Imagine going to a store like Rei on a Friday, mid-morning, thinking it 'll take you a few minutes to run in and return shoes that were too tight (ordered online). Yay! There's only two people in line, you think, so you'll be able to get to your next errand on time. The first customer quickly leaves, and the second customer walks to the counter. The exchange between her and the clerk begins. They're speaking in low tones, but seem to be very friendly with other and very engaged in their topic of conversation - and perhaps they even know each other, you think. You pull out your phone and start to catch up on the news because their droning conversation just continues, and then turns into friendly banter, as they smile and laugh with other. He seems to be explaining some type of deal or membership to her, and BOY does she have a lot of questions, that he EVER SO SLOWLY AND PATIENTLY enumerates the answers to like a benevolent father. I start to get restless and begin pacing because he's the only clerk, and the minutes just keep ticking away. I start examining merchandise near the checkout area and their exchange just DRAGS ON! Now, I'm getting ticked. Clearly, these two couldn't give a rat's behind that another customer has been waiting well over 5 minutes for service. The clerk never once bothers to acknowledge my presence or bother to call for help. Then the explosion comes as I call out, "Have you two solved the world's problems, yet?" They briefly turn to me, look SURPRISED - which just shows how rude and clueless they are - BUT THEY QUICKLY TURN BACK TO EACH OTHER AND KEEP CONVERSING SLOWLY AND QUIETLY. Is this really happening, I think to myself? Am I being punked? Finally I say to the woman, " You know, you've been there for ten minutes, and my time is valuable, too." They exchange meaningful looks and he rolls his eyes and THEN DECIDES TO CALL FOR BACKUP, WHICH NEVER COMES. Finally they finish, and she just brushes past me with no apology. The selfishness of this interaction with these two was just jaw- dropping as I could never imagine myself doing that to another customer. And what's with the sanctimonious, unprofessional clerk? He must surely know that he's lost a customer for good, but no apology is ever forthcoming - just snarky imperiousness coming from him. Good riddance to this place! read more

I am a long time REI member and I love the quality of merchandise. Today I bought an annual National Parks pass for my son for about $80. Just visiting a park one day is $35 for a park like Zion, so two days about pays for the pass. The guy at the cashier who sold me the pass was very friendly and helpful I highly recommend REI You pay once and are a member for life read more

REI - An example of national parks pass You get into BLM, National parks and monuments and National Forests for a year - Outdoor Gear Near Me - San Luis Obispo, California

Nice SLO has an REI. Especially for items like this I want to be able to try things in person. Staff count didn't seem much different than any other REI for that size, and someone did ask if I needed help. Shoe dept got overwhelmed when I was there which was a bummer since that's what I wanted to try. Did a pick up order which was fast and easy. Not sure what else they offer as compared to larger city REIs but for most of your needs it seems like a good location. read more

This was my first time at this location. A lot of employees offered help while I was browsing which I appreciated. Had a lot of questions regarding the shoe section and I believe the employee's name Xris. Hope I'm spelling that right. He was super patient and answered 101 questions. Ended up buying ON Cloudswift and I'm super happy with them. Great work! Would definitely recommend this location. Thx Xris! read more

So excited SLO finally got an REI!! Went to the grand opening. So much fun! REI has everything you need for outdoor activities with knowledgeable staff to help you with picking out the right gear. read more

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Before REI, Head on Over to the locally owned and ran Mountain Air where quality products are represented by knowledge and friendly staff. At REI Employee knowledge is lackluster at best. Be prepared for a lot of google searching if you want to get any real specifications on the gear they stock. Also BE CAREFUL! If you pay in cash. When I went in to return a shirt with a defect, that I paid for in cash, The cashier tried to put it on store credit. According to California state law store credit can expire after 1 year. When I explained that a refund should be made in the original form of payment and I would like cash. It became an issue that required 2 managers to resolve. read more

Snagged a beautiful clearance water and wind proof, dark turquoise jacket for a trip to visit family. Had no idea how cold the wind blows here. Now I'm good for the week. read more

REI - Hue of $40 wind and rain proof outer jacket. - Outdoor Gear Near Me - San Luis Obispo, California

I have been in 2 times and unfortunately the staff here cannot seem to get it together. The first time I came in with my 5 year old to buy him a bike, it took us maybe an hour to make the transaction. Not sure what was going on. Yesterday I came in to pick up a curbside order and no one could find it. Took them about 30 minutes to get that straightened out. I'm a big fan of Rei but go to mountain air if you live in slo, their staff are amazing, helpful, quick. read more

I was told when I went up to the checkout counter that I wasn't allowed to make a purchase unless I was a member. Come to find out days later, that it is not mandatory to be a member to make purchases at REI. This has really left me with a bad taste and I will not be back. My husband and I are avid outdoors people and they have just lost a lot of business. What a scam. read more

Today was my first time stopping at an REI store. My husband and I were browsing all the different brands and such. We headed to the back of to store to check out Patagonia jackets and few moments later we got greeted by one of the employees working there. From the first glance she made us feel unwelcome by pretending to organize stuff. My whole experience was ruined by her following us all over the place. Worst costumer service! read more

I was hoping to get sized for Vibram toe shoes and the blonde girl working in the shoe section said they don't make them anymore because they were "outdated and no one liked them". Rei does still sell them and I'm annoyed I couldn't at least get sized. read more

This is a great location. I've been to a large number of REIs and I loved the layout of this one. All the staff were great especially Emily.