I like REI. I am a member of the co-operative. That also makes me feel better about looking at items, if I buy from the same company but online. (I regard it as wrong to go a store to check out the prospective purchase, then complete the deal with a rival; that's just me). I am not sure if they guarantee it, but I also have not found much of a difference if any in the cost. I write also to vouch for the quality of REI branded gear. I have not been disappointed. Their stuff is as good as any rivals. They seem to offer it for less as well. The other experience I have had is with returns. They live up to their reputation, which is positive. REI and Nordstrom are better than any other retailer. Their staff must be selected as polite or trained to offer exemplary customer service. Of this type of store, REI is my favorite. This specific venue also seems new, even though it is not. read more

The service by Harsh in the shoe department was outstanding! He did try to sell me on two hiking shoes that were staff picks that I tried on but didn't get. He was super patient with me as I tried on about 5 different pairs of shoes until I found a pair of Keen's. Parking lot in back of store. Be careful of locking your scooter/bike outside. I was leaving the store and a guy was using electric saw to take a scooter. Security guard just came out and said bro what are you doing?! He rode off into the streets with that scooter. read more

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I'm really disappointed with my experience purchasing a kids' bike from REI, specifically with their trade-in program. When we bought the bike, we were told we could bring it back through their kids' trade-in program when my son outgrew it. However, when we returned it, they refused to honor the program, claiming the bike was not in "pristine condition." This requirement was never clearly explained to us at the time of purchase. The reality is that my son only used the bike twice. Yes, the chain shows some rust, but it's minor and easily fixable certainly not what I would consider excessive wear for a child's bike. This felt very misleading and disappointing, especially from a company known for its customer service and values. If there are strict condition requirements, they should be communicated clearly upfront. Unfortunately, based on this experience, I would not recommend participating in this program. read more

Rei - Sports Wear Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Love REI, have been going to them for a long time since I was young. Recently got hiking boots and other equipment here for a 6-day backpacking trip doing AV4 in the Dolomites; really enjoyed the service here! I spent multiple hours trying new boots on and the staff was patient with me, giving helpful advice for which one to potentially select. All of the staff I've encountered here have been very knowledgeable and are all experienced hikers/climbers from what I can tell. When it gets more crowded in the store it can sometimes be a bit hard to flag down a member, but once you're able to see them they are usually pretty helpful. The store also has a wide variety of equipment, and I feel fortunate that I live near one that's not far away. If you're looking for camping/hiking supplies, then this is the place to be as they usually have anything you might be looking for. Great store and brand, also love the return policy! read more

Rei - pretty lit energy snacks too - Sports Wear Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Well I was looking for some last minute requests for gifts on my trip . I searched them out and they had what I wanted and offered to hold them for me which was quite nice . I arrived they were quite friendly and I went upstairs via Elevator which is nice . The sales person she was very informative and super helpful about her merchandise. So I salso purchased a pair of shoes for recovery. They have a nice program if you become a member it's lifetime membership you also get rewards plus a 365 day return if something is wrong. The prices are market value and the only one in San Francisco were I could find what I wanted. Definitely worth a shot read more

I phoned and phoned trying to ask a question about shoes. No answer after 20 plus rings. Lost my business! Hire a human to answer VITAL CALLS FROM CUSTOMERS!! read more

I like that this REI is a short walk from the cal train station so i can take care of last minute shopping then head over to catch the train home. The staff are helpful when i have questions otherwise they leave me be which i appreciate read more

I love REI. I've been a member for many years. They are your one stop shop for many things outdoors-- running, hiking, backpacking, climbing, skiing and snowboarding, biking, etc. great shoe options too. You get member benefits so definitely sign up for that. Great selection of gear. And their REI name brand items are both high quality and affordable. read more

Rei - Sports Wear Near Me - San Francisco, California

REI is usually known for good customer service but at this store it's terrible. Especially on returns they don't take anything. I had a gift from a relative who passed away but they said too bad, without the gift receipt we can't even give you store credit, but they still took the merchandise back to resell it. Now I understand why so many people buy things to use for the season and then return for a refund when they're done using it. Guess I'll have to start doing that to get my money back for gifts they wouldn't accept returns for. read more

