(UPDATE 11.3.18) Sometimes it pays to give business additional chances. Brett, the manager in the Bicycle Department (Action Sports?) totally took care of a brake issue I was having with a bike I purchased from REI some time ago. He went above and beyond to make it right, including doing so on a Holliday weekend. Brett and his crew have helped renew my faith in the shop. I've also found myself getting up early to be at their Members Only Garage Sales. Ridiculous deals. So if you're not a member, it's worth becoming one. That is if you like good deals on good stuff for going to do stuff outside. Thanks for making things good again Brett & Crew! (ORIGINAL Review) REI initially installed my Yakima Rack. Over the past couple years it's moved about an inch. Went in for a simple adjustment and they made it worse, including denting my roof. Thankfully, they gave me the option of buying a new one... ??? Without even telling me what was going on, the guys left to say they were going to ask their manager a question, when she finds me, they're gone, and now I'm in for a new Rack system? This isn't the first issue I've had with the Arden location, but it'll be the last. read more

This is the biggest REI in Sacramento, so you'll hopefully be able to find all your camping and outdoor needs! Jackets, back packs, lights, water bottles, bikes, sleeping bags, they have it all!!!! You'll probably be able to find things you never knew existed for the outdoors, and I love coming here to explore. What I love most about REI is their knowledgeable staff. They can help you with anything and everything. It's almost as if they pre-screen their employees to make sure they know the outdoors well before hiring them! LOL I'll always have someone ready to help me and greet me at the door, which I LOVE. My most FAVORITE part of REI (and I just found this out believe it or not), is their 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed, return policy. OH MY GOSH. You can return anything at any time if you are not satisfied. Even if you used it! AND if you're an REI member, you don't even need your receipt. They can look up your account and do it for you. My sister bought a Camelbak last year for camping, and this year they came out with a better color, and so she wanted to exchange it. DONE! AMAZING!! Love this place, will continue to love this place, will always love this place!! read more

REI always gets me... I can never leave here without buying at least 3 items. Yes, the items here can really rack up the costs...but I believe that they offer the best brands/quality. They do have some fantastic sales though! Also, if you join the membership program, you just pay $20 lifetime and get 10% back every year. You pretty much get your money back after one year. That's pretty neat. The lady at the register was super thorough explaining the program to me. The customer service here is awesome. Every department has a specialist who will help you out. My most recent purchase? A bike odometer for $20...works great! read more

Boo, too crowded without enough customer service make this REI a kinda cruddy place to shop. I only judge these national chains by their service, since pricing and selection (wanting) are determined at the corporate level. I came by this location on a holiday in the early evening looking for something to sleep on while camping. When I entered, it wasn't too hard to find the right part of the store to find what I was looking for. After wading through the couple hundred people in the store (no huge sale or anything), I looked around for a staff member to ask questions and make a selection. Who knew there could be so many options, it was overwhelming trying to get through and narrow down what I was looking for. I was waiting around for a staffer for a good 15 minutes as I went through things. I decided not to get anything and saw an employee coming to the area as I left. He was swamped with people, and as I left, saw a half dozen similarly over-subscribed floor workers. Clearly they have skimped on service. There were a good number of tellers on my way out who were fully engaged with shoppers as well, but no long lines. Overall I'd recommend coming to the expo REI on very off hours to avoid the crush, or going elsewhere for your outdoor equipment needs. read more

REI isn't just an emporium for campers and otherwise outdoorsy-types to stock up on things they didn't even think they needed; they also teach courses, which I didn't know until a few months ago when I was combing the depths of YouTube for pointers on teaching my girls to ride their "big kid" bikes. The How to Ride a Bike class was the perfect antidote to my months-long affliction of ripping my hair out and calling practice time quits after my girls would scream in protest at the sudden absence of training wheels. I'll admit that sometimes, you have to remove that malleable parent-child boundary and introduce a third party for a skill to click. The class size was small (there were four girls ages five to seven in our group) and set up in the lot behind the store, blocked from through traffic and Costco-shopping shortcut seekers. The instructor was excellent; he had a level of patience that was truly admirable, considering he was up against four trepidatious kids. After about two hours of gliding, balancing, and advancing to soft downward slopes, both of my girls were 100% more confident than before the class started; one of my girls graduated to pedals and is now, a few weeks later, jamming all around on her big kid bike. Her sister, too, is pedaling around, not quite as expertly, but REI's class was the much-needed nudge we needed to get them here and definitely money well-spent. read more

