Recently I spent half a month travelling overseas on a guided tour. My preparation rested largely on buying clothing and accessories from REI. I have to say that REI more than fulfilled my expectations. The Osprey backpack that the sales associated recommended that I buy was superb (I'm so glad I didn't get the Rick Steves backpack). The North Face daypacks I got on sale, the Coolmax socks, etc. were quality. The sales associates were very knowledgeable and as nice as could be. I had a difficult experience at the downtown Nordstrom store shopping for some $220 Ecco hiking shoes. The store clerks there, by comparison were smarmy. In short, even though I had not often gone to REI to buy street clothing, I became convinced that this is the store in the future I will go to for these and other needs. read more

Well the store is HUGE, so not great if you were in a hurry like me...but who cares!!? And it was clean and badass inside. AMAZING LUKE in the roof rack installation dept. was INCREDIBLY helpful and informative and kind. I came in with a hack-show used bike rack I got of Craigslist (NEVER AGAIN WILL I BUY USED) and he was able to sort out every aspect of the assembly so that it worked perfectly. It's better than it ever was before. And he is handsome to boot! If this is anything to compare the entire Flagship store to, five stars all the way through. read more

DO expect a great selection at this location. DO expect to pay a little more for high quality brands- but DO expect their products to last. DO take advantage of the free weekend parking in the garage (note: the parking spaces are tiny, sometimes difficult to find a spot and it seems to be designed with the intention of pedestrians getting run over-- but free is free!) DO get a latte at Vivace Espresso across the street before shopping. DON'T get frustrated if you can't get help from a salesperson on the weekend. The staff at this location is great, but it's difficult to overcome a 50:1 customer/staff ratio. DON'T forget to signup for a lifetime membership ($20). You get a rebate every year based on what you buy. Overall great store, great selection. A bit crowded on weekends, and I wish they had a 2nd staircase to get to the upper level, but highly recommended nonetheless. read more

What is not good about the REI Flagship store? They have thought about it all....down to the pick ax door handles on the doors, the bike testing area, the waterfall and serene picnic area, it's an oasis from the bustling city two steps away. One second you are on a sidewalk and the next you feel the relaxing calm of water and trees...amazing. There is a World Wrapps on the upper floor, a gigantic climbing wall, they have a BOOK each month of free or close to free activities through them, plus, they have rentals. What you say, yeah, I know. Today when I went to go pick up my order that I bought on line that I spent my dividend check on (what's this you ask? I'll explain in a second), it was a little difficult to find the pick up area. It's past the bikes in the lower level with the rentals, and they have tons of rentals, I was quite schooled and by being a member I get quite the discount. So my dividend check. At the end of each year I get 10% cash back for what I spent in the store, a check to spend on whatever I want.....it's pretty awesome, AND I get 20% off everyday items. Because I'm a runner the $10 fee was a no brainer and it's not a yearly fee it's one time.... Let's see what else makes them wonderful? Oh yeah, their next to none customer service....I think I have only seen similar at places like Costco. I was standing in line and this person was returning something that I was thinking there is no way, NO WAY, they are going to take that, and they did, no question....where that customer's moral compass was, I don't know but way to be the bigger person REI. So, the only thing I would change would be on the maps instruction on how to get to the lower level. But no worries if it's your first time getting there they have amazing staff and they will "show you the way". read more

Very cool store: Beautiful landscaping outside; very cool displays they have inside; lots of awesome products; and the staff is very knowledgeable and helpful -they also offer courses (how to use a compass, etc). Also, there's an excellent restaurant upstairs. read more

Phenomenal location in one of the largest outdoor center as I've ever been to. It was impressive just how hyperfocus they were in each department. They even had my jacket in a 2X. Customer service was very pleasant and always there to help. read more

REI - We were both able to get a jacket in our size. - Outdoor Gear Near Me - Seattle, Washington

Very poor experience today Staff fearful and condescending. Stay away until pandemic passes.