Excellent service at REI. I got new kicks. I still bleed gold and blue as a Dubs fan yet also root for the Knicks aka orange and blue now that Donte went east. I am NY born, San Francisco living. I got a basketball jones. read more

Rei - New kicks. I love the Dubs yet also the Knicks now that Donte went east. NY born, San Francisco living with a basketball jones. - Sports Wear Near Me - San Francisco, California

Steve is the slowest worker I've ever witnessed. Not only was he aware there was a line, he advised I go to different counter when he noticed I (and others) were waiting 15+ mins. After I mentioned that I was there for a 'trade-in', he acknowledged I was at the right counter and proceeded to small talk with the customer in front of me, talking about him and his wife on some trek they went on. When that customer left, he proceeded to work at the slowest snail pace as humanely possible knowing that I and people behind me had already been waiting 25+ mins. He was trying to wrap or tie a sleeping bag and after doing it unsuccessful, tried to tag it with a zip tie but he couldn't see the hole so attempted to do it over and over again (at a snail pace). These are tedious tasks that should be done when there are no customers to be helped. It's as if he is either completely unaware that he is wasting my time and every single person behind me's time. I would hope that since he's on the clock he would be using his time efficiently to assist paying customers and not attend to inanimate objects that could be tend to after. There were at least 3, 4 people waiting waiting behind me. While he was helping me, he was moving at a mollusk's pace, I had a QR code for my trade-in and he said it wasn't working so he tried to type in the model name of the product manually but he couldn't get a grasp of the name when I showed him on the phone and kept typing onto an iPad kind of haphazardly. He was friendly but not helpful or efficient. I am happy that REI cares about their employees (I assume based on the leisurely pace this particular employee was working at) but a little of urgency goes a long way to making a customer feel valued for their time and effort to be in the store. read more

Shout out to Siron (sorry I'm probably spelling your name wrong) and Mimi in the bike dept of REI! I bought a bike and had it shipped to this location and they made the process seamless and we're very informative on how I operate my new bike. They also helped me feel prepared walking out the door and using my new bike. I also love the series they offer! It pays to be a REI member too (check the pics for the discount on services for being a member) The location has a parking lot in the back (limited spaces and it does get crowded!). read more

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Not bad! I will definitely come back. The best part was the parking in the back. There is only one entrance off brannan. But it's confusing and I almost got into a car accident. And then went down the wrong street. Anyway it's a good location and good store. read more

I'm starting to lose faith in REI. They are obviously a very well stocked store with good quality stuff, for the most part. But I'm not convinced it's worth spending that extra few dollars to get it at REI anymore. This is a nice location, especially because they have private parking for the customers. But the second floor inside this store was literally 15° warmer than the first floor making the shopping experience miserable. The staff were kind and friendly. One of the things that's caused me to lose a bit of faith in REI is how they used to stand behind their products, but don't do so as much anymore. I've gone through two pairs of Solomon hiking boots with leaks. The first pair was just over 14 months old, but the shoes cost over $200 initially. When I tried to return them they strictly enforced the one year policy, which is apparently new, and actually accused me of trying to take advantage of their return policy. I ended up getting a warranty replacement for this pair of shoes, but only after going through two months of correspondence with Solomon and having to demonstrate the leak by standing in my bathtub with the shoes on while videoing the whole experience. Those shoes were replaced with another pair that cost even more. Within 6 months, those Solomon hiking boots were leaking. I'll still shop at REI and I'll still find things there that I can't find anywhere else. But this is no longer a five-star organization. Three stars at best. read more

Rei - Sports Wear Near Me - San Francisco, California

You can't find anything better than REI. They are the epitome of everything outdoors and offer such amazing products, service and support for the REI community via their RCAF fund. Becoming a member is the best since it's for life. Provide the code 177854 when you sign up! It will help give me even more recognition. Thx!! read more

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Aaron was super helpful in getting everything I needed the day before my trip to Mt. Whitney. Got 15 items within 10 minutes!