Lets start with the good. I was just browsing some day packs. The guy that helped me was awesome. Was helping myself and 2 others at the same time. He was very knowledgeable and taught me some great points. He was relable with my needs and what kind of pack would cover them. He made sure it fit me like a glove. I asked about a couple other options and made some points on why they may or maynot work for me. Above and beyond. Bought the pack! Cant wait to use it. Then I headed over to shoes which was the actual reason for my 2 hour drive to rei. I did have someone quickly help get me shoes to try on. But thats where thhe assistance ended. I didnt have help making sure to find a hiking shoe that would best fit me and my needs. Shoes are an important tool for hiking so to me this was devastating to not get thorough help here. I also needed insoles for better arch support and was just pointed to the direction where they were. I grabbed a pair and some shoes and the socks that were recommended. Got home and got everything on to wear them in before my trip. Everything was so tight! Everything put together made it so nothing worked for my feet. I dont have time to go back before my trip. read more

I went to my nearest REI this past weekend looking for Bicycling gear. I hadn't been to a REI for over twenty-five years now; the last visit to one in the Berkeley area. First thing I learned since those days gone by... there is no such thing as a Parka anymore... they're all "jackets". Did someone copyright the name, Parka? The last "Parka" I owned was very similar to the one worn by Gerald McRaney (Rick SImon) from the series "Simon & SImon" on CBS. I bought mine before there was a "Simon & Simon" TV show! Found a nice light waterproof shell "jacket" for $59, some Skabs patches (to fix flats) for $3, and a Novara Seat Bag for $24. There are more than enough Bicycle things to look at for your Bicycle "mechanic"-type of friends to your average once a week recreational cyclist. The rain-gear "jacket" ranges from $40 to over $400! Definitely more type of outer-wear than any bicycle shop in town. There are more "associates" walking around to help than you can shake a stick at! And they sound very knowledgable. When I bought my bicycling gear... the girl at the register noticed I was not one of their members. I guess REI is technically a co-op enterprise. She was pushing the benefits of a lifetime membership for $15; I guess I could have saved 10% if I was a member. I pointed out to her that the last time I visited an REI, she probably wasn't even born! Therefore, I didn't think a "lifetime" membership wouldn't do me any good. I'd probably lose the membership card before I'd ever use it again, if ever. All in all, a very satisfying experience. A lot of "stuff" for the adventure-type individual, whether male or female. I've got to remember... No "parkas", No "parkas", No "parkas"... 05-02-2008 Question for Sacramento REI Bicyclists.... I read quite a while back that Sacramento changed it's rules and regulations for Bicyclists. Supposedly it's gotten a lot more involved to Bike around Sacramento. What exactly are the rules of the road when Bicycling in Sacramento? If you can point me to a website... Thanks for the help. read more

REI - Bikes Near Me - Sacramento, California

It is so fun to walk around this store and window shop. The staff are very nice and helpful. I'm looking at converting my car for summer car camping to do weekend getaways. They gave me great ideas on keeping it simple and manageable. Now if I could just get a second job to afford that Yeti, I had my eye on! read more

REI used to have good service now you don't. Yesterday, I went to theCal Expo store in Sacramento looking for a ski jacket. I was in the looking for over 20 minutes and was never offered any help. Luckily, through no help from the staff I was able to find one. The only one who offered any kind of help was the cashier. Then earlier today I went back in to BUY a Yakima or Thule cargo box and got ZERO help! I was standing by the cargo boxes for 20 minutes looking at them with the money available to buy it and zip zero nada customer service! The guy fixing bikes right there kept avoiding looking at me and never even acknowledged me. I didn't want to browse I wanted to buy the cargo box right then! The service here used to be good but now it sucks. I have been going to that store for about as long as it has been open. Now though, I doubt I'll be back.... Go someplace where they want to serve their customers. read more

If you want a quick turn around in repairs on bike - go to REI in Sacramento and look for Oddie. Excellent work and great personality. I'm a member for life! read more

