The employee (with premature, striking white hair) has a winning smile that is sincere. She was a fab Greeter they day we came. Christopher and Brandon in shoes are most informed and helpful. TY guys! You will find quality products in REI. Thank you! PBH - former Head Pro/GM of Pebble Beach MCH - former Host/Floor Mgr. for Clint Eastwood read more

REI - Big Sur! - Outdoor Gear Near Me - Santa Fe, New Mexico

Holy moley they are pushy. Fist off, REI is far more expensive than they used to be. Even their house brand has pretty steep prices. I might have missed when they shifted into that market. I remember buying a workwear jacket from them 5 years ago for the same price as a standard pair of pants now. This particular location is pushy AF. I had to tell 80 employees that I don't need help, and one of them (in the shoe department) would literally not leave me alone. Do you need help? No. Okay well just to let you know... Thank you, I don't want help. Okay but just...darn tough has a warranty... Please...I don't want help or conversation. Okay but.... Until I literally said, "damn dude, leave me alone!" And had to walk away from him. Cannot take no for an answer. That's not being helpful, that's being a nuisance. read more

Awesome awesome shop and staff. Helped me find exactly what I was looking for and went above and beyond. They were so awesome I finally got a membership. read more

This is a great REI location! One of the best for selections of everything I have been to. Staff was plentiful and friendly. Great selection of outdoor gear. read more

I don't shop in REI here very much, I'd say once about every 6 years I make an appearance if there's something I can't find less expensive online. The folks who work here are not as friendly as they could be and although they mimic helping you, they really aren't helping at all. The staff seems a bit confused if not downright unknowledgeable. They're like Gestapo to make sure the doors open to only their clock and not universal time. And when that time arrives and you're the only one standing outside, they don't hold the door and welcome you in. Common kindness, common courtesy isn't something they practice. read more

Inflated prices and classist employees. Traveling across the United States I've stopped into an REI in each state I've been in, and all prices in the store are significantly higher than any other. REI is typically known for being pet friendly with a large selection of pet products - but this REI is different. Here you will encounter a short, white haired manager who picks and chooses the dogs she likes. We were approached and told to leave because our dog was not a service animal (an assumption made by this manager). As we left, three other dogs were allowed to remain in the store with their owners. The reason given: a highly allergic employee. read more

I Frequent REI, But This One Had Terrible Service! Ok, so I can say I have been to REI in maybe 12 states and most of my outdoor gear that isn't military issue has come from these stores. We had our dividends to spend so we popped in here while we were on a trip to see what we could find to use them up on... There were some friendly people working there, but my goodness when we went to check out was this an absolute fiasco! The blonde woman who was checking us out literally had no clue what she was doing and couldn't remember how to use the REI dividends that we all get each year for a payment. She charged our card about 6 times and kept screwing it up, I wanted to leave the stuff and just get the heck out of there. We stuck it out and sure enough even after she assured us she had it all fixed there were multiple charges on our REI credit card from her screwing up. To make matter worse we had to call the card company to contest these charges and explain the situation 2 separate times and 6 weeks later it was resolved. I don't know what in the wide world of sports was going on here, but it was crazy! I hope to never again visit this location just to avoid at best even seeing that crazy persona again! This is the only REI I have ever been to that wasn't 5 stars! read more

REI - Outdoor Gear Near Me - Santa Fe, New Mexico

I got an REI gift card for Christmas which is the only reason I just went shopping there. I normally like REI but I don't like the Santa Fe location. The Rail Yard area parking is a pain and adds an extra fee on top of the 8%+ sales tax they hit you with. REI won't validate the parking costs. I was put off on the very high prices as well. Hopefully, I won't be going back any time soon unless someone gives me another gift card to use. I hope I get gift cards from other companies or a hug next time. read more

sitting in Rei Santa Fe .... asked for help for jeans. We shop in Rei Flagstaff normally. Living here part time. Response from woman we asked for help: "we sell hiking pants not jeans"..... ok, she could not be bothered.... we found jeans online and she kept repeating they sell hiking clothes, not jeans- my response: we have hiking clothes... he is looking for jeans.... so we looked on our own. sorry lady, you don't have time for us. we will order online or in Flagstaff. this is the first bad experience we have had in Santa Fe. time for her to retire or be more helpful. read more