Went in, asking for help to find certain products and every employee that was too busy to come up from their phone sent me to another employee who is not willing to help me. The last person I encountered pointed me in the right direction but offered no assistance from there. Two of the guys were hanging out on their phones at the checkout line and offered no assistance. This was October 14 at 2:15 PM. read more

Coming from Texas, this is an enormous two story REI and something San Francisco really should love that they have. It helps that there is a dedicated parking lot. You'll find the second story is filled with clothing, shoes, gloves, socks, and jackets. The first floor has endless backpacks, sleeping bags, snow equipment, cookware, bike gear, and more. There is even a discounted section filled with returned and slightly used gear which is perfect for value hunters! The staff is very knowledgeable and eager to help. I can't recommend this location enough. read more

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When a company receives glowing reviews about its products, that's good--but not necessarily impressive. Why? Because quality products speak for themselves. When a company receives negative reviews, and the consistent theme is poor customer service, that's when leadership should pay attention. My 9-year-old son and I visited this branch Friday evening around 8 PM. After a 1.5-hour soccer practice, he was tired and excited to spot a display tent with an airbed inside. Naturally, he wanted to step in and try it out. Barely 10 seconds passed before a sales representative charged toward him, raised her voice, and said, "Do not go there," all while pointing her finger. She only added the word "please" after noticing me. She then pointed at a sign that was hidden and had to be adjusted before it could even be read. (Im sure this can all be reviewed through cctv.) My son was stunned, I was speechless, and nearby customers even asked if we were okay. Moments later, I overheard the same sales rep gleefully bragging to her coworker about how she had "dismissed" a customer at the tent--reenacting the hand gesture and wording. What she failed to mention, of course, was that she had spoken that way to a child. The whole thing was very bizarre and gave off a "high school bully" vibe. At checkout, I calmly shared the incident with the cashier. She was kind, empathetic, and apologetic. She even admitted that if she were a child, she would also be tempted to go inside the tent and as a preschool teacher, she agreed: raising your voice and charging toward a kid is not acceptable. I told her I didn't need to speak to a manager, I even said it was Friday night, and she could just simply pass the feedback along--suggesting they make signage clearer and more visible. Still, she insisted and called a manager over. Unfortunately, speaking with the manager made me even more upset. While he said he "understood," he explained that staff "just had to do it for safety reasons." There was zero apologies and the gaslighting was outrageous! According to him, from his own words - many kids go inside the tent, and it's unsafe and this is not the first time this happened. And they really just have to emphasize safety. So I told him plainly: if safety is the concern, there are simple solutions-- Place a larger, visible sign. Use yellow caution tape around the tent. Both quick, easy fixes. And yet, I repeated: even if there had been a sign, even if there had been tape--would that excuse a sales rep from charging at a customer, pointing, and raising her voice? What if the customer had been a child with special needs? If that faded, worn out sign along with yelling at your customer is your emphasis to safety then REI is hopeless - you better make up for it with your products. We're not curing cancer here. I dont expect you to be a Ms. Rachel to my kid but at the same time that does not give you any right to raise your voice at him. Raising your voice does not change the meaning of your words. A little kindness goes a long way. That kind of aggressive behavior belongs on the street, not in customer service. Kindness and accountability should be the standard. Pretty sure these reviews are just meh so if you all have concerns board@rei.com is available. read more

We love going to this REI everybody is so friendly and they are super well stocked Next to customer service is outstanding as a sales person attach themselves to us and our shopping needs went so quickly Big plus is they are so knowledgeable Did I mention how easy the parking is? It's fantastic My favorite REI for sure read more

The selection and service are great. The prices are a bit steep but the brands are quality as expected of REI.

Good store and good parking being downtown! You should be a member of REI if you aren't. The perks are incredible read more

Rei - Stopping by to grab our annual national parks pass. Headed to a new park this weekend - Sports Wear Near Me - San Francisco, California

Big thanks to the gentleman who helped me retrieve a set of pliers that were locked up. He was very courteous. However, upon checking out, I was asked about joining the membership. That's fine, they always do that. But after reassuring the older man I would not like to join 3 TIMES courteously, he then asked if he would like to explain to me why I should join and I yet again very politely declined. He looked to then take offense to that, and try to scold me for not joining and saving a few dollars on my purchase. God forbid a man spend $500 on Patagonia jackets and premium tools at your establishment like I just did without getting LITERALLY HECKLED for not checking out in the way I you think I should. I don't care if your employment is semi-based off of pushing plans onto customers. When I tell you no, I mean just that - I do not care how old you are. I didn't catch his name, but he's an older man with grey hair in a pony tail who talks slow. Please train more professional staff like the gentleman who helped me find my leatherman pocket tool. read more

