REI

"Always great stuff here at high prices. But, maybe you don't need the very best, so, what do you do? Go to REI to research what is important, then, find what you need at other places, e.g., I needed a sturdy, folding pocket knife with a pocket clip, I lost my Buck knife that was absolutely perfect unwanted to replace it with a $30-$60 knife. REI sales people showed wonderful and very expensive Benchmade knives that cost $250+. No way I was going to buy something that expensive - and lose it. Nothing in the range I wanted and I was about to leave but in the jumble of stock I saw a $20 Coast knife that isn't perfect but satisfied my immediate need. Basically, they have great stuff but sometimes out of my range."

"I just had an interesting experience trying to exchange a sweatshirt I bought for my mother for a Christmas present. REI ended up keeping my original sweatshirt that I walked in with that was a size too large (no refund) and I had to buy another that was the needed size for my mother. I bought the sweatshirt as a Christmas present for my mother about two months back. It was too big for her. I didn’t have a receipt but I hoped I put it on my REI account. After looking up past purchases on my account, we couldn’t find the transaction where I bought the sweatshirt. At this point I said, “that’s on me looks like I just have to buy another”(I’m still in good spirits at this point). I then reached for the original sweatshirt I brought in and at this point the lady checking me out says, “we must have not rang that in you can’t have it back” (definitely slight confused and irritated at this point). I then say, “I bought this and just walked in with the sweatshirt. We just can’t find the receipt. Why are you keeping it?” She then repeats herself. So I say, “whatever keep it I guess I’ll just buy two and get one.”"

"I recently went into this REI to see about returning some boots that I used a total of 13 days over 6 weeks and had already began to wear significantly. I used my 45 minute lunch break to drive down there to run this errand and was greeted by a rather rude and unfriendly employee at the cashier. This person immediately began to profile me, making assumptions of how I used them and began to tell me that I “incorrectly used the hiking boots.” I hiked in them!?! I don’t know what else I’m supposed to do with hiking boots? I was so thoroughly shocked by this person’s gross misjudgment of me, their accusations, and their aggressive tone that I simply stood there and kept saying “okay” not sure what else to do. After accusing me of using these shoes improperly, they then refused to accept my return request. I have for sure returned items to REI, this is true. However, I have been a loyal member for a very long time because they have a gracious return policy and I have always turned to REI over the years having spent thousands of dollars in gear and clothing, completely outweighing the amount I have ever returned. I am an Outdoor Educator and go through gear faster than a typical person who purchases gear for recreation. I have also depended on REI as a director of an Outdoor Education program to purchase all of our program gear. While I absolutely love my job, I also don’t get paid very much so spending my money at REI is a choice that usually I am happy to make because of how typically wonderful they are. Though this experience I had with this particular employee at the REI store in Dublin, CA I feel has absolutely changed my perspective on REI. I’m not one to make many google reviews, but this instance really upset me. I don’t find this store to be particularly helpful whatsoever and would argue other stores in the Bay Area are likely more professional and have staff that is more eager to help you out."

"Just got my tubeless set up done and I couldn't be happier how quickly it was done and how affordable it was (especially if you're an REI member). Just paid for the valves and sealant, no labor cost (perks of being a member too). Make sure you call in before dropping by to see how busy they'll be so you can have an idea when you'll have your bike back. I always stop by REI for my bike stuff since other bike shops can charge an arm and a leg and try to up sell you work you don't need. Customer service is always great in my opinion and the staff always tries their best to get you help. Why rush? Come an hour or more before they close and you'll be taken care of-no problem. I'm super into comfy hiking clothes so their selection here is just right, their snack selection is very nice, the place is clean, organized, and their hours are super helpful. Only negative that comes to mind is that they should have more cycling parts in case you want to upgrade your pedals, chain, shifters, etc"

"Decent size store. The store carries camping equipment, bikes, shoes and outdoor clothing. The full price items are a bit high, but you could find some pretty good deal during garage sale. If you pay 20 dollar to join the membership, you will be able to get 10% off for full price items, and have access to the garage sale."