Exceptional service especially during coronavirus pandemic. Just wow! Greeted at the door & thanked for wearing masks. Love it. They had new disposable masks available for those who didn't have one. They also had hand sanitizer at the entrance. Employees were polite & kind. Asked us if we needed help with anything. I'm so happy with my experience visiting this location. Thank you guys for great customer service!!! read more

Being coming here for many years now. Sure everything is expensive, but they have great quality the worth every penny. Thank you. read more

DO NOT BRING YOUR SKIS OR SNOWBOARD HERE. These guys suck. We got a call that our binding randomly "broke" when we paid to have them adjusted and we have to buy new ones all of a sudden? Me and my girlfriend go into the store, wait 10 minutes and finally I have to yell at some other worker to go get somebody. The worker comes out and claims he didn't adjust anything or tighten anything he just set the ski on the workbench then the binding "broke". His story then continued to change 3 times. It ultimately ended with me taking the skis pissed off and leaving. I took it to a local ski shop and within 3 minutes they said that guys full of shit. He broke the binding and lied to our face. Don't go here. Even when the REI worker went in the back he goes "oh yeah you guys are here for the broken skis." These guys are extremely disrespectful and stupid. The worker talked down on me and my girlfriend like we were three. They know nothing about skis and just want to upsell people and take their money. read more

great spot to take your gear for ski and snowboard tune ups or waxes. they are super fast and typically get you out within same day - and they have reasonable prices. while they don't do rentals, they sell all the gear and snow clothes you could possibly need to help prepare you for your tahoe trip read more

I stopped by this REI location for the very first time the other day (I usually go shop at the REI in Berkeley). The store itself is very spacious and is wheelchair accessible, which is always a plus. They offer a good selection of items and most importantly, the staff here are very friendly and helpful. I really appreciate the lady that helped me find the rain gear that I needed and for going the extra mile to meet some of my needs (since I'm temporarily in a wheelchair). I'm pretty satisfied with this REI location and will most likely be back in the near future. read more

My friend brought her bike from her and after I rode it, it was life changing!!! I didn't know a Hybrid bike was so damn smooth, and now I can never go back to my regular bike. I am now very eager to upgrade the bike so I have been going a few different places just to look around. I wanted to stop by and check out what this place have. I knew I was looking for a Hybrid bike but wasn't sure about all the other details so I felt like a lost puppy. After wondering around the bike area for a few minutes only, Olgie (sry if I spelled it wrong) came up to me and was super helpful! We ran through some questions and he knew exactly what I needed. He was very patient and made sure to answer all of my questions in a thoroughly manner. I can feel like he genuinely just cares about the customers. He wasn't trying to rush me out either even after a billion questions Haha. Unfortunately, they didnt have any Hybrid bikes in the smaller frame that I wanted but I will def be back in the future to look around since they have alot of other goodies here. Thanks Olgie for your assistance! read more

You guys. You can spend money out the wazoo here, but you'll get lasting quality. Whether your outdoor adventures consist of camping, hiking, biking, climbing, or almost any other outdoor activity you can think of, you'll find what you need here. Not only that, but their employees are great at answering questions, especially if you're comparing items and are unsure of what to purchase. Almost every time we've come in, there has been at least one employee asking if we need any assistance. They'll basically let you return anything here, even if it's worn or used. Then all that good stuff turns up at the REI used gear sales, which are open to all REI members. I'd definitely recommend becoming a member for the small one-time fee, and then you're in the REI family for life, and you can get sweet deals on things that you otherwise might not be able to afford. We've purchased sleeping bags, camping pillows, men's and women's clothing, Enos, hiking boots, and a sweet tiny towel that soaks up 8x its weight in water, among other things. We've only returned some clothes, but everything else has been on point and we are satisfied customers. I guess you could say we're hooked. The only thing I'd caution buyers about is that we have found some of the exact same camping gear at Walmart for way cheaper (a Stanley cooking set). So, just be smart. Adventure is out there! read more