Rei - Sports Wear Near Me - San Francisco, California

We needed to get a big boys pedal bike for our son. We heard REI has a trade in program once you buy one. Initially we thought we can do a 16 inch one but the guy saw our son and he recommended a smaller bike. It has all the bells and whistles. A set of trainer wheels you can take off easily. And yeah it's also very steady and heavy. $200 out the door and the future trade in value will be around $90. They will also cover a year of maintenance! While we were checking out the bikes my spouse went up to look for sneakers and hiking shoes. They have an extensive collection. Shopping online is ok but nothing replaces live fitting. read more

Great staff! However, REI is a scam. I bought a Campwell folding cot, and when I slept on it, very comfortable, but I couldn't refold it. Now, I am half of the max weight rating, and I set it up inside, and it wouldn't refold, because the legs on one end got slightly bent. Called REI and was told they would be magnanimous enough to send me a shipping lable, since returning an unfolded cot in person would be impossible without access to a truck, but I'd have to box it. Their own return policy says oversized items can't be returned by mail. And I'd have to figure out how to box it WITHOUT taking it apart. I tossed it on the street., Won't get anything back. Don't shop there. Great staff but horrible corporation. read more

I went to check out the ebikes, and was ready to buy. Saw a nice bike on sale and had some questions. wanted to check out the size of the bikes to know which size was right for me. The bike section is in the center of the shop, there are no signs to "ask for assistance" or who to ask. there is a person 40 feet away checking out customers. Two men in the back seemed to be working other departments, i wondered over there and no luck. Then one guy was loading bikes up on hooks and avoided eye contact. At this point I was pretty upset, my time is valuable. They could make it clear what the process is in the bike department to get some assistance. LIke "ask any associate" or "Ask in the climbing section" or "Scream for help" , "ring a bell", "take a number". this is poor management and a lost $1500- $2500 sale. Will not be returning. read more

Transactional capabilities are borderline fraudulent. Store pick-up items: delayed 20 min at the counter where I'm told my amex card has canceled half my order. I had to call AmEx on the spot to discover that some bizarre intermediary that REI uses had refunded half of it! And now, in the store, they wanted it back. The clerk told me this happens all the time Delivery items: 2 days later they email and cancel my other 2 delivery items due to " nventory changes" read more

I asked to try on so many (3) different pairs of shoes and the lady was nice about it every single time. And i didnt even buy any and she was like "yeah i get it, need to think about it." Also cool bathroom. Gorp heaven read more

Came in for the ski sale and found a pair of nice, barely used ski boots for sale. It was exactly what I was looking for the service was great in helping me find something my size even though inventory was low. read more

REI is wonderful the only problem with this place is that it's too easy to end up spending hours and hours browsing they're into selection of outdoor gear. They have everything from shoes to bikes to snowboarding equipment. A huge selection of outdoor clothing pretty much everything you could possibly need for your next adventure. This REI is two stories with all the clothing upstairs and the rest of the outdoor equipment downstairs. The only thing to be aware of is it's often quite busy here so can be hard to find parking and it's also not located in the best part of town so be sure not to leave anything valuable in your car. read more

Rei - Upstairs - Sports Wear Near Me - San Francisco, California

Rob helped with with an exchange and also assisted me with getting a REI Co-Op membership. I'd figured that it would be beneficial to me since I plan to go in there in the future to buy my work boots annually. read more

Wide selection of goods, friendly and informed staff- what's not to like? Got excellent and helpful advice on my shoe choice.

