get a 10% discount on gear, which excludes discounted items (which are the only items I buy there), and the membership is worthless, at least for my needs. After he rang me up, I walked over to customer service and returned the shirt. I'll never shop at this location again. read more

If I could give this place no stars, I would. I agree 100% with Jessica, the other poster, who wrote about taking your business elsewhere. I also had a horrible experience at this Issaquah REI and vow to never return it was that bad. I have been an REI member for many, many years and I needed to return something that didn't work out. Cashier #147684 was awful to me (I don't remember his name but I have his Cashier number on my receipt). He admonished me for my return and was extremely rude to me. I explained to him that just a few weeks earlier another REI associate told me to "just return it if it didn't work out" since I was hesitant to even buy it in the first place. Unfortunately it hadn't worked out and I was here to return it per what the other associate had told me a few weeks earlier. Similar to Jessica, the other poster below, I have spent so much money with REI and believed in their mission. I loved their return policy and have never abused it. However, this cashier made me feel as if I was a thief. This man is a disgrace to your mission, your culture and needs to be removed from working with customers and placed in a back office job somewhere in your Kent, WA office if you can't displace him completely. I am still so upset about what happened, I haven't shopped at REI since and am spreading the word that REI has changed and is not the REI I grew up with and remember. It's a shame. If the return policy has changed and is not what we all have been told (and remember), please send out a marketing campaign before we are embarrassed and disgraced at the register by an extremely rude associate in front of our kids, partner and other customers waiting in line while trying to return something. Go to Sierra Trading Post in Portland instead or shop Sierra Trading Post online instead of spending your money with REI. :( End of an era, I'm afraid. The good thing is that I work for a very large company in Seattle and have a lot of people to share this terrible experience with! read more

Today during a hike my crappy Amazon hydration day pack broke after only one use. In the afternoon I stopped by this store to see if they had something I could buy that would have a warranty and work better. I walked around the store for about 5 minutes and was staring at a wall of packs not knowing where to begin when Ron found me and asked if I needed some help. YES I told him I had no clue where to begin and he helped me go over every detail of what I was looking for and presented me with every option they had. He also had me try each pack on with weighted pillows so I could see how it would really feel and if the torso would be a good fit, etc. we tried 3 packs; two were in my budget and one was not but I wanted to try it also to see the difference. What I liked as much as his helpfulness was his attention to my budget and not trying to push a more expensive sale on me. I ended up deciding to bite the bullet and get the more expensive Osprey hydration pack because it fit the best, distributed the weight of the pack really well, and had a lot of space in the pack outside of the bladder holding bit. I'm so happy with the service I received and I got a membership and they even gave me 20% off my purchase today. If you need a pack fitted go ask Ron!!! read more

REI - Osprey Skimmer 30L 2.5L day pack! - Outdoor Gear Near Me - Issaquah, Washington

Really bad customer service. I asked for assistance with an "excuse me" to two employees and was told they would be with me when they were done. I went back to the dressing room and put my items back on the hangers. Later, when I tried to get information about the cots on display, the cashier sent us to the wrong section where we asked for assistance again and they called someone to "come answer cot questions" but no one showed up. So we left. I needed some clothing and cots and left with nothing. Bummer. read more

I disagree with previous reviewers on the customer service/returns. I bought a pair of hiking boots about 8 months ago, broke them in, then wore them hiking three times. I got horrible blisters all three times. Brought them back, explained the issue, got some help picking out a new pair. No problems or questions asked on the return. That's why I buy all my gear at REI. read more

Picked up my wife's new road bike tonight. Screaming deal on s closeout Raleigh!! Thanks REI. Very knowledgable staff and the bike was ready to go. I will be back!!! 1st tune up is free too!!! read more

Friendly, helpful staff in the shoe section. Came in for Keen's and Hiking boots and left with just that. Luckily they were having a good sale and I got both for $180. Great deal and luckily it wasn't too busy. read more

Today I was unable to return a helmet that I purchased a few weeks ago because a mistake was made on their end for not putting the helmet on my member account. Instead of apologizing for not being able to return my helmet the manager accused me of not paying for it. I have been in retail management for years and was appalled that I was being accused of stealing a $200 helmet. Nonetheless, at a store where my boyfriend and I spend thousands of dollars annually, have a credit card, and have been loyal customers for years. I understand that I should have kept the receipt, but I wasn't even asking for a refund, only a size exchange because the in-store demo model fit differently than the one I purchased. This was also the second of the exact same helmet that I had previously purchased for my niece back in 2016 which was listed on my account. Again, you think that a size exchange would not be asking too much for an unused helmet. Being kind and apologizing for your lack of ability to help me goes a long way. Now I am stuck with a helmet that will not even fit on my head and a horrible taste in my mouth for a company I once loved. I'd choose to take your business elsewhere. read more

This was my first time to REI. The store was nicely presented and staff on the floor was very attentive . It wasn't until checking out with cashier did my good experience go down hill. I don't appreciate spending they amount of money I did and have to ask for a bag to put my merchandise in! I couldn't believe it. The cashier even seemed put off that he had to reach under the counter for a bag and put my items in it. read more