REI Co-op 201 M Street Northeast, Washington, District of Columbia 20002

"Will start with the floor staff that helped me were perfectly nice and helpful. However, I am more than disappointed in the management. I purchased a Half Dome SL2 just shy of a year ago. I had not gotten a chance to use it until recently. During its first use, one of the tent poles snapped at one of the junction points. I took the tent into to see options to exchange, warranty, repair, or return. Other part to this is I put my tents in compression sacks and I could not find the original stuff sack that I'm sure is buried in a closet somewhere. Upon the return, the cashier contacted a manager to confirm the return could be processed without the original stuff sack. It was determined that I would have to give REI my personal stuff sack that I used to bring it in because they wouldn't be able to resell it without a stuff sack. Annoyed since no one at an attic sale will care that a tent doesn't have a stuff sack, but okay. But to add to that the manager Dan, through a phone call, had the cashier tell me they were already making an exception as it was in issue due to user error. I've been an REI member for 20 years. Was an REI employee for 4 years and have extensive backpacking/camping time under my belt. I know they can also see my member history that clearly shows I rarely return used products. To say I was offended by the comment would be an understatement. To call an issue a user error from a chair in your office without seeing the issue is a pretty spineless move. Appreciate the cashiers help and sorry he got stuck in the middle of that. Apparently treating customers with respect isn't a priority of the store's management team."

"Large store, backed by huge online business, where you can find new and used equipment and clothes/footwear - tried and tested. Unlike other retailers, staff are also tried and tested and my experience is that you often learn things after coming here from people that have lived the adventure you are seeking. Formal learning in the way of classes and actual tours are also a thing. REI stands behind their merch with a generous return policy; furthermore, they work with their customers - I have heard multiple hikers now getting mail dropped items while they were on long distance trails. They also have a nice coffee shop and clean bathrooms. This is the real deal!"

"Love this store! I was so happy to come upon it when my friend recommended getting coffee in the store attatched. Even more so, I was happy to know it’s a coop and offer reselling at great prices. Would love to come back on my next visit to dc because when I say they had everything, they really did."

"Definitely don’t go to REI if you’re in a hurry. But also Don’t go to REI expecting prices to be listed correctly. Don’t go to REI expecting what someone said on the phone when you call to match what’s available/going on in the store. Don’t go to REI expecting them to have what you need. Actually, just don’t go to REI. The staff is nice. I’ve had continually bad experiences especially at this location, but also at others, so seems like a corporate issue. Can anyone suggest a reasonable bike shop in DC? Have also had really bad experiences with bicycleSPACE. frankly I’ve had better experiences with car mechanics and I hate cars…"

"Very spacious, beautiful store in a historic building. This location is very close to the NoMa metro station - take the south exit to M Street and you're basically right there. This REI Flagship store has just about anything outdoors-related, but you can call ahead if you're curious about whether a specific product is in-stock. There's also a La Colombe coffee shop inside!"