REI has been around forever, but since the 70s my friends and I have had to order by catalog (and later online) and wait for gear to arrive. I couldn't have been happier to find the company finally opened a store in the Cleveland area, where there are a lot of places to enjoy nature. The sprawling, modern store has a pretty excellent selection of outdoor clothing, hiking and camping gear, and even a bike shop. If you're in the market for gear, plan on spending a lot of time browsing. I geared-up for a trip to Iceland here and am readying for another adventure in Norway and Sweden, so this will be a shopping trip before I go. I frequent the store for backpacking food, and they have a wonderful selection of it for all three meals as well as snacks. This is a great place to find deals. I got the REI app a few years ago and it will alert you on sale items, which is great because you can purchase in-app and pickup in-store. There is a section near the back of the store where you can great deals on returned or gently used gear. It's kind of like going to a garage sale, but the items I've seen look new and not someone else's trash. Take the time to look through it! The staff have all been quite helpful and cheerful, so I always feel welcome when I visit. I've never had a hassle with returns or exchanges, either. As big as the store is, it feels comfortable to me. I am always eager to find excuses to return! read more

Came here for my dad to pick out a sun shade hat for a belated Father's Day gift. He is 85, not a hat guy, but recognizes it's good to cover his head/ears. We needed some help, but there was nobody around. We went to the register, the lady admittedly said she didn't j ow how the Tilly hat adjusted. At $95.00, happy to get it, however, he wasn't quite comfortable with how to adjust it. We went back to loo, at others, I showed him another brand, it seemed easier for him to adjust. It was lighter fabric, covered his ears, and he was comfortable with it. We went to purchase it, the line had one register person and was 6 people deep. They finally called others to check people out. This helped. The store is pricey, no help and long wait at 10:45 am on a Wednesday. It offered no value that I couldn't get online next time. We could've easily ordered a few and returned what we didn't like. I love to support retail brick and mortar, but this experience does not provide a reason with no customer Service and a waste of time! The store was clean. That is a plus. Another plus, getting there at 10 a.m. when they open, parking is reasonable. read more

REI - Outdoor Gear Near Me - Beachwood, Ohio

See all

Beautiful store but terrible order processing and fulfillment. Which should have taken a handful of days to deliver has extended into nearly two weeks and I'm still told that it's "being processed." It's in the back room, paid for in full, and I can't have it because it's still "being processed." Beyond frustrating. I won't do business here again. Caution to others that unless it's on the shelf and you can take it home same day, walk away and find it somewhere else. read more

Totally disappointing. I spent years living in Seattle and compared to the experience of shopping in the flagship store the customer service here is basically non existent. Went to buy shoes for our son, no one offered us help, then we chased someone down and asked for help. He said he would send someone else (never did) so we chased down another guy who basically chucked on of those foot measuring tools at us and did nothing more. I thought things were expensive here because you were paying for the expertise and customer service. read more

Non existent customer service. Employees have attitude and are rude. Needed to return a pair of shoes. You would think I was stealing from this guy. Told me I could get a store credit. Told him I wanted it returned to my card. He said he couldn't do it and didn't know why. No wonder they are closing stores. Wouldn't buy anything there...chances are they won't be around long. read more

No help to be found and prices are at least 20-30% higher than other online stores. If you don't care about your wallet and want to wait on yourself. Knock yourself out. read more

Like online shopping better I went in bc I wanted to get fitted for a backpack. I have always been a day hiker, but am planning for an overnight trip and wanted to make sure I got the right bag. I researched a lot online before coming into the store. They have a nice selection of items and I liked how you could touch them. The items don't have a great description though so it was hard to tell which sleeping bag was which. My friend was measured and fitted for her bag. Then a guy came over and just put a bag on me without giving me any measurements. They also only had the expensive bags in store. So I couldn't see the bag I wanted in person. He also said that you can't pick the color which was odd since online they had multiple colors. It was a mixed experience. I will probably order online but not really go back to the store. read more

I've been in 3 REI stores in 3 states the last 3 months and I was surprised how different they were. It seems a change in corporate stocking practices and now they're somewhat unreliable when you're traveling. I was disappointed this store didn't have any regional stickers, only log books for the Metroparks and Cuyahoga Valley National Park. I like a sticker, I'm a big kid. The store was clean and organized and like all REI the female:male clothing ratio is skewed for the man. Prices are the same as every brick and mortar that sells tech clothing--somewhat high compared to online shopping. The staff was friendly and attentive. read more