REI - Eno options. #enonation - Bikes Near Me - Sacramento, California

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I took back the skis and the young gentleman who had mounted the bindings first apologized and refunded the charge and then said that the skis' core might be bad and the screws should never come loose. Then they said maybe the skis are too light and are designed for light powder and not meant for heavier snow. After looking at the mounting the older gentleman said the skis and screws were fine and he put glue and screwed it back all the way in and they were good to go. Be did admit that the person who mounted the bindings first hadn't screwed them all the way in. read more

REI - Ski bindings coming lose - Bikes Near Me - Sacramento, California

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Let me start off by saying this place is full of granola hippies. If you are a colored person please don't shop here. I was at the shoe section today trying to get some help, and when I did find help the shoe salesman gave me the hush finger to help another person. This other customer was a white person obviously, I left just like that. I won't give them my business if they're gonna treat me like that. read more

This is a large and fairly well stocked REI. There is a fair amount of technical gear, such as ice picks or crampons. Staff is friendly and helpful. I went in here for shoes and had all my questions answered. The lines are typically short and the store is clean and well organized. The only suggestion is that I think the store probably spends too much of its footprint on clothing and not enough on technical gear. It may be simply that more people go in for clothes rather than various types of rope. The location also offers classes which is probably helpful. The gear is generally not cheap. Most of it is at the full cost, but the good thing about REI is that if you get it here it probably has been tested and proven gear. I imagine a lot of people probably look for gear here, then buy it on Amazon. read more

I have a lot hate relationship with REI. I buy a lot of gear there and love their stuff. This review is strictly for the Sacramento store and staff. Ladies back in customer service and Jesse in camping are great! Very patient, kind and very helpful. The last two months I have spent over $2k and need to spend another $1k upgrading gear and branching out a bit more. The guys today in camping (two one passed me off for a break) talked in front of me like I wasn't there. Didn't listen when I explained the issue and told me it wasn't possible even though I told him 2 packs didn't give me the issue but had a different fit problem. Told me he couldn't help me. His tone and attitude was far from what I expect from REI staff. A tad condescending for me. Needless to say I had to leave to calm down, went back later for my online order I forgot. I have now been sized at 2 REI stores by 3 different people and none are close to each other. All recommend very different things. I get closer each time but I need half of one pack with half of another - just hasn't worked! A couple months ago I did circles around the kayaking/paddle area and couldn't get any help at all even when I asked. I get they may be helping someone else. I was patient and was in the department for 25-40 minutes. read more

Update: Reinforcing this review, I just went to the United States Post Office, got there 3 minutes AFTER they closed. Walked in the outer door with a woman frantic to mail a letter. There was a postal worker guarding the interior lobby door. He opened the door for her, "anybody else need in?" ...The POST OFFICE! REI, you suck. I hardly ever leave bad reviews. REI was having a 20% off sale on Yakima racks and components. I was there the first day of the sale, yet they only had half of the parts in stock to complete a simple roof rack system. I had to order the parts for the truck bed. Wished now I hadn't given them another dime. At least I finally got the basic racks after 4 days and 4 trips. I will buy the remaining system components somewhere else. REI's 20% off is Amazon"s normal price. I like to shop local business. Not this company anymore. Original Review: I have been shopping at REI for almost 40 years, but I will never shop at REI again. This Sacramento REI store is to blame for it. Here's why: Friday night in this store, I spent well over $1,000 on a roof rack system for my truck. Had to order the OverHaul stands, they didn't have any. The guy (great staff) helped me get most of what I needed except forgot that $20 bolt kit that connects the crossbar to the towers for the cab roof. I couldn't put any of it together Saturday. I live closer to the Roseville REI, so I go there to try to get what I need. Of course, they don't have anything in stock, but the Sacramento store has lots, so they put it on hold for me back in "customer service." I drive thru crappy traffic back to Sacramento, get there literally 1 minute to 6:00pm (they are just starting to close, but customers still in the store). They have an associate guarding the door and won't let me in. I told her I had a hold item from Roseville. "You can pick it up tomorrow." Seriously? Like I want to drive home tonight and then another 30 miles tomorrow (Sunday) for a part to try to assemble this rack system before the weekend is over. Wow. I can see if I was 10 minutes after they closed, but technically it wasn't even 6:00 yet. (Roseville REI closes at 7:00pm btw). That is why brick and mortar store are going out of business. REI used to be great. Now there just another K-mart or Sears... read more