I was on a cross-country motorcycle trip, and as I was passing through New Mexico I realized that temperatures were dropping and rain was not a fun thing, and I needed a better riding jacket than I was currently wearing. I had been referred to REI from a BMW dealer on the other side of town (who were VERY helpful, despite not having what I needed). Walking in I sort of had an idea of where to go in the store, but I was soon helped by a sales representative in trying to find a jacket that would be useful while riding. Eventually we came down to a wind breaker that would at least keep the colder wind off of me while riding, which was very useful (and worked for the rest of the trip). The next thing was finding some better gloves, but unfortunately there was nothing in stock that was suitable for me. The shopping experience was good up to this point. However, I am not a huge fan of the pushing of "clubs" or memberships that get pushed on you, particularly when you have made it very clear that you are not a local resident, and the only two stores close to you at your home are a couple of hours away. Otherwise, the sales rep was very helpful, and did what he could to get me setup with what I needed. read more

We stopped by looking for hiking boots. Staff were amazing offering there indoor rock to test. She also pointed out sale section to check out. read more

Staff were friendly and helpful. Lots of things to explore, but I wish they had more options for footwear. This is definitely my go to place for outdoor supplies. read more

You have to pay to park if you want to shop this location, which is an insult as the store is ridiculously expensive. I'd rather go to the store in ABQ next time I need hikers or gear anyway, as this location has a rather bad employee culture. ABQ not so bad. Literally could not find any help and I saw some employees creeping around so I know they're there. Didn't bother trying on a rain coat that was connected to a cable lock, nor would I try to buy shoes here. Sent my husband up to the never-ending line and he gave up after waiting in it because the clerk couldn't find his member number and kept patronizing him about it. It's never been an issue before, even though I've been literally shamed by an REI clerk for not having my own. Give me a break it's hardly a REAL co-op. The checkout staff in SF are there to punish you. Avoid unless you're passing through and truly need gear to make it to the next destination. I'll be sad if the location closes. But not that sad. It's just a bummer. read more

I wouldn't normally write a review for REI, because I judge it doesn't really matter, but I had a really touching experience which compels me. We were browsing, not looking for anything in particular, and were surprised to come across several travel books about the Camino de Santiago, which we've been talking about and researching for some time. We decided to buy two of them (I think there were four different ones total). While a young man was cashing us out, a gal next to him at the counter noticed what we were buying and asked us about it, starting a serendipitous conversation. She said she'd walked it twice, taking two different routes. If it wasn't late in the day and we weren't leaving the next day I would have tried to con her into having coffee so I could hear every detail and suggestion she had to offer. Sadly we didn't have the time to spare, but I still appreciate her excitement to talk about something we all judge as very meaningful. It still seems a little odd to find those books in an REI, but maybe less odd given it was in Santa Fe. I definitely don't believe in coincidences, and take it as a sign that at some point, maybe next year, we will have the opportunity to walk the Camino. Buen Camino! read more

I was looking forward to going to this REI. My husband works for REI, so we love checking out different locations. Now we are driving across the country. I was disappointed when I came here because people were so unfriendly. Not one employee said hi. Not one even acknowledged me. I browsed through the whole store and it was like the staff was avoiding customers. It was odd. read more

Good store but checkout is a nightmare. After having to repeat my phone number twice out loud in a crowded store to prove I was a " member". The clerk had to keep me there making noise that the signature did not exactly matchup credit card signature. When I questioned her hand writing comparison skills I was lectured I guess A better solution would have been, ask to see my drivers license instead of repeating my signature over and over each time having to cancel the transaction n re swipe and re sign. How absolutely ridiculous I was informed that this is a new policy that all credit card companies have enacted a week ago. Guessing this policy is unique to the REI store in Santa Fe. And this clerk was having a bad day read more

This place is truly am amazing REI, and anyone who knows REI knows it's pretty amazing. Think of it like EMS on the east coast, only way way better. Why not 5 stars? Because this is Santa Fe. It's a nice small town that has one of the most unique atmospheres in the world. It's beautiful and *not* corporate. Thus this place is disgusting. Way too big, way too new looking, and super out of place. So while I love the store, the ugly monstrosity that is the new REI building in the railyard gets 1 star. read more