I recently purchased a e bike from REI due the the sale they were having which I was able to get a level 1 e bike for $980 vs $2000 original price. I ordered the bike on Friday at 4:30 and the bike was assembled and ready for pick up by 7:30 the same day. Really amazingly fast turn around time and the gentleman in the bike shop went over some of the basics with me and also helped me sign up for a lifetime co op membership due. The membership covers 20% of repairs and also 2 free flat repairs per year. Plus $30 for a lifetime membership that is a steal. Even though REI is about 40 minutes from me I'll definitely be back. read more

REI - Level 1.2 Co-op E-Bike - Outdoor Gear Near Me - Beachwood, Ohio

Recently we received a discount card, thanking us for participating in REI. Since we planned to buy two $100 gift cards (birthday presents for sons in law) we wondered if the discount card would apply. So, we called the Beechwood, Ohio Store - the closest to where we live - and inquired. The nice fellow who answered said yes, indeed we could use the discount card for such a purchase, but we would need to come to the store. Today, we drove nearly an hour to the store to get the gift cards. But the register person said, "You can't use this discount for a gift card." We explained we had called ahead and gotten the ok, but she disappeared, only to return in a moment, tear the attached discount card from the mailing, point to the fine print on the back, and say It clearly says not applicable to gift cards. She was correct. So what's the problem? First, the attitude of register person who made us feel like idiots for calling to confirm rather than reading the fine print on the back of the card (we had not even detached the card to look at any fine print). Second, we explained that we had tried to check and had been misled. We said we would like to prevent a similar problem for happening to someone else. Unfortunately the clerk was more interested in the next customer in line than in our - or anyone else's - inconvenience. (Fair disclosure, we did not hide our irritation.) Before leaving, we tried calling the store number to talk to reach someone else, and as chance would have it, we got the same clerk, who said we should talk to a manager. At that point we left the store. By the way, we have made alternate arrangements for the birthday gifts. So what would make us happy? Honestly we felt foolish for driving two hours, trying and failing to get a $40 discount. That's on us. We don't want the gift cards at any price now - we've made other arrangements. But we have been REI members for some 40 years and expect better member service than we received. The register person obviously was not in a position to alter company policy, but, any employee should be better trained than to brush off a customer concern. All employees who represent the company by answering the phone should be better trained. So what do we expect? Well, we would appreciate someone with appropriate influence at REI to assure us that REI has not forgotten how to handle member concerns, and to say that misinformed employees are considered an issue worth addressing. read more

Really liked the style of clothes at this store. They have outdoor active wear, hiking, backpacking, shoes and more. Although they are completely priced with stores of their scope, the prices are in the high end. The big difference with R.E.I that I did love is that they offer ways of affordability. For example: they offer a membership for $20. That membership ship is one time. With that you have access to their "garage sale" area. This is an area in which there are products that have been returned by customers. It's just like a garage sale, there will be nice items as well as items that may need some TLC. For example: I did see some nice hiking boots but they had a bit of mud on them. Something that be brushed off and it may be worth someone's wild. Secondly with this membership you have the ability to return products within a year. I let the employee know that I didn't want to spend a lot of money since I'm trying to lose weight. She told me you have a year when you lose the weight you can return them. Wow!! You also have the opportunity to rent items for your next hike or camping trip. With the membership you don't need to leave a deposit, just the rental fee. They also have this nicely size bike area with experts that can help answer any questions you may have. In conclusion I definitely feel that if I were going to purchase quality products with the price tag it entails it would definitely be here. I would become a member and have the piece of mind that if I needed to return for a smaller size, don't like anymore or simply want to return it wouldn't be a hassle. read more

REI - Encouragement - Guess where I found this in the store. - Outdoor Gear Near Me - Beachwood, Ohio

Awesome awesome awesomeeeeee place to shop for outdoor gear!! The staff have always been so helpful to my husband and I, whenever we need opinions with some things. The staff is so knowledgeable of their gear and are eager to assist anyone who enters their department. I had difficulties finding a hiking bag bc I never understood the whole liter thing. The person there explained to me the difference in hiking bags and fitted me for the perfect bag that I will be using in my back packing trip over seas. She also helped me figure out which dry sack would be most appropriate for my needs. Definitely happy with their customer service! No matter what state I'm in, their customer service has always been beyond outstanding. I would definitely recommend people to come here for their outdoor needs, questions, or concerns. read more

Absolutely ridiculous lack of customer service. I've been in there 3x in the past 2 weeks wanting to buy cycling gear. Not only did no one have the decency to even say hi, the only assistance I could find was from another customer. I ended up buying cycling shoes on their website and picked them up at the store. After waiting for the cashier to handle something else while waiting on me he checked my ID and handed me the bag. That was the extent of the customer service I received throughout my 3 visits. At least Walmart has someone to greet you when you walk into the store read more