I have shopped at this location (and online with ship to store) for many, many years. I have two "life changing" purchases here, 1) My FIRST Keens. I was part of the 2007 "A Year in My Keens" shoe wear campaign, writing about my many adventures in my Keens. I can report that I STILL have that pair, although I reserve them mostly for kayak trips, and NOT 12 mile hikes at 4K elevation climbs! 2) My FIRST kayak (used, but well loved.) Not satisfied with just being a renter (not that there is anything wrong with that), I finally made my first purchase in 2015, and again in 2017. I have an outdoor spirit, not just when on "vacation", LIVING life and the outdoor experience to the fullest. I still have my first backpack from REI, I use it as my back-up hiking bag for our rugged 18 round trip (part of a local hiking club that goes ALL over the Pacific Northwest and Nor-Cal.)--Hope to return to those beloved hikes this year. I can't say enough about REI. Their customer service is amazing. So many questions answered, and as a novice watercraft owner, MANY questions about the right safety gear. LOVE LOVE LOVE my REI experience! Great price on the bear spray too, gotta love that! read more

REI - LOVE my kayak trips locally and afar! - Bikes Near Me - Sacramento, California

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Golly I don't want to be a REI member because they're so pushy about it. I came in today because I had errands nearby; so I decided to check out if they had any sales or anything worthwhile. It was fairly packed considering it was a Monday early afternoon. I browsed around like usual and nothing really interest me. But in the end, I decided to buy some energy gummies that I found. So like anyone else, I waited in line to purchase my gummies. I walked up to the cashier register with a middle aged, Asian female and she immediately asked me if it was my first time here. I replied, no it is not. Then she asked if I came all the way here just to purchase these gummies. She made it sound like it was a crime honestly - which I didn't understand. I responded with .... I guess so....??? The cashier then asked if I'm an REI member, so I can rack up points. I said no, I'm not interested, but thanks though. After, she listed what a REI member is and how to rack up points by shopping. I guess that was expected because it's a retail store. But she continued about the REI membership and what it entails and how it can help me; so I wouldn't just come to the store to buy energy gummies. I'm thinking... woman, I just want to buy my gummies and it sounds like you're mocking me for doing so.... I just listened to her ramble for few minutes and she was interrogating me about my purchase. In the end, I paid with my credit card and the machine asked me how I wanted my receipt - email or paper. I initially chose email because I didn't care much about it and wanted to be eco friendly. Then, she got snotty and stated that she doesn't have my email because I'm not a REI member. I said fine, just give me a paper receipt then and toss it. But jeez, it sounds like they get commission through these REI memberships because she was quite pushy and guilted me about it. Now I'm certain I don't want to join your silly membership. read more

I'm kind of surprised to find anything negative here. The workers are insanely friendly and helpful. It's a normal rei store like any I've been too. Rei coddles it's customers so what isn't to like? read more

Honestly, I never leave reviews, in fact I had to reload yelp to my phone to do this. This is the 3rd time in a few months that while trying to return something there, they basically called me a liar. One woman actually said I got my rei item for free because I claimed it was lost in the mail. Despite me having the item and a receipt and the return went through, MEANING I HAD STILL PAID FOR IT! When I looked at her shocked and then when the return went through, she didn't even apologize. 2 of the 3 items I returned WERE BRAND NEW WITH TAGS! What's your problem rei? Your customer service for returns sucks! Just because I pay for overpriced outdoor gear and have the right to return it, doesn't make everyone a theif or liar. I get you have people who abuse your return policy, but really?!? On brand new items! And on long standing customers and the few criminals do not out weigh your entire fan/customer base, there's no way! I love this store, despite its over pricing, but I'm considering using amazon from now on since I'm sick of being treated so rudely! It's only the people behind the counters doing returns, not on the floor or cash registrars. read more

This is not the best REI. It's big. They have lots of stock. I don't know if others in the area might be larger. The manager is really nice, and the older fellow who seems to be the senior guy in the bike and kayak area is very smart and eager to help. But most of the rest are young and don't really know what they are selling. This REI has a feel of being the McDonald's of REIs. Be careful who you talk to. Some of the staff will give you incorrect information about prices, return policies, even the proper use of equipment. My other experiences with REI were in downtown Seattle, Bellingham, and Anchorage. Maybe I was expecting too much from Sacramento. read more

