REI

I’ve been shopping at rei for YEARS and when I first started getting into hiking more I valued the staffs help so much because I didn’t know what I needed. With that said now that I’m more experienced I dread coming into the store . Staff assumes your inexperienced and it can be insulting some of the questions they are asking and advice they give .. I don’t come in for a class every time I walk in the store . I can’t look at anything without being asked if I need help and then a staff member hovering over me or wanting to have a conversation. Sometimes people just need a minute to check out new merchandise themselves and if they have questions they will ask . I would even leave that section just to be approached by another representative in another section and have to go through the same experience again . I think the store needs to instal “ request help “ buttons so customers can shop around and not be afraid to be stared at the entire time . The shoe department is always backed up and busy .. staff should assist back there until a button goes off for help just saying . Btw this is of no insult to the staff as they all are doing their best to do a great job .. I can tell this is a store policy because it happens at every rei . With that said it’s gotta change . I’m starting to order only what I need online and shopping less because I dread walking inside .

I went today for the first time with my boyfriend. We both became members and we cannot wait to begin our hiking journeys! Robert, Christopher, Lucas and a few other workers were incredibly helpful! Robert was great with explaining the store, and he told us the top 10 things to be prepared for what hiking! He directed us over to Lucas in the shoe department and we got incredibly comfortable boots. Chris helped us fit our hiking backpacks and had some helpful tips with water and food during the hike. These people truly want the best for their customers. They even have a wall of customers who have taken photos from their adventures! I'm so happy to be apart of this family.

Yesterday I came in for the first time and left a new customer. I don't think there are enough words to convey the kind of help and guidance we received. Robert took care of us and we couldn't be any happier. Sure most employees probably know the general products but Robert had passion, knowledge and genuine interest in what we needed. He literally sold us on the store and the company. We signed up and can't wait to keep planning our adventure.

I had an extremely pleasant experience both dropping off and picking up my skis and bindings that I had mounted. The staff went above and beyond to get my skis in spec when the boots were found to be slightly incompatible with the bindings. They tested, and adjusted the specs until they deemed the boots and bindings to be functional and safe. I will be returning here for all my ski related inquires and services, thanks Matt and Rick!

REI is one of those stores you can spend hours in, at least for me. They have a fantastic assortment of high-quality products for all of your outdoor pursuits, knowledgeable and friendly staff waiting to offer their help and share their firsthand knowledge, a fantastic bike repair shop and a variety of classes and events to help you get outside (in comfort and style). Membership is optional but the yearly dividends are awesome if you do join, and there are other perks, as well.