I visited REI this week on Monday in the middle of the afternoon. It is located next to Bibibop in the new Pinecrest. I was surprised how quiet it was for being newly opened. There were plenty of associates who asked if we needed help or looking for anything in particular. REI has plenty of gear for the outdoorsmen who enjoys paddling, biking, camping, yoga, or hiking. The bummer is that REI leaves out hunting and fishing. Very disappointing in Northeast Ohio for sure! I thought it was really cool to look at the diagram for selecting the perfect tent and sleeping bag in the camping section of the store. It was very helpful! I had never heard of the Buckeye Trail before coming to REI. I went home afterwards to look it up on the internet. Additionally, I loved that the Co-Op had a full service bicycle shop inside! I will be coming back soon to get an Eno Hammock! These look like the perfect way to spend a summer afternoon! read more

See all

This is the first store to open in the new Pinecrest mall development. Grand opening celebration will be combined with anniversary celebration in a couple weeks. Hence special promotion will take place then. The parking lot still is construction area so take caution and use the entrance indicated by the signs. Don't use the construction entrance There are free classes you can sign up for. The classroom is not set up yet but I believe it will be once the classes start. read more

See all

Great store. Staff always thoughtful, knowledgeable and helpful. Full range of high quality gear. Store dressing rooms are clean and bathrooms too. read more

This review is for Greg in the Cycle Shop. I had to get a bike rack for a vehicle and I had a short amount of time and Greg could not have been more helpful or resourceful. He tried for hours, literally, to get me all the equipment I required. He called other stores, checked inventory personally and came up with fix after fix to set me up. REI usually has above average customer service but Greg's help was like, otherworldly. Cadillac Service...... read more

I've been here several times. The staff always offers to help. All outdoor adventure sports and camping equipment seem to be represented. Lots of clothing. We found TSA belts--no metal. A bicycle repair shop is. also there. Cool place. read more

This REI was also very clean and the employees were very friendly and helpful. There are also great deals for co-op members in March!

I think this store is ok, maybe it's just not for me. Went here to look at kayaks, but was underwhelmed by their prices and selection. Seems to cater to a wealthier clientele. Like I said, if you're wealthy and like the outdoors, this is your place. read more

Pretty disappointing visit. We are longtime members and had an awful customer service experience. The staff member "assisting" us argued about whether they had more stock in the back, the color of the shoes, refusing to even walk in the back and look. Turns out they did have extra stock in the back. Not sure what the issue was but we'll find another place to shop. So many places to chose from - it's not worth being treated poorly. read more

Best work out shoes shopping ever, which is something for me, as I really have issues to buy those kind of shoes. I went there and was out in less than 30 minutes with my cycling shoes, ready to go. The girl was so patient and helpful. She went back and forth with the different shoes and size. She even put the clips on before I left, so I was 100% ready for the next cycling class. REI is a store with high quality products. It is on the expensive side, but their co-op makes it very attractive and profitable. Thank you again for making this experience a good one. read more

REI would not let me in without a mask even though I qualify for the governor's medical exemption. It's a huge store as many know and plenty of space to stay 6 ft from people along with the fact there was no one in the store besides staff for what I could see. Absolute and complete discrimination. They've lost my business not just now, but forever. I was going to spend well over $500 today too. Their loss and another company's gain. read more

This place is the worst. Just walked through the entire store looking for something and not one of the dozen REI employees on the floor doing nothing bothered to offer to help or see what I needed. I will not be returning. Literally any other store is better than REI. read more

So excited I just moved home after living in Colorado for 10 years and I could not be more pumped that we have a REI finally in Cleveland

Nice big store!! The bike are kinda out of my price range but I will come here for accessories a d repairs!! read more

Really cool looking outside for an rei! This new shopping center has some great looking shops! Just like every rei jam packed with all the essentials for outdoor fun! Lots of good deals on clothes when I popped in. And always friendly staff! read more

A loved one passed out in the store from trying a new med. Mallory and her team compassionately and professionally took care of her until the authorities arrived. Above and beyond customer service. read more

Incredible service. Jill was extremely helpful in working with my son to fit trail runners. They have a one year warranty on shoes if you are coop member. Worth the price of the membership. read more