Staff are extremely helpful! When we walked in, within 5 minutes we had 2 staff ask us if they could help us find something. This is what Santa Fe needs more of! I always like checking out their clearance sections since you can get good deals. If you are petite female, I would recommend browsing the girls' section since their large sizes can work. Whenever we stop in, I would say 75% of the time we walk out with something. I am knocking it down a star because they do not carry any tennis clothes. I am surprised since there are so many people who play tennis and there are a high number of courts in this town. read more

Support your local bike shop! I went in just to see if I could use their bike pump. I had two Stan's goo tubes (the best fyi) and I forgot which one was flat. The attendant took the good tube and pumped it till it blew up. He was kind enough to give me two new Slime brand tubes but they're a far inferior product. Two Slime tubes don't equal one Stan's simply put. Thumbs down for carrying overpriced, inferior products. I'm an REI member btw but I'd rather go local and online if necessary. read more

I really love this store. Plenty to choose from, very friendly staff. A little hard to get to because of Santa Fe tourist but well worth it. Join for $20, received a $20 gift card to use on another purchase. Earn 10% on your purchases and a pass to the Garage Sale on 9/22. 75% of profits are donated!!!!!!!!!!!! read more

Review for Member's Garage Sale/Used Gear Sale: Summer. Pay parking behind the building. Arrived around 7:30am, to a crush of 30 people standing not in a line. Got very crowded right before the doors opened. We were all let in at once to the small room. Frenzy is the word to describe this first wave of people. I had things grabbed out of my hands (!) and was jostled/shoved/pushed repeatedly. Shoes were in the hallway and beyond. Lots of shoes- sport and dress. Good prices on things. Not a ton of gear overall (compared to what I was used to in CA.) Got less crowded after the first wave and was able to find new running shoes, yoga pants, rechargable headlamp, jet-boil, and a large hydroflask water bottle for about $100 total. read more

Ridiculous how they promote their membership by issuing a $20 bonus card that expires literally 1 week after issued. It's $5 to become a member by the way smh. read more

Came on a weekday afternoon and parking was easy. I parked behind the REI - and all the parking seems to be Pay for Parking (after buying the ticket, you have to display it on your dash before heading into the stores). I was finally able to find not one pair, but TWO pairs of hiking pants that were actually in my size (petite)! I have spent the last 6 months trying to find a pair in my size at the REI in my hometown and finally found it here while on vacay. My friend was surprised at being able to find a jacket (in size extra small) and a pair of boots that fit just right. Great customer service - I didn't have to wait long to get into a fitting room and my friend got great help with her boots. I forgot my REI membership card at home but they were able to look me up by phone number. read more

Awesome store with fantastic, knowledgeable, happy people! Thanks for the help with the KEENs Pete! I'll see ya'll soon! read more

I have had 4 great experiences with REIs bike shop this past spring. Joshua helped put a bike rack on my car and then helped me again when I had a question about it. He came out to my car in the parking lot and explained the rack so well. He really knew what he was talking about. The bike shop tuned up 2 of our bikes and did an excellent job at a low price. They had quoted me almost twice as much as they charged me so I was happy about that. I also had the bike shop (Stan) put on a baby bike seat which they didn't charge me for the service, which took about 20 minutes. I feel comfortable and confident the seat is on safely. I didn't even need to make an appointment for that. I am impressed by the great customer service. read more

Can't say enough good things about this company right now. I lost my $500 gift card and was feeling hopeless and devastated. Called REI to see if there was anything that could be done. Bc I was an REI coop member, they were able to find the gift card and assure it hadn't been spent yet. They they reissued my card!! Most companies are stoked if you lose a gift card cause they already got your money and now nothing leaves their warehouse but this company puts the customer first! Thank you REI!! read more

Have had awful customer service there. Most recently, returned an item bought there with the tags still on it and was only able to get a store credit. I am a member and have been for years, but I rarely shop here because it is overpriced and my customer service experience has not been good. read more

Today I went into this establishment and was not happy about the visit. I bought a water system and when I went to check out the cashier asked if I was a member. I told her no then she made a big deal about me not being one and how stupid I was for not being one. She charged me twice and sent no one to go get me. I came back in for the refund and will not return to this shit hole REI. read more