Avoid shopping at this location during COViD. We have come to this location for years, but went here today and I have to say this was the worst shopping experience of my life. It was so bad I honestly question if I will ever shop at REI again. You have to wait 30-45 minutes to get in due to the reduced capacity, which was fine, but once we got inside the shelves are bare, they are just out of stock of just about everything. The staff is frazzled and confused, they don't seem to know where things are or what's going on with their stock. We went to purchase camping supplies and new bikes for our kids, they have essentially no sleeping bags in stock except for the $300+ bags, they have only a handful of bikes in stock, like absolutely bare bones. We were able to find one bike and it literally took 2 hours of waiting to get checked out and by the time it was our turn to finally pay we were told that the bike was sold to someone else. Worse than that though, instead of apologizing and trying to make it right or even acknowledging what happened and how crappy the situation was, they were rude and told us we shouldn't expect "instant gratification." Ha. Literally exactly what we were told after being sold a bike that we were told was available and was ours and we would just need to wait to ring it up and for them to do paperwork which took nearly two hours. Anyways, like I said, avoid this store for the next year or so, nothing in stock, long waits everywhere and rude/ inexperienced staff. read more

I have always enjoyed shopping at any of the REI locations. I have always received outstanding customer service. I laugh at the idiotic comments by Wake U (11/15/2019) and Brent B (6/16/2019). Wake U, I suspect you were the one on crack, not the employee, and Brent B get over yourself, new laws have been passed that only REAL service animals are authorized inside of stores. I am tired of people bringing in their pets into stores, post offices, air ports, libraries, etc. etc. etc.... A service animal is for people who truly need assistance not for spoiled brats! Thumbs up REI :) 10 Stars read more

Well, as average my rating makes this sound, I spend a lot of money here! So one of the thing that I love about REI include the return policy, especially being a memeber, because I don't need the receipt. I love the dividend, because I can always find something to buy there! Their garage sale downstairs rocks and is the first place I go in the store on EVERY visit. The things that I don't like so much are the prices. Doing a little price comparison will get you someplace that isn't REI more often than not. I tend to buy most items from Second Ascent, Outdoor & More or one of the other dozen 'outfitters' in town. I also wish the staff was more knowledgable. I wouldn't recommend buying something that you don't know much about there. At least go to a few different places and look things up online so you can make an informed decision and not just get something sold to you. That said, I have better luck there during the day than on the weekends or evenings. read more

Used to be you'd go to REI and you'd have to make sure you knew your stuff. There were some people around, but you never knew if you were going to find someone who actually knew something about your sport. But I gotta say, my last few experiences there have shot that down. I went in for bike shoes last week, something I absolutely hated to spend money on, and I found a person immediately who knew what I needed to hear. Then I called later, and that person was gone. The person I got on the phone knew more. I went back the next day, and got someone entirely different... and she knew a lot. I spent $240 on shoes. To my utter amazement. But I felt certain I'd gotten the right thing. I dig the place. Great bunch of gear, and I've found if I just say, "is there someone who really knows about..." I'll get directed to the resident geek on GPS enabled mosquito repellent packable tent snowshoes. So git yer ass outside. read more

This is how REI loses lifetime members to Amazon: I had a lifetime membership and it was given to my ex-husband - I was told that "there was nothing that could be done about it," even though I started shopping at REI when they were in the old building on Capitol Hill, with the creosote floors. He was a new member, and my membership preceded his by more than 20 years, and my parent's before me. You suck REI. UPDATE: They contacted me, re-instated everything, and did right by me. It was a depressing experience, but in the end, they reinstated my membership and all is well. read more

Went for a pair of hiking boots, didn't really know what to look for. I received some help from an associate on suggestions but was left on my own after that. Boots didn't fit right and I commented maybe it was the size, but the associate said not likely. Ended up trying on different sizes at another retailer, found a pair in a size up that felt way better. Overall everyone else but the shoe dept was very helpful. read more

