REI

"Customer Service is lost on this place. I've had two poor recent interactions here. The associates are too absorbed in their own heir of self righteousness to care about customer service. First, I was shopping for a sleeping pad. I was at the display where they have the demos available. I pulled one from the display and placed it on the floor to test it. I'm not a veteran sleeping pad shopper so I was unaware of any store etiquette for this. A sales associate came by as I was picking one up and insisted I use the platform built on the other side of the display, that was not immediately visible, to test them out on, instead of the floor. Made sense. I was immediately apologetic and started to move that direction with the pad. She doubled down to reinforce her point that they just didn't want the pads on the dirty floor. Yes, I got that the first time and already apologized. But she felt the need to scold me like a child. Then she walked away; never once asked if I needed any assistance. After purchasing a sleeping pad, I had to return to the store a few days later because I discovered that valve was defective. I went to the return/exchange counter. There were three associates there and I was the only customer at the time. I stated I had purchsed the pad the other day and it had a faulty valve. The associate behind the register started immediately processing the transaction without any follow-up questions other than what she needed to find the purchase on my membership. One of the associates was sitting on a nearby bench and stated he was on break but didn't want to be in the breakroom because it was lonely. I can relate. However, the three of them started conversing like I was invisible. I had to interrupt them to let them know I wanted to do an exchange. Again came another mini lecture about how it's easier (for them) to get the product I want to do the exchange for before going to the counter. So again, I apologized and went to the other far end of the store to get a replacement. I returned to the counter where I realized I grabbed the wrong size as the product was color coded the same, and in the same bin as the size I needed. So again, I went to the other side of the store to get the correct one. Meanwhile, the three associates kept their unrelated conversation going, and never once offered to help. I'm over it. I shouldn't need a rule book or lesson on REI etiquette to shop at a store. As a patron, I expect to be treated as a priority over socialization. I've had multiple exemplary interactions at Scheel's instead. I suppose it's time to divert my business there. A few other gripes: I've had an unplanned purchase of multiple small items only to discover at the register that they have no bags. I had to shove them all in my pockets to get to my car. I can take my dog into a Sierra Trading Post and Scheel's, but not an REI. I know I'm not entitled to this. But I wish REI would revisit this policy."

"LJ was so helpful and friendly! Needed new locks for my ski rack and he hooked me up with what I needed and threw them on for me to show me how they’re properly installed. Would recommend this location for sure!"

"REI SLC has the best snowboard and bike shop! Love this location! The staff is very knowledgeable and friendly! I always tell everyone I know to shop with REI SLC because it is the best outdoor store around! This is the REI Wonderland tent and I love it!"

"Wow, I had a great experience on this trip to REI. I had to get in on the last day of their killer sale. I wanted to find a pretty legit camping chair and this was the perfect excuse. I got some great advice from Courtney. She knows her chair stuff! The rest of the staff was great. Graham checked me out and got a chuckle out of me with his humor. I appreciate the well placed bike racks out front as I rode my bike in this day. Also appreciate the electric vehicle charging stations as well, way to be on top of your game, REI!"

"My go-to store for gears and equipments for any outdoor activities. They have everything you need for camping, skiing, cycling, kayaking, running, hiking, fishing, etc. They carry quality products and top brands. They also have in-shop repairs and services. They have wide selections to choose from. Clean and well organized store. And most of all, friendly and knowledgeable staff that will provide you technical specifications for gears you need and to keep you safe on your choice of sports or fitness."