I was pretty floored with the awesome service I experienced today. I'll preface with this -- the prices aren't great, so over the years I've mostly shopped on Amazon and at Target for my camping gear. However, when my BF needed climbing shoes I knew we needed a little more expertise than reading reviews on Amazon could offer. We walked up to the climbing shoes and within seconds Sean offered us assistance. I was looking at the cheapest pair, and without any judgement he told me they would work great for his skill level and where we're climbing, and went to get him a couple of sizes to try on. He was patient and had my BF climb a little on a pole to test them out. It honestly felt like he wanted us to walk out with the right pair of shoes, not just trying to make a sale. We were then meandering around the sleeping bag sacks when I needed a price check, Bruce helped us out and when I laughed that I wanted the cheaper bag, he actually told me that the cheapest bag was his favorite because it kept spiders out of his sleeping bag when storing it in his garage. I wanted to hug the man because I hadn't even thought of that, but it's exactly what I needed. On our way to the checkout Bruce mentioned the new pair of climbing shoes, and in the most beautiful upsell I have ever experienced told us how he likes to wear thin polypropylene socks with his climbing shoes to stop blisters. I swear Bruce is a mind-reading angel because by BF (while I do love him) has sweaty feet and that will help him tremendously. Basically, the slightly higher price is worth it for the experience and customer service you'll experience. Thank you, Sean and Bruce!! read more

My go to place for outdoor gear. The people that work here are so knowledgeable and are a pleasure to ask questions of. They give welcomed excellent advice. Bicycle tire and tubes are competitively priced, so no need to shop around looking for a better price. The whole store carries quality merchandise, so everything is a good buy. read more

Horrible customer service if any! As other yelpers stated, you gotta have some "look" for someone to even get service???? You'd think since their stuff is so darn pricy, they'd care if customers are happy? Not the case- so I decided to go to Nordstrom Rack and TJ Maxx and found what I was looking for at half the price or even less. Not worth the trouble! read more

This is a smaller REI store, but they still have a lot of fun stuff. I am a huge fan of REI. I like the company's commitment to the outdoors, and they have tons of cool gear. I also like the yearly dividend and generous returns policy. This store is scheduled for an expansion, but I hear that is not going to happen very soon. It will be nice to see a larger box, but in the meantime, they generally have what I want. The staff has been very friendly and helpful whenever I have gone in. If they don't have what you want in stock, you can always order it and have it shipped to the store. read more

The staff was very patient and helpful in answering questions and guiding me to the right cargo roof rack for my nephew

I've been a member of REI for years. I've shopped at their stores all over the US. But I won't be shopping at the Santa Rosa store anytime soon. I really like REI. But, I like good customer service more. I went in the store this morning to buy a pair of light hiking shoes. I had a couple of brands in mind that received good reviews online. There were two people in the shoe department. When I arrived, one of them took off. The young lady left behind really couldn't have cared less whether I bought any shoes or not. The store was out of both models I asked about. Now, you'd think that she might have asked me what kind of hiking I was doing, what I wanted in a shoe, and maybe even suggested that I try on a couple of shoes. I mean, this store does sell shoes, and I was in the store to buy shoes. But no, she, just said, "sorry" when the two pairs I asked about were out of stock. Wow. This kind of apathetic service is such a shame. So I drove over to Sonoma Outfitters, where the customer rules, and bought a great pair of Vasque shoes. Not the brand I was looking for, but Evan, the gentleman who waited on me asked all the right question and put me into the right shoe. So if your tired of a store that doesn't really care about you as a customer, check out Sonoma Outfitters. It makes shopping fun when you get great service. read more

I've always loved this big, wonderful store. There is just about everything you need for all kinds of outdoor activities. I've shopped at REI for years, but have always thought their merchandise was overpriced. That feel was confirmed today when I bought a great pair of Teva leather sandals. I was so impressed with them, that I went home and ordered a another pair for my athletic daughter who lives in Michigan. I ordered them from Amazon, where the exact same sandals were offered for $20 less with free shipping!! From now on I'm "looking around" at REI and buying what I see from a place that offers it at a fair price. read more

Ah not sure why this REI doesn't have a better star rating but I'm going to write my review before I read others based on my experiences here...I've been to this location a number of times now and have always had a good experience. The staff is always helpful, going above and beyond. And they usually have what I went for - or have been helpful with placing orders. And also very helpful with products and any questions! I will continue come to this location! read more