REI has never been anything but awesome. We are members and have benefited from the end-of-year bonus every year. We moved to Seattle from Texas last year, and they helped us with everything, from buying gear to learning how to survive in a totally different environment (snow was a foreign concept to us!). The staff is knowledgeable and helpful without being pretentious. Throughout the year we have built up our outdoor equipment collection primarily through REI (snow shoes, gaiters, maps, etc.). We have always received thoughtful and intelligent advice. They also offer the most amazing classes. In the winter, the classes are about how to prepare for and survive in the snow and in winter conditions. We took a backcountry camping trip with them to Rainier National Park last March and it was AWESOME. We learned tons of practical information and had the experience of a lifetime as well. The guides were fantastic. We learned so much about how to be successful in winter conditions. The return policy is also amazing (for members at least). REI is consistent and fair in its policies. On top of everything, the flagship store is a destination in and of itself. It has a waterfall and hiking/biking trails as well as a climbing wall for goodness sakes! ' In a word, REI ROCKS! read more

A REI unlike any other! The trail leading up to the store was beautiful with the waterfalls and greenery. It was a little confusing trying to take the right stairs and find the correct way in, but they placed signs strategically to help you find the way. They carry more products than most REIs do and you have the ability to test out the product before purchasing (sleeping bags/pads, bikes, etc). If you're in the area and have time to visit the flagship store, it's definitely worth a visit even if you arn't looking to purchase anything. read more

WAY too few associates on the floor for a busy Saturday. Waited approx 15min until I could finally flag someone down. She said she couldn't help me because it wasn't her dept. Ironic that the flagship store has the worst service of all the REIs. Have had a really good cust service experience at other REIs. read more

Absolutely amazing outdoors megastore. This place puts every other sports/outdoors store to shame....the sheer size of the place is daunting, as you walk in you almost feel like you are still...well outside. And of course the selection is incredible, every little thing you could ever imagine needing in the Cascades or Olympics is here. It's not only a store, but it's a Seattle tourist attraction. read more

REI - Outdoor Gear Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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I always have an excellent shopping experience at the REI. I have never had a question go unanswered. Very informative knowledgeable staff. Great prices and selection! I have bought a lot of outdoor equipment from REI. read more

I don't get to come to this store often, but when I do, it's always a pleasure! I visited the store today after discovering a sweater in the size and color I wanted was available at this location. The visit itself was enjoyable. Our toddler got to play upstairs and had a good time. We easily found the sweater I wanted and the boots we were looking for for my daughter. To purchase these items, we had several gift cards and a mix up with one of them. Kirsi was helping us and she was great. I absolutely hate being a pain in ass customer and spent many years in retail myself so I realize I was definitely a pain in the ass! So anyway...without trying the sweater on, I bought it and drove all the way home. Wouldn't you know, the sweater was pretty roomy and would look much better in a smaller size. I called the Seattle store to find out if they had the smaller size. No such luck, but Scott was very helpful and took my information to notify me possibly at a later date. He told me that several out-of-state stores had the item and that they could ship it to me without shipping costs (seasonal promotion). I end up taking a painful trip to the Alderwood store (thankfully I live close, but still fought lots of traffic). They returned the sweaters but couldn't order the other one for me. I went on to call the Boulder, CO store, and they were also incredibly helpful! I'm going to write a review for their store after I'm done with this one! I truly appreciate how each interaction I had with all the different employees was very patient and accommodating. Everybody went above and beyond for me. Much love to you, REI! The moral of the story is try your damn clothes on before you buy them! read more

