Great place! Great service! And, super helpful, knowledgeable and friendly-even on the phone! The Shoe Department was crazy busy, but so fast and efficient! read more

Excellent service, great selection, knowledgeable staff, an awesome outdoor shop where everyone can find something they need or didn't know they needed. We love REI, this one, any one. read more

Outstanding support and customer service from Ash today helping my spouse and I out with a shared daypack. Thanks for the professional help and friendly connection Ash! Wish we could clone. you for all our customer service needs! read more

Worst costumer service I've ever experienced, I walked away from making a purchase. I inquired about buying some sunglasses and asked a young man to open the case. He proceeded to ask 3 times if I was buying them after I already confirmed yes. Was extremely condescending, and didn't hand me the sunglasses I was asking about until I insisted I was not going to buy something I couldn't try on first. He embarrassed me in front of other customers with the way he spoke down to me, completely unprofessional and inappropriate. When I went to the counter to pay for the every expense item, I had such a terrible feeling from that interaction I had to decline. I would rather shop elsewhere than support a company that allows their employees to treat random people let alone customers in such a way. read more

Great advice, friendly staff, great stock and amazing warranty on things you buy online or at the store. Even used equipment that is not fitting or performing as expected can be returned or resold read more

Shopping for a new set of hiking boots brought me into REI. I had a great experience and tried on several pairs of boots. The person, Meredith who was helping me was amazing! They dealt with me wanting to try on different sizes and styles while taking the time to share expert knowledge and first hand experience about my different options. I honestly never would expected to get such attention and service from a busy store. Totally recommend getting footwear from this team! Thanks! read more

Super nice employees work here! They were expeditious in getting me out of there near closing time on a weeknight - I didn't realize they were closing when I walked in but they didn't make me feel pressured or uncomfortable at all. I had a few returns to accomplish and the two women at the registers both helped to scan and get everything processed in about 5 minutes - now that is teamwork!!! It is in an odd location that I wouldn't have expected but it's a great little edition to the REI family! Will definitely come back for future needs! read more

Rei Bellingham, Wa You really need to reconsider how you treat your customers not cutting me a break when it was before closing and I was one cent short and I had walked a mile. yeah every time I go in there each week you're greedy employees bug me to spend $30 on a lifetime membership. why Would I spend $30 on a lifetime membership to a store that won't even cut a customer a break over one cent... read more

Love this REI. If you're a memeber ($20 one time fee) you can partake in their garage sale. You can find some amazing stuff! Today I got some Vasque Breeze 3.0 GTX hiking boots for $92!!!! They were only worn once... by the way they looked, the previous owner only did a light walk indoors with them. They're basically brand new. Check out the garage sale for some awesome deals... Other than the sale... The selection on North Face jackets isn't great, but I found a decent one. Color selections are slim... they really only carry gray, black, blue, camo green, beige, or a combo of the colors... this applies to jackets, sweaters, and shoes. You'll have to shop online for brighter or unique colors. Other than that, great store for all outdoor activity needs. Staff is always super friendly and helpful. read more

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I hate REI. Some of the employees seem cool, but others are rude and don't know what they're talking about. Some of them will argue with you, and also don't know what they're talking about. Ugh, what a corporate shithole, and the number of negative reviews here reflects that. I recommend talking to Pete or Sam at Backcountry Essentials. read more