Disappointing visit to this location. Poor inventory, mediocre service, long line ALWAYS. And much to my dismay, no military discount. I purchased a The North Face jacket that I was planning to buy at the The North Face store but opted to purchase it here. The North Face store supports our veterans with a discount. I'll be sure that any other purchases of The North Face brand will not be with REI. read more

I have gone into REI for the last time ever. Too many times I have taken items based on the "Sale price" only to get to the register and have my total will not match up with the items I selected. They had five or six clothing items on sale today I asked the clerk to check each one based on prior bad experiences each and everyone was three times the advertised price. This after I match the tag with the sale sign to the best of my ability. In my opinion REI runs a bait and switch game on their customers constantly they constantly try to induce you into thinking you're buying an item for less than they actually charge. This is an experience that I have had on several occasions and today was the last want to ever. Never going to set foot in the Santa Rosa REI again read more

I will never complain about the lifetime membership here at Canada's equivalent MEC. $5. That's it. Oh well, their labour day sale totally bailed me out on my road trip. I did take a bit of a detour from the coast highway, but I needed my tea. Mostly, I needed a stove to make water boil. Success. Found a half price stove here. Ignored the pitch, and booked it back to Highway 1. Cheerio! read more

I like this REI. I can always get help and they have a *great* selection of what you're looking for. The stuff is also of really good quality plus you can't beat the REI return policy. Gear is pricey, but you do get what you pay for. Join the Co-Op and get a ~10% rebate back from your eligible purchases at the end of the year. It pays off after a couple visits! read more

Hey man, I like REI. Decent selection and friendly staff. Getting to talk to the friendly staff can be a challenge and if you aren't a card carrying REI frat member you can be treated like a ginger. The primary reason I don't give REI a higher rating is they stamp REI on everything. It's like chicks that wear shorts with PINK or JUICY on the butt, I don't want to be an REI ad. I freely admit I don't know what REI stands for but it's the same reason I don't want Macy's on my polo. read more

I had the pleasure of purchasing 2 pair of hiking shoes this past Wed... The salesperson (Jacob) waited on me... He said that the biggest sale of the year started Fri. He told me to call in Fri for the discount! Fantastic! Where else do you get service like this? Rei and Jacob are the best! read more

Where else can you get clothes and shoes where your man has no problem hangin' with you? The staff is always friendly, I get dividends for being a member... AND they have KAYAKS! and CROCKS! and cool jackets! (In singsong) These are a few of my favorite things!!! I can't help it - whenever I get to go to REI, I get so happy! It is a happy place to go! read more

REI - Bikes Near Me - Santa Rosa, California

Brandon was so great! He helped my boyfriend and I out from the moment we walked into the door to the moment we checked out. It's so refreshing to talk to someone who shares a genuine passion for the outdoors and can give quality recommendations for gear and equipment. Thank you Brandon and good luck achieving your pilots license! read more

I never get tired of REI. Unlike box stores, REI staff are knowledgable and committed to helping you. I went in for some bike gear, and even though they were closing soon, the staff took their time to help me find the shoes and pedals I wanted. And they even told me that the items I was buying would be discounted in the upcoming sale, so I should save my receipt and come back in a week to take advantage of the discount. In the end, I saved $40 and got a better deal than on Amazon. Thanks guys! read more

Very helpful, knowledgeable, and friendly staff. It's almost like they love there job...which is very refreshing compared to other sports sores like BIG 5,, where they could care less if you were in the store. There has not been a visit were I was not greeted within one minute, " Can I help you find anything" I usually say no as I frequent REI weekly looking for that cycling gear deal or Cliff Bar special. Best sports store in town for our friends and family. read more

I visited the Santa Rosa REI today and there were tons of staff but they seemed bothered when I asked the price on the gravity water filter. I was also looking for an insulated mug but all they could muster was a grunt and point...of course there were no mugs. read more

Always a great spot to spend money. I enjoy that the staff is encouraged to be active. Its nice to talk to someone with hands on experience with the item I come into buy. read more

Good variety for all your outdoor needs. The staff is pretty friendly and helpful and if they don't know the answer, they always offer to find the person there that does. There clearance section is always great, as well as their members' sales, but their regular prices are a tad high. read more

I come here alot, but mostly to shop their clearance sections of shoes clothing - don't get me wrong, everything is GREAT here, I just also like a deal when I buy things. I came here when planning my two weeks out in the biter cold of MN in January... they had just about everything I needed for hand warmers, and neck gaitors and layers and socks and sock liners - I couldn't have been happier. have tried a few of their clinics they offer as well - really great info. They even have a great return policy about items bought there, which I'm going to test out, cause recently I got a pair of hikers, that have metal coming through the heel after 2 wearings... read more