Bait and switch tactics to get you to join as a member. You get a 20 dollar gift card after you pay 20 to join. Then you come for a garage sale and try to redeem it and its expired by a few days. A few days? Its 2019. What customer service worth its salt doesnt honor a 20 dollar card when you spend so much money on their products? I didnt feel like a member here. The manager made me feel like a number. I was swindled, I feel pretty stupid, and I won't be coming back. read more

REI always has great sales people. When I called to see what store had largest inventory of shoes: Roseville, Folsom, Expo - the answer was Expo. I had time today to shop there and got Elizabeth in shoes who found the last pair of Merrell's available in my size. The sales people listen closely to what you are looking for, and reach out to a colleague who steps up and is friendly and helpful with lots of experience. I needed shoes, women's clothing, men's camp chair and bicycle locks and HydroFlask stuff. REI is laid out creatively and is always a positive friendly experience. I will still shop at my local Folsom & Roseville, but today was a successful day when my fav store REI always comes thru. read more

I would normally give this store better marks, but we just had a pretty bad experience with the return counter. We came in to return a $300.00 Thule bike rack becuase the locking mechanism did not work - to the point the cheap little key was stuck in the lock. After only two uses. We believed with REI's 100% guranteed return, we'd get an exchange ('cause we did like the rack) or get our cash back if it truly was a design flaw. Well, the young guy at the return counter looked at the rack as if he'd never seen one before and summoned for help. Along comes "Skippy" who looks at the key stuck in the lock and he starts to tug on it and procalims that someone must have really wrentched the key, causing the break/problem. He told us we can mail the rack to the manufacturer to have it fixed (uh, Thule is a Sweedish project, and the thing weighs a ton, so - no). My wife repsonded that as a 47 year old female, there is not way she broke the lock just by simply trying to turn the key on its second use. We reminded Skippy about the 100% gurantee and asked for another option. "Skippy" brought the rack to the (thankfully knowledgable) older bike guy and he proclaimed that there did appear to be flaw in the locking mechanism. The only other rack in the store was a display model, but he'd have to repair/replace the locks on it. So we waited. When he was done, he had trouble with the new lock. Then he realized there were locks on both sides, so he had to do the second lock - so we waited. In the meantime, young guy at the return counter summoned me over and tells me I owe money for the remaining balance of the rack. While I'm thinking; "Huh?", he starts pushing all sorts of buttons on his register and a balance of $60 some-odd dollars pop up. I ask him what is he talking about, I paid for the rack in full two months ago. He pushes more buttons and an amount of $1.23 comes up. He says this is the difference in sales tax between the Folsom store, where I bought the rack, and his Sacramento store. I reminded him I was simply doing a straight exchange for the same exact product. When I balked at his request (on principle) he summoned a manager. "Joe" (not real name) the manager shows up and goes all understanding (you know the speach) with me about my confusion but, gee tax rates are different between Sacramento and Foslom and yadda yadda and the city taxes pay for Light Rail (no, he really said Light Rail), yadda yadda. I looked at him blankly and he said he would waive it, but gosh, REI has to eat that amount (as if I'm supposed to feel sorry or thankful for him doing this "favor" for me). So, back at the bike area, the bike mechanic added the second lock, but, low and behold, it still sticks. The bike mechanic acknowledged you just have to find the "sweet spot" to get the lock to function. He agreed with our concern that for $300 you should not have to always fiddle with a lock. He reiterated that it is a defect of some sort with the Thule lock, in front of Skippy who initially "accused" us of being heavy-handed with the thing which gave us some vindication. in the end, we returned the dang thing with the help of a much more confident and kinder female return clerk. read more