I love REI. I wish I could afford everything I want from there. But I am writing this review for a talk I attended on Monday. Trailside First Aid for Dogs presented by Dr. Newby from Loyal Family Veterinary Hospital. The room was packed! Chairs full, plus people standing. She did amazing! Covered how to do a basic exam, signs to look for when your dog is in distress ie. hyperthermia, hypothermia, shock, bee sting, spider bite, injured limb etc. She had great advice on how to carry your injured dog down a mountain, things to be careful of, things to watch for. What the essential items are to carry in a first aid kit for your dog, and so much more. She answered questions through her whole lecture and was throwing out vet wrap to the audience. I learned a lot, and took away some great new knowledge. I definitely recommend anyone who takes their dog out hiking attend this lecture - or one similar! Thanks REI for having great opportunities like this. read more

So the REI in seattle is absolutly a pradise for backpackers, cyclists, campers or any outdoor activity you can think of. The staff is very helpful, and you can find the anything you can think of. It takes time to go through the all store sonce it really big. The only downsize is the prices. Other than that it's the perfect place be equiped in. read more

I visited the REI Seattle store today and feel so inclined to write a review. I love this store. I was assisted in the shoe department by Patrick who was incredible in helping me purchase the perfect shoe for my next hiking adventure. I then went to the cycling department where I was greeted by Mike. This gentleman has helped me out in the past and I seriously can't say enough about how kind, helpful, and patient he is. He helped me fit my bike and get the perfect adjustments for my next ride. These two humans made my day. They deserve to be recognized for their exceptional customer service. I love REI because of them. Thanks Mike and Patrick! read more

REI is a great place to go for gear and essentials for the outdoors. The store layout is perfect and most of the the staff are incredibly helpful. However, don't go asking about tips on preventing Bear Attacks. I went in for a bear bell, I walked out feeling like the fellow that helped me was acting snobby over my choice. Bear bells are a useful tool, and it's always better to try and prevent a bear encounter instead of resorting to "clapping your hands loudly and stomping your feet" when you do happen to come across a black bear. Love it there, but that was pretty lame. read more

An adventurers paradise extremely friendly people and amazing gear! I love coming here! They have a huge variety of anything you could possibly want or need for a camping trip read more

As a customer myself for over 9 years I am repeatedly amazed by REI's products, service staff, and commitment to the recreational community! Everything about REI makes me feel very good about spending my hard earned dollars in their stores as well as the online site. This past weekend I scored some great Merrell cross trainers as well as two nice warm sweaters, for when I return to Seattle later in the year. I was sooo pleased -- as always -- with the service as no less than three people helped me in both the footwear and apparel departments. :) I put REI up there with Nordstrom, See's Candies, and Disneyland in their commitment to the customer. Keep up the OUTSTANDING work gang! Luv ya lots!!! read more

I was at this store on Aug. 17th with my Sister in law, my kids, nephews and nieces. The treehouse for the kids is worth visting. The restaurant adjacent to the play area makes the entire visit pleasant. I'll be back for sure. A Leatherman Style CS is only $19.95 at REI. read more

This is the most beautiful REI I've ever been to! We stopped by the evening before heading to Olympic National Park and found ourselves spending a good amount of time just wandering around and admiring the gorgeous displays. It's got a test trail for bikes, a large test route for your hiking shoes, and almost about everything you may need. They even have a park ranger station! Like all REIs I've been to, the staff are friendly and customer service is just stellar. read more