We shop here on occasion, mostly for shoes or their great wool socks. My husband is a fireman and always wears the wool socks he buys at REI with his work boots. As a member, we get dividends on our purchase which is always nice. The staff always seems knowledgable and are friendly and willing to assist. Not much need to outdoor gear yet, but we are planning on needing some in the future and we will shop at REI for sure. read more

Everyone I encountered today was very helpful and friendly (Julia and Sebastian). I came to return a pair of running shoes but after talking to Shauna I kept them, and she showed me how to adjust them to fit perfectly. Thanks REI team! read more

Who could ever say anything bad about REI? Join the co-op and get their credit card, and you get 15% back dividend on every item you purchase for life. Pretty sexy stuff. read more

Just came up to the local REI REI to buy something to support the local store getting back open now that it's safe enough. The staff was phenomenal and they have a great set of safety rules in place to keep their employees and customers safe. They are a little low on stock as you would expect right now but they are doing their best and I was happy to be able to buy a couple things that I did fine. Well done read more

REI is an outstanding place to shop for outdoor gear. The staff is helpful, knowledgeable, and willing to spend time helping you. My only complaint is that the store is too small so the selection is a bit limited. Especially the Men's general outdoor clothing section. Also, they tend to have very drab men's shirts. Something a little more colorful would be great - like Tommy Bahama (but not necessarily that brand). They also hold very interesting and informative classes. The Bicycle maintenance classes are the tops! Some of the free, general outdoor sessions (e.g. hiking the California Coast) though are poorly executed lectures using 20 year old slides, little more than book promotions. As it's a cooperative, the prices are competitive, and members get back a "dividend" on their purchases over the year. read more

This is one of my favorite places to go when I have some $$ in my pocket! Aside from my annual shoes purchase here (love the Keens); I have gotten most of my family's camping equipment here. Great selection of tents, sleeping bags, clothing,etc. I always enjoyed going to the Berkeley REI when I was a kid, and it has been great having one here in Santa Rosa. They just blow away the local competition. The sales associates all are knowledgable, helpful, and seem to love their jobs. Thanks REI! read more

The best part about REI is you can return anything you are not satisfied with. They have changed the policy to put a time limit on certain items (return within a year or something), and this is reasonable. I recently returned some boots which were killing my feet. The thing was that I tried almost everything with these boots, so when I brought them back they didn't look new. Took them back no problem. The only reason I don't give them five stars is they had these boots in the first place, and some of the equipment in stock is limited. E.g., went there for Keens and two out of three models in my size (men's 10) were out of stock. read more

Best staff ever. Very nice and helpful and I love how environmental they are :) REI has some of the best customer service I've had in ither similar stores with large selections. If you don't have a membership here already you should get one. read more

So I went here today to pick up some cycling shoes. Looking to spend about $250 for the shoes and clips. There was one older gentleman helping another couple with some other bike stuff for their kid, no biggie, we waited. But after about 15 mins I went to the counter and asked for another person who could answer some questions. The guy at the counter told me the first gentleman was the right guy, I explained that he was busy with another customer and that we had been waiting, so he radioed him. He walked over and said he was helping someone else, that when i told him that i saw that and just asked if someone else could help. Amazingly he said everyone was busy in the back. Again... no biggie because he said he would go get the shoes. When he came back he basically set them down and ran away. I get it, I don't fault the associate, what amazes me is that you have customers waiting but the employees are too "busy" to help? People often wonder why brick and mortar stores are closing.. Customer service is the ONLY reason I shop in an actual store, and when I don't get that, good luck, I'd rather go to Amazon. I think after that Im done with REI, Sportsman's Warehouse in RP is way better and their customer service is great. read more

There is one toilet shared between all male staff and customers. I think this is a bit rediculous for a store this size. I hope the new remodel includes more toilets. Other than that there is great customer service here. The employees are very knowledgeable. I've been a member for about 10 years and love the company. read more