One star for good brands, but four negative stars for poor customer service. I joined their membership ($15) for the annual return (at the end of year depending on how much you purchased that year )because I knew I was going to be purchasing a lot to go mountain biking. I purchased a Marin bike. Since the model and color was not in the store, I had to wait a week to pick up my bike in their customer service area. I picked up my bike and the lady acted like she didn't want to help me. At no time, no one stopped me to ask if I needed help. I did purchase the bike, but I feel like anyone can be walking around with items and just go right out the door without anyone helping or saying anything to you. The lady at the customer service area just gave me the bike without having me sign papers or even tell me to take the bike to the tuning center. I just figured that out by myself. When I brought it to the guy at the tuning center area, he was shocked she didn't do anything or give any direction. Due to the fact he was helpful, I gave REI in arden the benefit of the doubt. At that time, I too noticed all the dog products and decided to bring my 3 lbs. dog in the store that following weekend. Finally, I was noticed! But was told rudely to get out of the store! I just went to Performance Bikes (with my dog) off of Howe Ave that day and bought $400 worth of mountain biking gear that could have been spent at REI. I now REFUSE to give the REI store in ARDEN any service! I did go to another REI store in San Diego and had no problems. This Arden store really needs to learn the values of customer service because it certainly lacks all aspects! I warn anyone that attempts shopping at this REI store. read more

REI is definitely the premiere destination for high-end outdoor gear. If you need specialty climbing or biking equipment, their location near Costco off Expo Parkway is a great place to stop. This location has been around now for several years, but it still looks great inside and out. They have a large selection of apparel, gear, and even rentals. The prices are still very high, but you are paying for the brands. In an age of Amazon, I think most people can get these items online for less. There are also many bargain brands that are better for the average outdoor enthusiast planning a weekend car camp instead of climbing Everest. Still, if you need top quality gear immediately, REI does deliver. They have sales and discounts, and lots of people "borrow" equipment here using their generous return policy. Plus, sometimes it pays off to buy higher quality equipment that can last a long time. read more

REI isn't what it used to be. A few years ago I got the most expensive REI branded sleeping pad, about 300 bucks. Last year it started leaking and when I did the soapy water trick and discovered that it wasn't a hole but the thing was leaking at the seams in about 10 places, clearly a manufacturing defect unless 300 pads are only supposed to last a few years. It wasn't patchable because it was failing in a more fundamental way, I have backpacking pads from over 10 years ago I still use and patch. The issue is less that this pad started failing but more about the customer service at this store. I had emailed REI about this asking about a warranty(since it's REI brand) and was told to bring it in to the store to see what they could do. But when I got into the store they acted like I was dumb and trying to cheat them for even bringing it in. I only brought it in because they told me to! I live 8 miles from the REI, it's not the end of the world but it costs me money to bring it in. There seems to be a disconnect between what corporate is offering and the store, and the two people I spoke to at the store were honestly really off putting and has soured me on the brand. REI without a good warranty is worthless, they only have a few significant sales a year so you can generally find stuff cheaper everywhere else. For the record, thermarest has a LIFETIME warranty on this exact thing, I know because I have had a backpacking pad delaminate (not pop) and they replaced it for the cost of shipping. The one star is not so much for them rejecting my ask, it's really just for how I was treated at the store, you people were not nice! I'll remember you. read more

There was a time I would have rated REI a five star outfit. I guess I thought it stood for something. I thought it was about a cause. I thought it was a co-op. I thought wrong. They've ruined this place. Might as well just buy Nike stuff now guys, it's better stuff and at least Nike is honest about who and what they are. Its a shame what happened to REI. Greed happened. If you want climbing gear, shop here if you want, as they do stock decent items, but backcountry.com will be a better choice financially on most things. Also, I don't need to be lectured when I return an item by an REI staff member, stop acting like it's not on my membership! We all know the ruse! Don't let these people bully you when you want to make a return, they have a management team that's as crooked as a question mark. It's all a sickening game at REI. Don't let them pawn you off with store credit, thats also a little routine they have. Get your money back, because they have some new corporate policies these days, they ain't hurting for money either. Laughably, REI still has co-op prices (which are high). I hope Sports Authority and Wal-Mart start carrying climbing gear and shut down this chain of deceitful corporate abominations in a price war. It would be easy. This place was supposed to be about people, not about money. The co-op is dead. read more