Let's talk about being a nerd. I was a boy scout back in junior high/high school. I was a cub scout/webelos before that. I got my Eagle Scout rank, and then volunteered as an adult leader for my old troop. Yep. Let's all scream it together, "Revenge of the Nerds" style: NEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEERRRRRRRRRRRDS! I quit for a while in junior high, got caught doing graffiti, and was put right on back in the troop. My first project back as a boy scout was... you guessed it! Painting out graffiti. My dad was our scoutmaster, and loved it so much he continued on for at least 15 years after both my brothers and I had gotten our Eagle ranks and moved on. You read that right. All three of us are Eagle Scouts. That's a lot of NEEEEEEEEEEEERRRRRRRRD going on in my family. Part of being a boy scout was camping. I grew up in the inner city of Los Angeles. There wasn't a whole lot of nature around; we had to travel to get to it. We didn't naturally come equipped with outdoor skills like some of my small town bsa brethren, who learned to fish, hunt, track, camp, etc. from like birth. No, our skills were in skateboarding, climbing onto the roofs of buildings and getting chased by police helicopters, and fighting with other boy scouts troops at Camporees, which were big competitions between troops that tested our boy scout skills. The Boy Scout Motto is "Be Prepared." Places like REI were heaven to us back then, and still are in a weird nostalgic way, to me now. Once a month our troop would head out somewhere and do something like camping, skiing, rock climbing, rappelling, or bicycling. Basically anything would get us out of our neighborhoods and away from the inner city trouble surrounding us growing up in the 80s and 90s. We'd walk into a big camping store like this REI in the middle of the city and our imaginations would run wild with all the adventures we could have out in the woods, all the gear at our finger tips for any scenario we could imagine. Recently, the surviving members of my NEEEEEEEEERRRRRD family (brothers, dad, and aunt) decided to get together and go camping at a place we used to camp out when I was knee-high to a grasshopper. Kind of a family get-together. I started digging around in my garage and realized I had nothing but a tent and a really crappy 20 year old sleeping bag. Definitely not 'prepared.' So I headed to REI. Walking through the aisles, I wound up buying all kinds of crap that caught my eye and reminded me of the those old boy scout days: -Victuals kit (knife/fork/spoon -- I wound up with a serrated spork instead of a three piece kit) --Mess kit (frying pan/pot/bowl that folds together. I had to chuckle looking at it, I think it's the same brand I got on my first cub scout trip 22 years ago) --Ground pad (I got an inflatable kind. Call me a wuss, but I've put in my years of sleeping on hard ground with a rock stuck in my back, and I'm done with that, thank-you-very-much) --0 degree sleeping bag (the feller at REI warned me that a -15 degree would roast me in warm weather. The 0 degree roasted me as well) --First aid kit (an absolute must) --whistle/compass/magnifying glass/flashlight/thermometer combo doo-hickey (I couldn't resist. Whistle in case you get lost. The rest of it just bragging right gear to geek out on with your fellow campers) --Folding camp chair. (I've been wanting one of those for hanging out with my neighbors in their yard drinking beer on warm summer nights anyway) --Waterproof watch with a timer (That'll work nicely for sailing as well) I showed up with way more crap than I needed. But, like the old NEEEEEERD I am, I was prepared. read more

REI... how I love thee!! I recently purchased a hiking pack and hiking boots and could not be happier!!! I tried them out this past weekend and cannot wait to get back out on the trails! The quality of merchandize that REI sells is fantastic, and the prices are pretty reasonable. The store is huge so make sure to give yourself lots of time to see everything! I've been to the store twice now, and I still have not seen the whole store!! And oh man, if I could have a shopping spree this might just be the place I would chose.... there are so many amazing items to make your life so much better!!! The store has knowledgeable, friendly staff that want to help you, and REI offers classes to teach you about things like climbing and kayaking. I cannot say enough good things about this place! So if you haven't taken a trip to the Seattle REI yet, get your butt in there... and have fun!!! read more

It was my first time at the MECCA flagship REI store (which I can hardly believe myself). Am I the only one intimidated by this store? There is just so much to look at and so many doo-dads that I have no idea what to do with. It's a beautiful store though and I just popped in to get a new CamelBak, which I found easily enough. But then I wandered around aimlessly for a while looking like a fool and no one asked if I needed help, which was kind of disappointing. I made my purchase and was happy to find that $20 buys you a lifelong membership and you get discounts and coupons (forever, apparently) so if I do become the hiker I aspire to be, at least I'll know where to go for my discounted doo-dads. read more

REI is a good place to hit during their sales (just don't expect to get out in and out in a hurry) and their website usually has some good stuff on clearance. Other than that, most of their stuff is a little on the pricey side for me. But it is a good place to go and drool over expensive outdoorsy gear, or get ideas. read more