HORRIBLE SERVICE. The 2 staff (managers) I interrupted seemed annoyed I asked them to open the dressing room. One of them then asked me to count the items. I told him he's more than welcome to count my items. (If you do not trust your customers then count the items they take into the dressing room yourself and follow up by counting them when the guest leaves as well or what's the #@!%&&* point?) Instead he rolled his eyes at me and dramictically counted out loud very slowly the 12 items I had in my hand. He also asked to take my backpack from me which holds all of my personal items. I refused as it holds my phone, wallet, keys and many more personal itmes. At this point I just looked at him and said if it makes you feel better you can search my entire backpack when I'm done here. About 2 minutes into trying on the items, I had a staff member ask how everything was going? Then I was followed around while I looked for more items that fit. (Then counted the tiems again but never counted the items afterwards) Super creepy staff. I've been shopping at REI for 30 years. I work in National Parks. I've shaken hands with the orginal CEO, Jim Whittaker. I have thousands of dollars in equipment (not to mention the $250 I spent today) Why make a customer who is about to try on a bunch of clothes feel bad about it; seems counter-productive!? Maybe their staff needs more time outdoors hiking.....or maybe they just need to hire managers that understand customer servcie and lead by example. Disgusting. read more

Fell in love with REI when they first moved to Rosa about a decade ago and have been going ever since, especially since the staff at Marin Outdoors were consistently unfriendly throughout my childhood - and we went alot because Sonoma Outfitters is super pricey... back to REI, love about 90% of the staff, super helpful and always down to share a product tip without boistering over the new REI brands. This last trip a woman helped us put together a complicated camp table then put it away so we could take an unopenned one. But we did run into a snooty sales girl at the register on Monday afternoon - I just can't understand why some clerks have to be so self righteous about working there, its like the girls who work the make-up counters. If you don't look beautiful, or rich, or like you own 20 kayaks you are just another boring insignificant customer. When I asked information about when the next outdoor sale would be, she said "Not this month" and nothing more. I stood there thinking "Okay, where you gonna tell me when, then?" But she didn't, then I think she realized how rude her tone was and tried to chat us up while we were spending close to $100, it was too late. So obvious she snaped at us and no apology. Not this month? Okay, that's fine... but no need to be rude. It sorta ruined the excitement of buying new gear. So I'll give five stars for all the other times I visited and sack that rude register chick with one star so you get three for good effort. Hope she finds another job before we go back. read more

This store is average size. It's pretty clean and the customer service was decent but the selection of clothing is lacking some what.

I really like this store except for how unbelievably small it is. I'm originally from a small city in Alaska, and the REI there is bigger with a larger selection than this one. That said, this has to be THE friendliest and most helpful staff of any REI I've been too, and I've been to quite a few, and that's why I keep coming back. Check it out! read more

I have been to the Santa Rosa REI several times to buy basic clothing items such as warm weather jacket, vest, etc. I have been disappointed most times by the lack of inventory in my very unusual size: MEDIUM! Most recently I was there in early January, driven to find something to stay warm. I wasn't looking for sale items, in which case I could understand the slim pickings. I mentioned the dearth of Mediums to a sales associate who agreed the store had mostly XS and XL in stock. He said he wished he was the buyer because he would see the need for more Medium and have more of those on hand. The checkout person asked me if I'd found everything I wanted and I told her my dilemma as well. Her response was to tell me when the shipments come in. I guess I'm supposed to run my schedule based on when REI gets its shipment of clothes; that's not going to happen. read more

I bought a fairly expensive bike rack last July and have hated it ever since. Yesterday, I decided to bite the bullet and get one that is easier to load and drive with and I'd take the loss. I found the perfect one at REI (bought the last one there too) and asked if they had a buy back program. Unbeknowst to me, they will take back anything within a year's time - even without original packaging - and give a full refund. Maybe it's because I'm a member?? Didn't ask but it's exactly what they did. This was a $350 rack! Apparently, every 2 months they have a parking lot sale and returns are sold at a discount to the public. Everyone wins. Their sale events are phenomenal and their quality is killer. This just put the icing on the cake for me. They have integrity! read more

Friendly and helpful staff, great selection of all sorts of equipment. Especially good selection of minimal running shoes and casual shoes. Prices are higher than a smaller scale outdoors store, but the quality and selection is unbeatable. read more

Superb! I went twice this weekend and the shoe section had many customers with very few employees. But, the employees were supremely efficient and got everyone taken care of. I had a tonne of questions and everyone I spoke to was patient and extremely knowledgeable. I walked in with a lot of foot pain and walked out with my feet already feeling better. And, every employee I spoke to in the store was genuinely friendly and relaxed. I asked several things that would have gotten me eye rolls at other kinds of stores, but here I was just met with "of course!" & "help yourself!" read more