The GF and I were toying with the idea of getting new hiking packs when Ian came along and offered us help. It was obvious after a while that we would have been lost without him. He helped pick out perfect sizes, fitted us, helped us test them with weight and told us some very cool backpacking tips. We love REI everytime we go and Ian just made it all the better with his friendly nature, welcoming smile and fun aura. :) read more

I love REI, but this location has a terrible system for the REI garage sale. I was planning to stop by on my way to Olympia as it started at 9 and to get in line. Find out I needed a ticket to enter from 9-12, that they passed out at 730. So I wasn't gonna be able to enter til 12! Website didn't mention any of this and I've never had this experience at any other garage sale. Staff did not care as "it's a way to prevent cutting." Which I get, but for a first time shopper in the store, I was very disappointed in missing out on a garage sale. Thanks Tacoma! read more

I am definately a fan of the store and its a friendly environment. The Items here are definately pretty overpriced. The do price match though. read more

I went into REI Saturday afternoon to buy a new pair of rock climbing shoes. I've recently decided to get back into the rock climbing gym and its been years since I've been active. The store was very busy and I managed to flag an employee down to ask about shoes. I was greeted with a bothersome "Can I help you??" look and the employee almost didn't come over to help. When I inquired about the shoes I wanted I was asked what size. When I replied size 11 the employee then asked me if I knew what that measurement was in euro sizing. I looked at him dumbfounded as I have no idea what that meant or the conversion of the size. After being lectured about determining the size, off he went to find my shoe and figure it out. Frustrated by this, I pulled my smart phone out to figure out the conversion. When the employee came back he gave me the shoebox and the size was in US and Euro! He stood there awkwardly as I tried them on and finally walked away. I'm very disappointed in how I was treated and that more help wasn't offered in a kind respectful manner. Its not my job to convert sizes. As an employee of the store you should be courteous and helpful to make sure customers have a positive experience. I'm disappointed and will find another REI store to go to. If you want to buy shoes I guess you better figure out the conversion in sizes! read more

was told that i was unable to use a fitting room to try on multiple jackets. instead i was directed to a mirror in the middle of the downstairs sales floor directly in front of the main entrance to try on my garments. when questioning the employee if she was serious she assured me she was. i was expected to pile my belongings on the floor and try all of these items on in the middle of the store. I asked my sales associate what their policy was if i was only wearing a bra under my oversized top that i needed to take off to try on this jacket. she just shrugged her shoulders at me. apparently a white girl in uggs and leggings looks like a thief. maybe i should have offered to pay for all of the items to take them into a fitting room to try them on? or i could have left my ID at the register, like at the bowling ally so you don't steal the shoes.... i'll be contacting management in the morning. after discussing this with a friend this evening, both she and her boyfriend were there yesterday using the fitting room to try on outerwear. must have looked less sketchy than i did this evening in my fuzzy boots and tunic top ::eyeroll:: read more

I'm not sure why I used to shop at this store. Their inventory has shrunk and customer service is awful! REI used to be the "Nordstrom" of outdoor supplies. Now it's no better than Walmart. They don't stand behind their products like they used to so you might as well shop at Sports Authority. At least Sports Authority has inventory. Last year they changed their return policy on REI Outlet purchases but kept their REI return policy as the same no questions asked, return it anytime, 100% satisfaction guarantee. Then, they decided that they wanted to change both REI and REI Outlet to the same 1 year return policy. So confusing! Make up your mind, already! So, if you purchased something under the original policy and were not aware of the change and go to return an item after one year you are not grandfathered under your original purchase contract. As an REI member, I was not made aware of their second change to the policy. They say they sent out a letter that probably looked a lot like the other 100 pounds of unopened junk mail, credit card applications, and catalogs that they send me every year. Way to save the environment! But if you ask for a bag for your purchase at a store they look at you like you just wiped out an entire forest. It is so dishonest! What are they going to do next, change their return policy to all items final sale? Since their management is so indecisive I feel that my money is better spent at a company with the integrity to stand behind the purchase contract entered into at the time of purchase. REI has no inventory so everything has to be ordered online. I used to spend a lot if money at REI. Not anymore. I have learned the hard way that they can't be trusted with my hard earned money. read more

Found a pair of snowboard boots . Then proceeded to stand there for over 20 minutes and was ignored until we decided to walk out thanks REI will never do business with you again. read more

I was able to return a defective product today but first had to listen to a lengthy speech from the store manager explaining why it was all my fault. According to this manager you shouldn't store a tent in a garage. What? He made it sound like I need a dedicated indoor gear room in my house. Ridiculous! read more