I'm in REI heaven! I don't know what I liked more, after the freaking 30 block walk from the ferry... yeah I am that crazy! So, I finally schlepped my weary ass into the entrance of the Seattle REI. Wow, a oasis of forest in a block of Downtown Seattle, right next to a freeway. Me: Holy Mother of God, that was a freaking long walk... Me: Well I guess I will have gotten my steps for the day... Me: I wish I didn't have to walk up stairs now... Me: Wow a waterfall... Me: Cool Columbia pants for the same price as the Columbia Store I passed and don't want to walk back by now, cuz I am tired and my feet are killing me... Me: Most of the people here are friendly, but not the lady near the electronics area... Me: I think my feet are recovered, I guess I will hoof it back to the ferry... Yep, I am just that crazy! Steps 15,600 today, give or take. As you might be able to tell at this point, I was not able to talk anyone else into this good idea, so I spent the day talking to myself... But, you should Go to REI Seattle and take a friend! read more

3 people standing around talking are 3 less people working. Especially when I'm the ONLY one in your department. This is 15 minutesish after I was told someone would be right with me. So clearly someone acknowledged the fact that I was there. Normally I would just shrug it off, as its retail, its going to happen. I get it, I have worked in retail, I know how it is. But when you acknowledge me and say you'll be right with me, and then 15 minutes later walk right past me out of the section, that's just rude. Not to mention a few weeks ago I was buying a new pack and I asked some guy for help, he was putting away packs in the pack section, and said to me "I don't work in this section you'll have to find someone else." Don't they teach you on the first day that when a customer asks for help and you can't help them for whatever reason you say "Let me grab someone who can better assist you". On more than one occasion I have found myself standing alone in a vast sea of gear but no helper bee to be found. I will give two thumbs up however for the footwear section, they are always eager to help out. Damn you REI and your corporate America ways. read more

I break into an anxious sweat every time I step into REI. The robust, rosy-cheeked outdoorsy people striding around seem to know what all of that stuff is used for, and it is frankly terrifying. Two stars given in recognition of the fact not everyone shares this neurois. read more

The REI Flagship either has, or can get whatever you need. 3 floors, every sport. A rock climbing wall. Price? usually steep. Very steep. The Clearance racks and the Used Gear Garage are defiantly good spots to keep your eyes out for a deal. This place can get PACKED and crazy, and sometimes too much. They carry mostly top end equipment, for backpacking, hiking, cycling, you name the sport, they've got it. from ultra-lite hiker to the kitchen sink camper. It's easy to get carried away with all the bells and whistles of this years new gear, but often a bulk of the gear is just "glam & Flash", and they do have many items that someone with experience would know was a complete waste of money. Not that the staff isn't friendly, or helpful, just get the right person on the right day. But if they have an inkling that you don't know what you're talking about, or are really looking for, you're going to be up-sold and spend a fortune. Like vultures to roadkill, you'll be bombarded and pitched. Should you escape that, the membership zombies will find you, and next thing you know you'll be a member..."mmmrrr...free wall climb...mrrrr....dividend" It is worth it being a member, the dividend makes up for how much you may have overpaid for something. But as well, for the customer support, it's worth being a member and paying a few bucks here and there. unless I'm way overpaying for something, I will usually get it at REI because of the customer support. ...."mmrrr..did i mention they have me as a member as well? MRRR!!!!" read more

