REI

"The experience was far too corporate. The staff is pleasant, but they're trained to upsell on everything. I'm berated to donate, apply for the REI credit card, etc. I just want some socks. Nothing more, nothing less. This was my first time back to an REI in a few years, and it was unfortunately unpleasant. The 2 pairs of socks I purchased were also mispriced ($10.95 on the sticker vs $11.95 at the register, but I didn't want to get back in line over $2)"

"So a couple of buddies and myself were just starting our ride when a friend noticed there was a issue.(hasn’t been for a ride in awhile) From first contact in the bike shop, Fredy was most helpful to help us complete our purchase with a great smile! We decided to to the labor ourselves since it was a simple task (chain). After removing the old chain and installing the new one there was another issue with the length! Then we didn’t have the core tool to complete our task , so embarrassed, I walked back inside head hung low and talked with the mechanic Andrew who assured me it’s was no problem to help out a little! But I must say to my friends it was more than just a little! I told my friends how being a member isn’t the reason the employees are nice it’s the hospitality and friendliness that makes my REI outstanding! Thanks again to Fredy and Andrew! REI MEMBER FOR LIFE, Michael"

"Fantastic staff and super knowledgeable. My partner and I stopped by the store on two different occasions for backpacking gear. Twice we have been given the most amazing attention and education from staff and the store manager always stops by for a visit. I wish I could remember everyones name! But Tony went above and beyond customer service. He shared his own backpacking experience and what to expect from gear. He helped us try on several different packs and advised us what to look for. He sold us on a backpack that same day."

"I worked with Megan, Rachel, and Jacob in the cycling department at the Marina, Ca location. I am not an experienced cyclist and was unsure what I was looking for. I initially worked with Rachel who provided extremely informative input on what kind of bike would be best for the places that I want to bike. She advised me against one that I had originally been looking at because it was discontinued and the last one was the wrong size for me. She then directed me to the Co-Op CTY and DRT bikes that were both within my budget and appeared to have everything I needed. She also pointed out that there was one on clearance(previously owned) that was 15% off. I came back a day later as it was raining fairly hard and I couldn't/didn't want to test ride it. I was then assisted by Megan who allowed me to test the fit of the bike in store and assisted me with test riding it in a nearby portion of the parking lot. It was a great experience but I wanted to take a couple of days to discuss it with my wife. I came back the next day and was assisted by Rachel and Jacob. Jacob set me up with the clearance bike(Co-Op CTY 2.2) as well as a kickstand and water bottle holder. He then installed them and assisted us in finding road tires for my wifes bike(An older Trek). We walked out of the store with the Bike(with Kickstand and Waterbottle holder), a new bike seat, road tires and accompanying tubes, and the tools necessary to change the tires myself. Jacob did some final checks on the bike and installed the water-bottle holder and kickstand for me. I cannot say how great of an experience this was and how grateful I am that REI has all of these great resources in store. I strongly recommend going to this location and discussing options with the staff. I was never pressured to buy anything and felt like I walked out with everything that I needed to have a great riding experience. Thank you Rachel, Megan, and Jacob."