Fair prices on just about any outdoor gear you can think up. Reasonable return policy and outstanding warranty coverage. The "cash back" feature of the membership is something I never think about ... until every January when REI notifies me that I've got a nice stash o'cash to spend there ...bonus!! Another plus of membership is that, unlike my Safeway or Rite-Aid "memberships," there are actual events, outings and even explore-the-world trips that you can join. As a member. Because it's a real membership. Some of the cool stuff won't kill your budget either! Last weekend, upon realizing my trusty tent's poles had all come undone due to worn-out shock cords (the bungees threaded inside the tent poles), I got brand-new shock cord for $5, making me a...well, happy camper. read more

Wow, I should NEVER come here on payday... My wife won't come here with me which is just as well since this is the one store that I can actually outshop her at. Love the return policy here: everything you buy from here is guaranteed for life. Last year I broke the strap on a daypack I bought here and they told me to just go pick out a new one. My returned bag probably ended up in the used gear sale they have here every so often. Just about everything you could possibly need for an adventure outdoors. They even have outdoor stuff for your dogs! If I ever get a dog, I'll probably end up spending more money on him here than I would for myself! Actually, that's probably not true... read more

How on earth does this store have such good reviews?? OK, I'll admit I like the style of the building and all that, and their special 'scooter' parking I'm sure appeals to the hipster crowd and all that, but this store is really not all that great. First, it's waaaaaaay overpriced. I mean like double the cost of what the items would cost elsewhere. Maybe visitors don't know about the internet, maybe it's hip to overspend, I have no idea, but wow, the same coleman (only brand they seemed to carry) lantern was $70 here, and was only $35 on Amazon. Their tents also seem to start around $200 and up; I'm all for buying quality and understand a $20 tent is garbage, but come on. But, maybe the extra cost is worth it for the service, right? What service?? There was one clueless jagoff on the salesfloor. The store's layout is also horrible to navigate. Lets just have some random table in the middle of the store for ___? The tents don't have straightforward prices underneath them, it's like some mix and match trying to find anything. Some dude was setting up a tent, I don't know if he was a sales associate or what but the dude sure gave me a mean ass glare. So, to sum up: bad prices, bad (non-existent) service, and bad layout. Why is this so popular? read more

I give this location 4 stars: I was asked a few times for help. Got a few smiles Items:boards,boots,sweaters,hats,cozy socks and other gear. Good place to purchase outdoor items,camping,snowboarding,hiking and all the other good stuff. Shoes are a little on the more expensive side,but overall this place was quite helpful.I am extremely fond of the camping gear. Check out this place when the cold spell ends and the sales starts. Despite the winter,fall,spring or summer you can get something here for a nice adventure travel. read more

Yes, I know they have a huge selection of sports gear, but the fact that they wouldn't give a discount on items for ladies doing the Avon breast cancer walk is rotten. The manager was also very rude after I asked him. Our Avon orientation had just let out in their back room and think of the business they could've had? This is exactly why the world is in the state that is in, companies are too busy thinking about the immediate bottom line, instead of saving the planet. You suck REI!!!! read more

First of all...let me say i am not one to write negative Yelp reviews. I'd rather address the issue at the source but i was not on the mood for confrontation. I woke up srill bugged about it the next day and so here i am..."this is me...expressing myself!!!" Not much annoys me more than not being acknowledged by staff when I'm trying to spend my money at their establishment. I went to REI for hiking boots. After navigating my way through the store to the find the shoe section, I began looking at the hiking shoes. Not knowing much about them, I was hoping for some assistance to come along. One young sales lady with an arm full of shoe boxes greeted me in passing on her way to the stockroom. This was clearly her first priority. I said "Hi. I'm going to want to try some of these on". She said ok and then just continued her duties returning shoes to the stock room. A different salesperson came out. I had been waiting about 5 minutes at this time...another shopper had just entered the scene in the meantime. The salesperson walked right past me. Completely IGNORED ME to help the other woman. One might want to ask who was there first? I listened to her giving detailed information to the lady...telling her to buy a half size up in hiking boots (which I didn't know), etc. Watched her acknowledge other people in the area but apparently i was invisible. Stock room girl finally came back out to help while I sat on the bench in my invisible suit. She asked what size I needed and offered no additional information nor asked me any questions to help me make the right choice. Nothing. Very irritating. Train your people in customer service REI!. I did not make my purchase there. I can buy the shoes online and feel more attended to. read more