Despite the fact that this REI store relocated from Redmond, WA, the bicycle capital of the northwest to Bellevue, full of city slickers, it's a terrible location. The store downsized significantly and they don't carry nearly all of the gear they used to carry. You have to order it online and go back to the store to pick it up. It's only one story tall, so they lost a lot of room compared to the Redmond store. The parking lot is beyond small, and the parking spaces are almost too small for a Prius to park in, let alone a suburban or a full size truck. Seems fitting, given all of the 2 wheel drive vehicles that go off- roading into the mountains-- oh wait, that's not right. Trucks and SUVs go those places. Overall, make it more accessible for your customer base. read more

This REI has the absolute most sweetest, and knowledgeable staff. We usually go to the Issaquah location and leave with poor service and unhelpful advice (seriously, a staff member told us that it was normal for a pair of hiking shoes to hurt your feet, knees, legs, and hips.... they were trying to SELL the shoes to us). Tired of the unhelpful advice, we decided to go to Bellevue to return and purchase an overnight backpacking pack. We started the process of choosing a pack DIY style- still scarred from Issaquah and not ready to be told again that it was normal to have the items claim revenge on our appendages. Suddenly, like a gift from God herself, a knowledgeable, not condescending, extraordinarily nice, staff member appeared to offer help. Carole stepped in to help in what was becoming a tiring process that obviously wasn't turning out any wins anytime soon. They assisted us with our very long and difficult process on trying different packs on, providing helpful knowledge along the way. They were very patient, and tried every pack she could think of to help. They were informative on what to look for in packs, the advantages of each pack (and whether we wanted to go light weight, needed to carry a bear can etc.). They informed us with any setbacks the pack had (so we could avoid causing any issues). They even stayed past closing time helping us, ensuring that the pack we had chosen worked. Carole has truly gone above and beyond for us tonight. We are incredibly grateful to the generosity and amazing help they provided. The extra distance is worth the service, Bellevue will forever now be our store of choice. read more

I went in today not long before the store closed for the night. I have a trek coming up that I had no idea how to dress/shop for, so I tried on a ton of items, but was still totally lost. I asked the employees working the fitting room area, Bridgette and Gladys, if they could help and boy did they ever!! They were running around grabbing things left and right, suggesting different (and cheaper!) products than I'd chosen. All of this while trying to clean up the area and put back the clothes, helping me even though I stayed a few minutes after the store closed. Having worked in retail I know it's tough to give customer service at this level without getting frustrated that the customers won't leave, but they were both incredibly personable and helpful with no hint of irritation. Much appreciated, ladies!! read more

I joined REI membership last summer after buying a bike from them. I really appreciate the helpful staff who helped me selecting the right bike and the service that they provide. They can get quite busy when it comes to the sale and the stock goes out quite quickly. I like that I can bring the bike back when I have any question or need adjustment. The Redmond store is conveniently located in the town center. So I like what they offer. read more