And now, for your reading pleasure, a review of the REI grand opening. I wrote this 4 hours after they opened back in 1996. 9-13-1996 MY REI EXPERIENCE It seemed fitting that the new REI was opening on a Friday the 13th. I've never found those particular Fridays to be any weirder than the other Fridays in my lifetime, but then I've never attended a grand opening like this one. Actually, I don't think that I've ever attended a grand opening of a store before, or at least one that I will never forget, try as I might. This one will certainly remain etched in a corner deep inside the recesses of my brain, right next to the time that I shook Bill Clinton's hand in 1992, or the time I knelt before a toilet in a Hungarian bathroom drunk on East German beer, and threw up. I think I was the only cynical person present, or at least it felt that way, what, with the manufactured enthusiasm of the crowd, documented by every major TV and radio station in the city (a few minor ones as well, I'm sure) and maintained by a sense of some impending retailing cataclysm we were all about to become a part of, forever. I chose not to camp out the night before, which as it turns out was a terrible mistake on my part, for those people who did camp out will forever be able to say, "I camped out the night before REI opened" to which some will hopefully respond, "Get a life. It's a store." It started with the requisite speeches by local politicians, including King County Executive Gary Locke, and Seattle Mayor Norm Rice. Both warmed up the crowd with short speeches on the importance of REI and their own qualifications for being present (the fact that both happen to be running for Governor of the state of Washington was conspicuously not mentioned - I'd have appreciated a little spontaneous debate on the issues. "I'm for trees." "I'm for trees and squirrels."), and the ribbon cutting, followed by the dividing of the crowd into two streams entering the store, one shaking Gary Locke's hand, and one shaking Norm Rice's hand. I shook Gary Locke's hand. It was a firm handshake, and quite satisfying. Not like Bill Clinton, who didn't even go to the trouble of grasping my hand at all, as if the contact of skin were enough to vote for him. It wasn't; I voted for Perot. Holy crap, you are still reading this? I bumped up against the 5000 character limit, so you'll have to read the rest here - http://web.me.com/thomasjohnson/Site/Words.html read more

Always a fun place to go! Great sales & super fri bday helpful staff!! Huge location to stroll through!

It's really a love hate relationship with REI... This location in specific is pretty spectacular, downtown Seattle and right off the freeway makes it easy to get to and find. The hate side is the size of their parking spaces. First hour is free there after it runs about $2 and hour, that's not even the problem, the problem is the spaces and garage layout. Tiny tiny spots that can barely fit two compact cars side by side without hitting the car next to you. I've been there twice and twice got door dings on my brand new car. Then you have people in big SUVs and Trucks that park in compact spots making navigating in the garage itself a stressful situation. The store itself is very large, the largest REI in WA that I know of. They have a large selection of anything and everything outdoor. I don't like that they aren't the cheapest by any means, you can typically find a lot better deals online however what I do love is their return policy. They'll take any product back within a given year, no questions asked, used or new it doesn't matter. In addition to that, they offer a lifetime membership plan (about $20) and you get 10% back on what you spend every year. Upon my last visit we were looking for a few bicycling items and was assisted by an associate who claimed to be a bicyclist but gave very vague responses to specific questions that we had. Requesting sizes was a chore as well as he continually brought out the wrong sizes and misquoted on prices on items - so upon check out the total was much higher than expected. Frustrated and over it, we decided to leave, but the cashier ended up chasing us down a few minutes later and said that she would honor the price that the associate told us it would be. Though we didn't expect it, she did help uphold the integrity of REI. So we came back and bought the items we originally wanted to purchase. Overall, you get what you pay for, the additional costs comes with one of the best if not the best return policy of any company and 10% dividends at the end of the year. Gives me enough love to offset the hate. read more

Had some questions. Spoke on the phone with a manager (?) named Megan. She was rude, spoke to me as if I was a child, and kept repeating the same information that I hadn't asked for. She also ended up hanging up on me, which I thought was disrespectful of a customer. I've never had such terrible customer service on the phone with a company like REI, and I expected a lot more from the flagship store. In person, the employees have been great, so a scenario like this makes me very conflicted. Just because I'm a customer asking questions on the phone as opposed to in the store doesn't mean I should be treated any differently. Very upsetting experience. read more

Great sales and prices but it's sometimes hard to find somebody to help you answer questions about their products without standing in their customer service line. But they've got a great selection of EVERYTHING you might possibly need for your outdoor adventures! read more