REI used to be a great institution, but it has certainly fallen in terms of variety of merchandise, fair pricing and quality of employees. I went in on an empty January Monday and had to wait a very long time for the employees to finish conversing with one another before I could try on a shoe. I had called the store and asked if they had a big selection of a certain kind of shoe and gave them my size. The person on the phone said, yes, they absolutely did have a lot of choice in my size in that particular kind of footwear. The store had just one pair in my size, in reality, when I went in later that day. The store did not offer much variety in any sizes. The bike shop mechanics are also not as good as they were when the store first opened. They don't explain things to customers and take advantage of ignorance. They used to be top notch, reliable and willing to take the time to explain things to customers. I had my bike serviced well there when it was fairly new. The store manager comes across as very uninterested in customer service, too, sadly. I spoke to him about my dissatisfaction, calmly and politely, and he totally brushed me off. He didn't even leave me with the feeling that while we might disagree, he had listened to me fairly and tried to explain his position to me. I have had better customer service experiences at Walmart, where I am a faceless number, not a member. read more

I've been an REI member for over 25 years, love the organization, and have shopped their stores all over the country. The level of customer service I've encountered in the Santa Fe store is the lowest I've ever encountered in REI stores anywhere. I have to attribute this to poor management. Additionally, I bought a new bike there and recently brought it into the REI shop for its first servicing. Afterwards, the bike didn't feel right. I took it to a local bike shop who found that the bottom bracket was finger tight, the headset was loose, and the derailleur bolt was also finger tight. I was standing next to the tech when he discovered these things. I probably can't do anything about the level of management at this store but I can certainly avoid their bike shop and recommend others do too. read more

I love buying my shoes at REI. They are attentive and go out of their way to suggest great shoes that will work well for my feet. They will quickly order a pair of shoes in my size, delivered to my door, if they do not have it in stock. Great store for clothes, supplies and bikes. read more

I limit my review to the bicycle department. First class repairs. This town has several interesting ma and pa bicycle places, but you know what? The techs at REI beat them all. I've been here several times and they are always knowledgeable and helpful. Once, with a defective tire, they replaced it without muss or fuss. I guess the best techs gravitate to the place with benefits. No surprise there. Also, pretty good deals on bikes from time to time. I feel like a dweeb recommending a national chain, but that's the way it is. read more

Staff was extremely helpful. Selection was as good as any REI I've been to. Only downside is no free parking. Bring change for the meter or the Pay-to-Park machine. read more

This stuff lasts, so it's worth the price. Staff is very helpful and informed. They're also pleasant.

The Walmart of the great outdoors. Useful, expensive, typical rei store. Often have sales which make things seem just a bit overpriced. It's not bad but I am sick of them asking if I'm a member of the club cult. read more

Great store in a beautiful location. But like all rei's there is of course, that stereotypical young person that is just too cool for everyone. Santa Fe REI has him in their bike department. read more

Yes, the building looks out of place. Yes, it is a bit pricey. Yes, I love it. The sale racks are pretty amazing. Last week I got a beautiful Columbia sweater for $35 instead of $80! Also, my sister got to test-ride a bike through the store for an hour or so (she's 4, but some stores still don't let kids do that). And the staff was quite helpful and nice. Large selection as well. read more

My friend and I walked in looking for a little help making a decision on a hiking pack for upcoming trips. We walked out with a head full of amazing knowledge, tips and amazing stories! We were assisted by Tom and he helped us pick out a hiking pack, sized it and made sure it was right for what we needed. He then assisted us on sleeping pads and even water filtration. The amount of knowledge that this employee had was unbelievable! Amazing experience and leaning opportunity today at this rei, absolutely recommend coming and asking any questions and getting advice on gear before any adventure! read more

This is not review of the San Francisco store. I had a bad online experience with REI. First of all they seem to have lost my co op membership information. They gave me a number and then when I was checking out another rep. said "sorry that is not yours". I gave up on that after arguing with them a little. It took me an hour to do my shopping. For the chat sessions it takes time to get a rep on line. Then I was told they couldn't guarantee that my item will be in because their system is not alway up to date regarding inventory (there is lag). And if you have a return, you pay yourself. Now this is why people shop at Amazon. Very bad customer service experience. read more

Shout-out to Bill in footwear! He provided tons of knowledge and worked patiently with my girl and me, helping us both find some waterproof hiking boots so we could go out and enjoy the frosty local trails during our holiday trip. Big thanks to Bill and to all the cool folks working at this shop, highly recommended! read more