I am not a frequent REI customer, I buy sneakers there only every few years or so. Am not a backpacker/canoe user/ mountain climber ad nausaum, I am self employed in a shop and work a lot of hours there on my feet. I am not an outdoorsy type at all .... But I like really good solid high top sneakers. I would give this place only 3 stars - as I nearly left as I could not get the help I needed at first. I wanted a pair of high KEEN sneakers, exactly like the ones I bought 2 years ago at a return sale at a REI in Colorado. I instead had to wait - as no one was paroling the department that was free to help me. Their was a woman waiting on someone else, but no one else for about 10 minutes. I tried on 2 pairs boots on sale, but that is not what I came in for - they were too heavy, for one thing- though the mark down prices were very good. Finally a young man noticed me and I told him what I wanted. He offered me hiking sneakers/boots that were on display. Nice sneakers, comfortable, but not what I needed to wear - - - and he did not seem to understand I wanted KEENS high tops just like what I had worn in. Then he left for lunch, as he thought he had done his job. (He had not.) I was thinking well, I guess they dont have sneakers like what I wore in - they were not in stock - - and I nearly left. But the second person, a lady my age, smart and friendly, when she could get away from the other person she was waiting on, got me exactly what I wanted in 5 minutes, and I bought them in six minutes. They were an exact twin to the ones I worn in, which is what I wanted in the first place. I was freaking overjoyed to get exactly what I wanted in the first place. I came in mid week thinking it would be quieter, but it was somewhat hard to get someone to help you. There were workers around REI, but they did not come up and talk to you,like you would expect in an expensive place like this. Well, I guess that is the ''vibe'' they expect you to know what you want beforehand. But since I am cheap I buy shoes rarely, and I wanted something very specific; twins to the sneakers I wore in. The sneakers I ended up buying were in the back, they had just come in and were not on the floor yet. And the first guy did not seem to know about them. This REI would be smart to have a staff member who knows shoes hovering around this department, as the sneakers cost around $140 dollars to $250 dollars. I nearly left without buying anything, as I was running out of time. I was dressed in grungy clothing, perhaps they thought I did not have any money. It was the ''wrong kind'' of grungy clothing, not the "I spend my life outside'' kind of grungy, but the 'I am cheap as hell ragged jeans and t-shirt'' kind of grungy - not the cool hip half worn out expensive REI clothing grungy. And my Keen sneakers were split across the top - they looked like hell (but very, very comfortable and supportive!) I did leave very happy - I will come back to buy shoes/sneakers/ boots here again, as I do like the selection, and in the end I was happy with the service I got. Though it took a while to be noticed - keep that in mind when you go - dont be in a hurry. People who buy stuff online are being short sighted. It is really nice to touch and try on shoes before you buy them, and talk to a human being about what you want. And what is the fun of just pushing buttons on your computer, and getting a box in the mail? So - come mid week, be prepared to have to find someone to wait on you; and be prepared to have to explain carefully what you want. I recommend KEEN high top sneakers - now that I have my pair, I will let the secret out about how good and durable they are. Am keeping the old half ruined, split ones to wear when I have to haggle to buy stock for my business, they make me look like I have no money. read more

Had an excellent experience at the Bellevue REI! They had everything in stock I needed and at pretty good prices. The salesperson was an expert and was able to advise me on exactly what I needed. In addition, the parking at the new Bellevue store makes it really easy to get in and out. read more

I can't believe I haven't reviewed this place sooner! Love REI! My boyfriend got me a pair of awesome North Face winter boots here for Christmas. I had to exchange them for a different size. The staff lady was very nice and helpful. I got my boots and was on my way. A few years ago I bought my snowboard here and have got it serviced a couple seasons ago too. They did a great job! read more

Great equipment and clothing, but a bit pricey. The staff are variously helpful or aloof. A pleasant location. Clothing selection was better in years past. read more

If you're looking to try on packs don't bother. The selection is there but not the sizes. Flagship store in Seattle will help you out more. Also you don't have to wait ten minutes for help. Sorry Redmond. read more

Thank you to Paul in the footwear department. We we're in there for a while, and Paul brought many pairs, and gave great suggestions. We are from SoCal and thought coming to the REI in Bellevue would be a great place to buy waterproof shoes and boot. Great experience. read more

If I could give you guys (the Redmond shop staff) a hundred stars for staffing the Seattle to Portland 2014 rest stop, I would. Thank you for fixing my bike (chain into my spokes, blown rear tire) so I could continue the ride...we completed the subsequent 110 miles without incident thanks to you. And no charge for the new tire and tubes - what a pleasant surprise!! read more

This store staffs are happiest & most helpful staffs of all REI and Im comparing with seattle, issaquah & Tukwila. I prefer to goto this one over any other location any day even if it means driving further. read more

I've spent a lot of time in this store talking to employees, learning, trying things on, making use of their fantastic return policy, and buying things. I believe that the average level of knowledge of their staff is higher than at the store downtown, because they do not have to hire as many employees and can be more selective in who they hire. Virtually everyone I've talked to at the Redmond store is willing to spend considerable quantities of time talking to me and educating me. This store has singlehandedly improved my outdoor experience by leaps and bounds. The downtown store is great too, and has a larger selection - just move on when you find an employee that doesn't know too much, and eventually you'll probably find one that does. Since the Redmond store is 10 minutes from where I live, that's where I usually go. Fortunately, the selection there, while not as good as at the downtown store, is still quite good. read more

Great customer service! They let my son try out shoe after shoe, and didn't stop until he was really happy!