We went in to look for some maps/guide books as we were planning to visit Olympic National Park the following day. Lisa provided us with some good suggestions for a day-hike, before we even asked anyone for help. She was very helpful for us clueless visitors and amazingly kind. Great customer service!! read more

Oh REI, my guilty pleasure. Although I rarely buy anything from them because they are so expensive. So I guess I shouldn't feel guilty. I am a member and I do buy things once in a while mostly because of their awesome return policy. If I can find an item cheaper elsewhere I will usually take the savings over the REI markup. The staff is knowledgeable, helpful, and kind. I will continue to window shop at REI. My tip is to hit up the REI Garage Sales where members can get excellent deals on barely used items. When I say barely used I mean it. At the last garage sale I found a $400 down parka for $175 that looked brand new. The tag explained that the original owner returned it because it was too warm. TOO WARM?!? It's a down parka designed to keep you too warm! Also if you are ever in Seattle go to the REI flagship store. It is huge and has everything. Including some great clearance bins and racks. read more

Love love love! Friendly costumer service, employees seemed knowledgable about my needs, and I walked away with everything I intended to purchase hassle free. read more

I have always had a good experience going to REI. Good customer service is key for a business like this and they do not drop the ball. I have never had a bad experience with their staff, and to me that says a lot these days. They have a really good selection of outdoor toys and gear to boot. This is my go to place for my momma's Christmas gifts every year; I can always find a few things that she can use. read more

I've been to this location several time, yet I'm not sure why I never have reviewed them. It's great! The service is always good, friendly and helpful. For this visit, I had to exchange a hammock that failed. Sophia was very easy to work with, and even sympathetic to my falling on cement when my Eno Double Nest ripped right up the middle. I'll certainly be back! read more

Very friendly! This one seems less cluttered than the one in tukwila. I live in the middle of both the Tacoma and Tukwila one, and prefer to commute to the Tacoma one. Mind you, both places are very friendly, and helpful!, just this one seems more organized, if you would. They offer quality items at a fair price, a great membership program, a better than anyplace I've ever been to return policy, and a huge smile and great personality from their team members. read more

Abnormally good shopping experience and just when you think you've spent too much, you realize your money was week spent. For a retail store they don't put useless ads in your email inbox every other day. read more

At first I thought they were a bit pricey. But customers are hard out outdoor recreational equipment and REI stands behind their products. I had a sleeping bag I'd bought there 30 years ago. The zipper finally needed replacing and I thought they might be able to direct me to a business that might have long zippers so I could have it fixed. Instead they sent it "in", were able to not only find a zipper but sewed it for me. In less than a week my ancient (but still in great condition) bag is like new again. It was an REI product and they honored their warrantee 30 years later! Paying a little more then was worth it for me now. Watch for their "member" sales for great prices. read more

best store around ..i pay the extra in price so i can return things if im not satisfiead..i always get an honest opinion and am sometimes talked out of buying the most expensive item when the cheaper is just as good..when the store is really busy you might wait a little while for help but you can look around or just ask someone..i love the return policy even though ive only returned items twice..it feels good to know that i will always be satisfied ..its the only store that i will recommend..and nordstroms but they dont have what i wear most read more

My membership # dates to the seventies. I have shopped there for years, and will continue to do so. But it's not as good as it was. I have been through their new employee orientation. They are hiring sales people, not product people. it is obvious in the stores. It is now unusual to find an employee that knows much about a particular product. They are universally "enthusiastic" about it...they just don't know much about it. I called today for an MSR 2L dromedary and water spigot accessory. Not in stock. I could have it in a week, but had to pay for shipping to my house. Amazon Prime had both in stock, for the same price. Two-day shipping. Easy choice! read more

Another store that ended up at, tagging along with my boyfriend on his quest for hiking boots. He was having trouble finding his size and width of shoe, so the employee who helped us just went through all the stock and pulled out all the ones in his size she could find (3 pairs). She was very friendly and helpful, and very patient. She took the time to chat about the boots, how to fit your foot into them, trying them on in the store, etc. Her and the other employee with her, were just very "on it' making sure questions were asked and doing everything they could to be helpful. My boyfriend didn't buy the boots, but since he liked them so much she wrote down the type of boot (including product number) so that he could order them from REI online if need be. She also explained the benefits of REI membership. I was so surprised to find that after all that help, they're NOT commission based. Even at check out, the employees at Returns would call customers from the waiting line whenever they were empty; none of that 'they're not in my line/area-so-I-won't-help-them" stuff. It seriously makes me want to buy a lifetime REI membership (it's a one time fee), and I don't even do any of that outdoorsy stuff! I did buy waterproofing sprays for my bags and shoes, so maybe that's what I'd use it for. read more