Imagine a guy in his early 50's, with glasses and wind-blown hair in need of a cut, dirty sweatshirt, white pants with cargo pockets, Crocs on his feet. You might think he's homeless, and trying to make his way to wash up in the bathroom. And if you're a Co-op employee, it might be your job to head off this person before he uses and perhaps despoils the store's resources. Spotting him looking at the tent on display, you might think he's bluffing, and you steel yourself for an encounter, asking him when he makes his way around the tent, "Can I help you?" so forcefully and accusingly that this potential customer, 20+ year REI member, will feel challenged to respond convincingly that he is indeed shopping and not an undesirable vagrant (which is a matter I'll only address by saying people deserve respect and not condemnation for having bad luck, bad circumstances). My circumstances were not ideal on this day. I had driven my son back to UW to pursue his engineering degree and I was not dressed for going anywhere. And I'd been camping for a week in the sweatshirt I grabbed before hitting the road with him. And I live on an island, so going home to freshen up before this one detour shopping excursion wasn't a practical option. "Um," I said, a little stunned, still trying to find where they kept the packaged tents, "do you have any of these for sale?" As I said it, I felt kind of stupid asking such an obvious question. He did not give me a smart-Alec answer, like, "No, this is just a large version of the dog-sized tents we have for sale," or "No, we're just hoping someone will say they have this tent so we can make them an offer to buy it from them." But he did say, "Yep." Just, "Yep." Not, "Yes, we have this one, which is a four person tent, and we also have a six person version," or anything of a helpful, sales person nature. Just one challenging, "Yep." And he kept looking at me, waiting. My turn. "Well," I said, again looking around for a tag that showed the price, "how much is it?" "Three forty-nine," he said. And again, he waited. "Okay," I said, "yeah, I'll get one." No doubt changing gears, he led me to where I had not walked to yet but would have found without his awesome sales help and now pointed out the various ones for six people, which I could also read, and then found the one four person tent remaining. So it hadn't been that dumb of a question, I thought. Maybe they had more in back. But I would later see signs expressing gratitude for our patience with the limited inventory. But why now, a week later, am I writing this review? I usually write only positive reviews. I know if I post it I'll probably take it down soon. Well, its because this interaction has stayed with me all week, affected me every day. I've scheduled a hair cut, washed my sweat shirt, got out of those pants and resolved never to wear my Crocs out of the house again. Later on, still shopping, I overheard the same man asking a presumably more respectable customer if he could help her and to just ask if she needed anything, all sweet as honey. No militant accusations under the surface. So, yeah, why am I writing this? After all, if you don't dress respectfully, shouldn't you have to live with not getting any? I would expect that to be the case at the Country Club, why not REI? read more

I have been to this store several times over the years First my raves: -Excellent customer service -Helpful, extensive knowledge, friendly -Annual garage sale in summer (snag great deals) -Closed on Black Friday Now, the two star rating: -Many items over-priced, sometimes not available -Constant pressure to become a member HUGE turn off! Aside from the greeter at the front door, you are constantly badgered at every step of the purchase process to become a member. When I recently purchased show inserts and asked about their return policy, the clerk gave me two different scenarios, one for being a member and one for choosing to decline membership. Every question I asked was met with the same response, "Well if you're not a member..." read more

REI - Hope these help! - Outdoor Gear Near Me - Bellingham, Washington

Came here to check out this REI. Nothing that I am looking in particular. This REI is definitely smaller than the big cities REI (Seattle flagship or even Portland etc). Went in and was greeted right away. Looked at some backpacks. They have a small selections of things here and there. There is free parking in front because its inside an outdoor strip mall read more

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Chronically understaffed. The checkout wait times are unacceptable. I live blocks away but often resort to order from REI online. This place is terrible. read more

I came in to return an item, thought it would be terrible. But- Erin made everything so great. Thank you. Rockstar customer service. She went above and beyond in so many ways. Thank you Erin, -Marion Erin made my day. I can't thank her enough. read more

Seriously, who doesn't LOVE REI?! I could spent all day in here wandering around to look at all the awesome gear, clothing, and items. I love REI because of the items they carry, awesome staff and customer service, and classes they offer. Today I went in to buy a new pair of hiking boots. I got the very best service, advice and help trying on several pairs, asking questions, and found the perfect pair for my needs and style. Thank you to the two ladies who helped me to find the perfect pair for my next hiking adventure! I'm so excited to try them out! read more