I visited this store today and I had a great buying experience along with top notch customer service. All the customer service agents were friendly and helpful. I purchased road running shoes, insoles, active wear pants, tops and sports bras. I was helped at every turn, right from comparing and trying on different models to making the right choice. I have a complicated foot situation with wider toe and narrow heel. The staff helped me find the right shoes with a roomy toe box and also helped me pick an insole for better heel support and comfort (yet to try them on!). They seemed very genuine and weren't upselling. One staff member that stood out from the crowd was James. He was very attentive and helped me pick the right model in the superfeet brand. He also mentioned about the upcoming garage sale which I will make sure I won't miss because I plan on buying more stuff! He also helped me find my lost car key as I was walking around panicking and searching for it. The store is also clean, well organized with clear instructions in every section. I love shopping at this store more than any other REI store I've every been to. Kudos to the staff for doing such a great job with making customers happy! read more

I was in the Alderwood location and I received the worst customer service. I have worked seven years in retails myself and know the struggles it is to work with the public. But the disorganization, non professionalism, and lack of help was completely unacceptable. We asked for assistance after waiting twenty minutes for help in shoes section for my son. Then we were given the wrong sizes and had to seek someone out to help again. After that, we spent twenty minutes waiting for help in the men's section so my husband could try on pants. I sought out the manager who acted like I was bothering her. Plus, too busy to help. Then my husband surprised me with a fleece unbeknownst to us the sensor dye tag was left on. It broke and got all over the new fleece. Plus got on my work clothes and that of my two-year-old son. That was the last straw for me. Not only did this chemical get on my toddler, but the sensor looks like wasn't taken off all the way. Like somebody did not bother to take the time to take it off the right way. Not only is this a huge choking hazard but the dye-chemical got on my son. This is not okay by any standard. We will not be shopping this location again. read more

personally i love REI outfits! I have visited a lot of their stores and in many states. I was so exited about this new location but its ended when the store has opened ! The people are not as much friendly and helpful as at others REI branches , parking lot is always full even if you decided topiary on first level. They also have very little sales ( i don't mean %) . read more

This REI, like every other REI I've been too, is a super fun store to shop at! This one's my favourite because its closest to home and in my opinion, exactly the right size for comfortable shopping - the Seattle store is sometimes too big and overwhelming! Everything we've bought at REI - from winterwear to camping stuff to outdoor gadgets - has been great quality, we've never had to return anything. This is also a great store to just browse around - you come across unusual gadgets and tools that you didn't realise you needed until you saw them in the store! The real magic of REI, though, lies with the store clerks. Every time I've needed to purchase something I didn't have much experience with, I've managed to find a store clerk willing to patiently talk me through the different options by highlighting the pros and cons of each or even drawing on their own experience with the products. Somehow, all the store clerks seem to be seasoned outdoor experts which helps them make really relevant recommendations. One time, when REI didn't have the vegan hiking boots I was looking for, the store clerk actually went online to find me other stores stocking the boots! REI is an expensive hobby,sure, but its a reasonable price to pay for high quality gear and an educational shopping experience! read more

I went to this REI at the Redmond location with the intent to buy a pair of shoes I knew I wanted and that I checked to see they had in stock already in store on their website. The person in the shoe department was so helpful (and regretfully I forgot his name), that I even left him a comment in their drop box. It was right before the snow hit and they were swamped with people needing shoes brought to them. This particular employee was so kind in his transactions with the customers. read more

I used to work there years back and it was a great company. I can't afford to shop there hardly anymore because it's expensive but you get really good quality and you can't beat their satisfaction guarantee policy. I wouldn't go there for my snowboard gear because it's more for beginner levels and not so cool clothes but for all my other outdoor needs, REI has everything i need to get me fitted for my outdoor adventure. staff is really nice too, the redmond store is the perfect size. the best all around outdoor adventure store i know of. read more