I've been to this location several times in the past but my latest visit was great. I bought some gloves online because they were on sale but it was too big when I received them and tried them on. I went to this store to return them and Richard was very helpful in answering my questions like if it was possible for me to return online purchases to an actual store. He also explained to me why the website didn't recognize I had a membership even though I bought one awhile back. Anyway I did return the gloves but forgot my credit card at the store. Richard was kind enough to leave me a voicemail saying I forgot my card at the store. I came back a few days later to retrieve my card. Thanks Richard for going out of your way for customer service. read more

REI to save the day. I was going camping and did a pre-set up of my tent when I found the pole elastic was no good. They were really helpful and cut me a price to my custom length. I was able to re-string my poles and save a couple of hundred dollars from not having to buy a new text. Instead it cost $7 and too a few minutes. Thanks REI! read more

Rei - Sports Wear Near Me - San Francisco, California

Cas who is the store manager refused my return citing that it has been wore. I bought these less than a month ago, there is visible damage, and for $70 sandals, they are quite uncomfortable and causes strain to the arch of my foot. I have never had a negative experience like this at any of the dozens of REIs I have visited in the past 10 years. My encounter with her lasted 10 mins and her demeanor the entire time was condescending, impatient, and extremely rude (she rolled her eyes multiple time). I'm not sure if the reason for this unfair treatment is because I am an Asian female and Cas who appears to also be an Asian female felt she does not need to give me the same polite treatment as any other customer. read more

I'm very surprised there is only one locations for REI in all of SF. With such an out-doorsy culture in SF (most likely exemplified by this pandemic), it seems like there is always a huge demand. LOCATION 3/5 Overall a nice little corner in San Fran, pretty safe and down the street from some apartments and TJ. There is a little parking lot with a one way alley leading into it. Nice that you don't have to worry about street parking! The actual location is pretty small, as expected. Selection is pretty limited, but it gets it done! I did more online shopping with REI in-store pick up SERVICE 2.5/5 I'm sure this was affected by the pandemic, there were a couple new guys who it was just their first few days so I wouldn't expect them to know a ton. But the wait was pretty long. I had to leave then come back later in the day. However, once I was in, everyone was pretty nice. Someone helped fit me for some backpacks, but they didn't have any packs that fit me appropriately. As I mentioned, I did order four things off of REI. I came to pick up all my things, received three boxes from curbside pick up - I asked if it was everything, all four items and they said yes. Later, I opened the packages and it only had three items. I looked at the confirmation e-mail and it said I picked up my fourth item too. I had to go back to get it again :[ Man, another trip, another long wait. Well, I don't blame them for the wait as it's for the public safety of us consumers! Overall, I have to come back for my REI purchases so I can't complain too much. But hopefully they can improve their systems more! I love the values of the company and what they're about (I even did one of my masters final papers on REI!). Hope to see improvement in the next few years! read more

Terrible service, initially was said that with their co-op membership I can return shoes in any condition is something happened to them within the year. Then at the store the customer service was very rude and displaying extra attitude. Waste of a membership... read more

Love the store but will never go back for bike repair or supplies. First time I brought my bike in for tune-up/repair the tech spent 15 minutes telling me what a piece of crap my bike is. He also was very clear that anyone who bought this brand was stupid and too cheap to buy a good bike. And told me how much he hated working on these bikes. I should have just left then, but was already committed and had paid. That was 2 years ago. Brought the bike in yesterday for a quick equipment swap. Bad on me, right? I was told they could do it "right now". So I left the new stuff and the bike and wandered around the area. It's literally a 5 minute swap. 20 minutes later I realized it had been 20 minutes and no one is with my bike. Another customer was having their stuff done though, and they came in way after me. I asked for a time frame and they're visibly annoyed that I asked, and said again they'd get to it. Another 10 minutes and they say it's ready. But wait, they also don't have a necessary part so it's probably not safe to use. In what world does that mean 'ready'? Since I was right there I think they should've told me immediately when they realized that a part was missing and not have continued to swap this part out. Then the dude's all annoyed that he's got to swap back the original part. Like I said, not going back there for bike anything. read more

I love shopping at REI. Staff is excellent compared to places like sports basement. Get there early as it can be hard to find parking.

I'm still never wowed by the customer service here (though their staff at the checkout counters and at the customer service/return counters are always personable and lovely) - but I still have much love for REI for being a wondrous outdoor adventure haven. My husband and I always love to come here to stock up on backpacking/hiking/outdoorsy supplies and ware. We've bought sleeping bags, sleeping mats, food, shirts, pants, and much more here. We always appreciate their return policy and this location is pretty solid for parking etc. Just note that if you want some guided advice and help - that I would recommend turning to online forums and reviews - before venturing over here. We always try to do the research beforehand when it comes to bigger items and it makes a big difference. Trust. read more