This rei is a bit smaller it seems with how every other rei I've been to has two floors. This location did kinda slack on the bike department as that's my favorite section of the store. This location did have a decent selection of snow gear tho so that was a plus because I wanted to check out some jackets. The camping department here kinda slacks to in my eyes being it's set up kinda weird. I know that this location is still newish to the area but I feel like some things could be changed still. I feel like there's a lot of little things in every area but not a lot of things focused on that department being maybe ordering stuff to the store from online because it's not carried in stock. I love rei and I love what they stand for and always prefer them over any other outdoors store but I think I just expected more from the looks of the outside. If I'm in the area I'll definitely return but I wouldn't go out of my way just to come here to this location. read more

See all

Literally no employees in the store to help, even after asking for help in the bike department. Unfortunately not the typical REI experience. read more

Today I called up to the store to check the product availability on a item and spoke with a sales associate who informed me that there location did not have any in stock so I politely asked if he could check another location and his answer to me was you should probably try to google that, when I know they are fully capable of checking other location inventory I was a little set back by that due to the fact that I am choosing to purchase through a store that's a little higher end and more expensive read more

The entire staff was very nice, helpful and informative in helping my brothers and me pick out hiking boots and appropriate clothing for a November trip to Iceland. As casual weekend hikers all the help was very much appreciated. A special shout out to Vagn as our first point of contact but everyone from shoes, to socks, to soft clothing to checkout was nice. read more

These people are really great. On two separate occasions I made an appointment to get fitted for shoes and then for a backpack. In each case, the associate spent 1-2 hours with me, teaching me what to look for and how to evaluate the best option. I think it's really important that their staff actually DO love to hike, camp, etc. As noted, this store is not cheap, but the membership perks help offset the cost, and the expert advice is free! read more

This was my first visit to REI. I just moved here from California, and realized my tennis shoes will not be enough to get me through the Cleveland winter. I wanted something waterproof, slip-resistant, with good ankle support. I found just what I needed. And the best part is that I had such a positive experience in the store. Everyone is super helpful with no pressure. It feels more like getting good advice from your friends. I was helped by Sam and Mallory. They spent a ton of time with me. They didn't rush me--and I tried on many pairs of boots before I decided. They both gave me great advice, and we're super helpful. They are both very knowledgeable--I felt like I could ask them anything and they would have the answer. I will certainly be back again! read more

I went in with my son to purchase a tent, after 10 minutes of searching for the tent section I finally found it. It's not clearly marked and it's also packed in with other used equipment like air mattresses with holes, not sure how this is going to be re-purchased or reused since the function doesn't work. I walked around and looked for help which there was no one to help so I spent 30 minutes finding the tent that would fit my family. After that I was looking at sleeping bags which I actually still didn't find new sleeping bags all I found was a bunch of used overpriced sleeping bags. I decided to go to Dick's Sporting Goods where I walked right into the camping section and found a multitude of sleeping bags that were clearly marked and priced. One thing that did disappoint me as well as once I found a sleeping bag at Dick's I decided to look it up on Google to see the different color options and lo and behold REI actually sells them for $25 less. So basically because of the lack of customer service I left as a customer without what I needed and went to another store to purchase it for more than I could've purchased it at REI. Overall I give REI an F for customer service read more

Just spent the last 20 minutes in this store with not one word from any employee! Not hello, not welcome to REI, not a smile! As I was looking for a new down jacket I had the same employee who was taking handfuls of clothes from racks right in front of me and said nothing. He passed me several times and never acknowledged my presence. Had two other employee walk past me and not a word! Was so excited to have REI in the area but I would NEVER shop at this store, recommend this store or tell anyone we have one. What an awful experience and vibe this store gives off! I may be over 50 but that doesn't mean that I am not an active person. I hike, swim, and spend more time outside in the winter than most people. I will continue to shop at Appalachian Outfitters and that is where I will purchase my new down coat and Sorrell boots. As I looked at the winter hiking boots your store had two employees in the shoe department. Wow, they were busy talking about someone they know and the shoe they owned. Hmmmmm...hello...customer with money wants to try on boots and make a purchase ...did you ever think about that? How about "Hi! Welcome to REI. Can we help you find the perfect boot?" Nah, we will just continue to talk amongst ourselves, pretend we didn't see you and lose money for the company that hired us!!! All employees at Appalachian Outfitters have been trained to speak and acknowledge customers. Shame on you REI!!!! Bad training on your part, or your people just don't care!!!!! read more

I was at the Cleveland REI today to purchase hiking boots. Vagn was extremely helpful and took the time to make sure I was getting a boot of the correct size, along with a boot that matched the type of hiking I do. Everyone I came in contact with at the store was very friendly. Keep up the good work. read more