Shopping for a warm jacket. Yes, there are some people who still need jackets in summer :) Found a staff member very helpful in evaluating jackets. She was knowledgeable about what constitutes a warm jacket in addition to pointing out brand differences. I ended up returning this because it wasn't warm enough. Friday night checkout lines were LONG. I guess this is the Friday happening place LOL. read more

REI has the best customer service! Apparently everyone in the PNW is hiking this weekend and there are no Microspikes in a 3 state region. My lovely shopping assistant (Sarah) refuses I buy anything less for St Helens and instead lends me hers!! This is so refreshing in a day and age where customer service is doled out by automated machines and unenthusiastic underpaid teenagers. Way to go REI you have my loyalty from here on out (except for yoga gear). read more

Had a really bad experience today, worthy of taking my valuable time to write a review. We purchased snow boots for my son via their website. They arrived and were a size too small so thought it would be easy to drive over the REI and exchange them for a size larger. They didn't have them in stock which was no big deal so thought I'd still return the boots while I was there and order the correct size online when I got home. First off, they interrogated me if they had been worn outside.....they were in the box for goodness sake and I was there to exchange for a size that fit. No, they weren't worn outside. They were worn for about the 60 seconds it took to determine they were too small. Second, they would allow me to return them because I didn't have proof of purchase thought the sku was on the side of the box. In this day and time, what company can't pull up the purchaser of the product with the SKU??? I mean, just refund the credit card that was used to purchase the boots. Retail 101. So now I'm wasting my time at home, pulling up the order confirmation, packing the boots, to send back to REI. Oh, I am now buying them directly from company so now REI is out of a sale (and many more base don this experience). Nice work on customer service! read more

Thanks to James for all the help yesterday! Store was very busy but he took the time to help me re-up my whole snowboarding setup. He went back multiple times to find sizes and patiently explained all the new tech to me (haven't shopped for gear in 15 years). Thanks again James, I really appreciate you taking the time! read more

I must admit, I am very impressed with the customer service. EVERY time I asked for help, the employee either knew first hand or went and got someone who did! IMAGINE! Informed employees! AND AND AND very patient! Love this place! read more

REI consistently has awesome service and amazing products. I just went to their REI garage sale last weekend and got a sick pair of rock climbing shoes (Boreal Jokers) for $10!!! I also bought a pair of electronic friendly North Face gloves that are multi-functional for pretty much any activity, and they have the finger pads on the pointer finger and thumb to use your iphone or other touch screen device. Sweet! Definitely one of my favorite places to shop! read more

I went to REI to prepare for some exploring of the beautiful nature of Washington to get a backpack and a tent. The guide documents they have throughout the store are very helpful and the staff is really nice and knowledgeable to help you find the right gear. I had a staff member help me fit the right backpack on my and what to look for and then another that explained to us some of the options around water purification, she really took her time explaining everything to give us the best option for our purposes. Great experience to shop at REI, and with the lifetime membership and annual refund, also well priced. read more

REI Redmond is great! Super friendly, informative, and helpful staff. They are patient and willing to answer any and all questions. They are there to help you and give the best advice they can. The staff are generally very outdoorsy and active themselves so they can give personal feedback. I feel good buying from them, especially knowing that they stand by everything they sell. read more

Rei is a touchstone of seattle outdoor activities. Granted a little pricey, and many of the items can be labeled as 'camping accessories for people who don't camp, but want to look like they do'. That said, Rei has a lot of great items that we can't find anywhere else and make life bearable. Also, great for when you want to kill an hour with folks that have similar outdoorsy interests. See: Biking, Camping, Dog Stuff, Clothing, Bags, Climbing Gear, and the best socks money can buy. Seriously, buy their socks, your feet will thank you. read more

I shop at REI too much - they have great gear for any outdoor activity you can think of. Lots of selection and friendly staff.