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I recently bought my first pair of ski boots here and had the most wonderful experience!! This was my first season skiing and am still very new to everything and the man who helped me find my boots was SO friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful. I seriously wish I got his name. He answered all my questions and I felt much more informed leaving than when I walked in. I absolutely LOVE my new boots, I just tried them out and they worked great. I also browsed some other items while I was there and I think they have a great selection and all the employees I spoke to were friendly. read more

The staff was very friendly, and not overly sales like. I've gone along with friends each time and so I've never been a member- it would be nice to get 10% off each full price item I buy though. read more

A nice little REI, with most of the core inventory that you'd expect to find in an REI. Way understaffed when I've been there, which is a shame as the staff are running around like mad and it's not very relaxed for the shopper. On the up side, the bicycle area is well equipped, and the staff, while insanely busy, do a great job keeping up. I've talked with Bob in bicycles several times, he is very friendly and knowledgeable. It's hard to find a good bike shop these days, so much appreciated. Suggestion to management: hire more people! read more

Up until recent, I couldn't be heard singing anything praises for REI, their customer service, their return policy and their awesome selection. It was like they truly understood those of us who wanted to get outside, be wild, be adventurous and have quality gear help us along the way. I see more of a millennial "hipster" trend in their gear in some places, and in others I see awesome leaps in technology and weight vs capacity. For the latter, 5 stars. For the first, well, such is life. I like that they have an easy "order online and ship to the store for free" deal, and parking isn't a bear unless it's a garage sale weekend. (Deep discounts on used gear.) The one thorn in my side right now particularly is the return policy. Mind you, I have returned maybe two item (shoes, blisters and tread coming off and an inflatable chair that leaked) in the 10 years I've loyally shopped there. But when I spend $220 on a jacket, I don't care if I've worn it 20 times for "over a year", - I don't care if it's over the new policy- the threading is clearly unraveling due to construction. It just irks me. At that "standard of quality" and their iconic "REI guarantee" ... I'm basically assured nothing in regards to dissatisfaction. Totally aware a year is a long time for returns, but it's the principal of their old standard and those of us who didn't abuse it. Not super impressed. Three stars seems completely fair, in regards to their lightweight gear and selection. read more

I could spend my entire paycheck here very easily, if I subsequently lost my house due to my poor financial decisions (of spending all of my money at REI) I would stay warm and comfy with all the quality equipment I just bought at REI. - I've been to a few REIs and honestly it's my favorite store, Bellingham specifically is small, but always has what I need, and has some great employees, they're always super helpful and friendly. (Hey, Doug was super cool, you should give him a raise, or smiley face sticker or something) I finally got a membership, it really is worth it if you think you'll ever spend more than $200 there. read more

The staff always willing to help or let you wander on your own. Someone mentioned they felt wearing crocs in the store caused salesmen to not help them whatever dude people respond to people with social skills get some lol. Great prices and options membership allows for one year return with no questions and tons of slightly used stuff to find a deal read more

I was buying climbing shoes and the employees were kinda helping at the beginning. But 2 employees came up and just kept pushing and pushing to the point of where I wanted to tell them to go away. They kept pushing a membership so hard even though I already have one. They also kept coming back with the wrong sizes, and the wrong shoes. I was looking to spend $100 not $200. I spent 30 minutes on something that should taken 15 minutes. Just anything I said went in one ear and out the other. And when I tried to check out with the shoe I wanted from the beginning and in the size I said, one of the employees came up to me and tried talking to me. At that point I was just so annoyed and wanted to be left alone. read more

I just love going to REI. The staff are friendly and helpful, and you always find something unique. The store is a bit small, with limited selection, this being a small town. But I won't complain; I much rather have a small REI in town than no REI. And most of the stuff I have purchased has been top quality. The only issue I ever had with REI was with its Visa card: I couldn't use it at many places because of a security level that is too strict, and a website that was a PITA to use when I wanted to manage my account. So I ended closing it. Besides that, REI is a definite must-stop for anyone looking for outdoor gear. read more