The best place to go, you can find almost anything you need there. what more do I need to say. They have great stuff for whatever season it is. Like when it is 20 degrees outside and you want something extra to keep you warm! or something for your bike. read more

My experience with REI has changed over the years. Products are still good, but warranty service has tightened up, and..... I know this is petty, but.... I don't like the new Bellevue store. The store in Redmond had some character. It was fun to go there and browse. The new store is just a box. It could be converted to a Target store in 24 hrs. Just haul out the sporting goods, move in the general merchandise and hang a new sign. My comment about the warranty service is due to my attempt to get some REI convertible cargo pants repaired... You know, the nylon pants with zip-off legs.. (great, versatile pants).. The button came off the top (Don't say it...I know what you are thinking :-) ) I brought the pants in to have them repaired, and they told me that the repair would not be covered under warranty ? Seems strange to me, and different from the treatment I used to receive.. And no, I'm not overweight :-) Bottom line is that if there is no compelling shopping experience, and no great warranty care, then I might as well do my shopping on-line...This puts REI in the ring with every other e-tailer... Scary place! Moral of the story for REI is... If you are going to have brick and mortar stores.. make sure that they offer a compelling shopping & service experience, otherwise, they will just be bricks around your financial neck. read more

I have gone to REI for a few different services, and generally think they do okay work. The latest service I got there was mounting some bindings on a new pair of Skis. The shop tech told me they do a test to verify the din settings gave me the bill and sent me on my way. After skiing a few times on the ski's I noticed a lot of accidental pop outs, and finally I experienced one where I injured myself. It turns out the shop techs at crystal told me that whoever mounted the bindings had no idea what they were doing, and the settings on the bindings were all off. The bindings I have are Look Pivots, as I strongly recommend against getting bindings mounted at REI or if you do get them functionally tested somewhere else for a second opinion. read more

I can't give a review on the store. It took me at least 15 minutes to park because it is so limited! Eventually gave up and went to Alderwood. Save yourself the headache! read more

I wanted to share that we had an exceptional experience at the bike shop at the Bellevue REI this week. The service was over the top. They managed to order parts and fix my sons bike in two days so he wouldn't miss a big ride tomorrow and Chris spent time with him at pick up to make sure he understood the repairs and gave him a ton of tips on maintenance. Chris and Adam really went above and beyond and we can't thank them enough! read more

I had been a loyal REI customer and member for the last 10 years, where I spend thousands of dollars on Bikes and Climbing equipment. I love to shop in the Seattle/Lynnwood, but the REI-Redmond is one the worst places to shop. Each time I go there, I feel like I have to beg someone to help with finding what I need. Again, I have no idea if this a sleazy spoiled (my daddy is working for Microsoft) attitude that is coming out of the workers in Redmond, but I have never experienced it in Lynnwood and Seattle. In fact in Lynnwood and Seattle workers seems to be more happy to work there and are more passionate about what they are doing. I guess Redmond REI doesn't really want me to buy a bike from them for my wife. Good luck and Good bye Redmond REI read more

This review is for the bike shop...I bought a Ghost FS-3 mountain bike, great bike, I love it. Unfortunately, I bent the rear derailer hanger the first week of owning the bike. I brought the bike in and they were able to adjust and straighten everything out for free! Great service, thanks! read more

There is no true science to what they are selling you. So even if they say they are "REI experts" dont trust that you are getting what you need. If not experienced in climbing / mountaineering. I would highly advice on going there with a experienced individual thats not going to fall for tactics that sell you substandard products. Do good research. ... else you land up making more than one trip... read more

I usually really like REI, but yesterday my experience now makes me think twice about going to this location. I was looking at bikes for my 3 yr old. Had him sitting on one to try it out. One staff person walked right past me and went directly to a man browsing through bike tires. Another worker also ignored me and walked right past me just wandering around. I couldn't believe how outrightly oblivious they were to a customer looking right at them. Down right rude! I decided to leave, saw both of the guys just talking to each other, asked who worked in the bike section, "Oh we do." Told them they just walked right past me. "Oh, what do you need?" I said, "Nothing now, I'm leaving." They definitely lost a customer! read more

Jason and James from bike shop were super helpful. Got my first bike tune up done and they helped fit my bike for my measurements and got a clip on. Great guys. read more