Hate to leave this review for REI, where lots of my fond memories exist. However, the service at this store in the camping dept is horrible. Had a friend who made a mistake on the address for an order, and while UPS states that the sender can update the address (this is true, as I have done this), the manager was less than eager to help. He took my friend's note with the right address, and UPS tracking info and walked away to help keep door open for new customers. Back when I worked in REI, I'd make sure to call UPS on the spot with the customer since it sucks to have your expensive gear sent to some unknown location. Not like we worked for commission, and service was what we prided ourselves on, along with the fact that most everyone worked only in depts that they were experts in. The customers should be treated as another 'enthusiast' that enjoy the same sport/activity that you do. I guess not at this store, in the camping dept. Very disappointing... read more

If you need ski boots, head to this REI and ask for Alex H. I've been in the market for ski boots for a while, but needed someone to walk me through the workout of ski boot fitting. Alex helped me try on EVERY. SINGLE. BOOT. THEY. HAD. Not an exaggeration. Not many people would take that kind of time and not make you feel rushed through the process. Incredibly knowledgeable. My ski boots are comfortable. Never thought those words would be in the same sentence. read more

Friendly staff Sometimes there are few cashiers and even less associates on the floor, so sometimes it's difficult and takes time to checkout or get help with a product. Decent selection of gear for the size of this city, definitely a smaller store than Seattle obviously. I prefer ordering from REI.com and shipping to the store for pickup. Large parking lot and conveniently located close to I5, Haggen, and a Starbucks. Decent hours, except they open somewhat late on Saturday and Sunday, which is irritating when you realize the morning of your trip that you need X, Y, Z and have to delay your departure since you're waiting at the nearby Starbucks for the REI to open. I've had my bikes serviced there three times. Mechanics seem knowledgeable and my bikes ride smoothly each time I got them back. Mechanics are helpful when I was overhauling a bike. read more

No dividend even though I spent hundreds of dollars? What happened to the rei I thought I knew

Two days ago I was in dealing with a return and I was planning on writing a 5 star review. The customer service rep was extremely helpful and took care of me. Fast forward two days. I go in, I'm main browsing as I just got my tax refund back, considering buying a cooler. When I decide on a product and walk up to pay they guy at the counter immediately, without a greeting asks if I'm going to pay for the shoes I'm wearing. I said excuse me... and proceeded to take off the year old used Solomon shoe. I was appalled he had the audacity to accuse me of such ack. Just because I'm younger looking does not mean you just can accuse someone of stealing, at least look at my shoes to see they are used. I've been a member for years and to get treated like that is completely ridiculous. Understand this the one bad experience I've had, but it's the bad one you remember and that stand out. read more

Visiting from out of town and wanted to check their stock for a specific set of shoes! I called before heading over just to make sure that they had the shoes I was looking for... keep in mind it takes an hour to get to the REI store. Customer service was sub-par. The person over the phone was unable AND unwilling to help me locate the shoes in the store. She insisted that I check online first and then call the customer service line. I guess her overall tone was what ruined the experience. Not sure if I caught her on a bad day, but goodness... service was lacking. read more

We waited a long time to get an REI, and was it worth the wait! Our REI is in the space that used to be an Albertsons many years ago. They started out with half of the space and have now expanded a couple of storefronts over. So this is a very nice size store. This is a fun store to visit and just spend time looking at all the little things they have that make getting outside more fun. I come here for Camelbacks, Keen shoes, hiking guide books, and once in a while, clothing. It's a very comfortable store and has a pretty good selection for most of these items. In the past it's Achilles heel has been the checkout line. Sometimes it takes quite a while to get checked out, but on this visit right before Christmas, the line was long but moved very quickly. It couldn't of been more than five minutes. In five minutes was barely enough time to look at all the stuff they have along the checkout line, gloves, hats, energy bars, and more! Stop by sometime soon to get your outdoor gear, I'm sure you'll have a great experience! read more

I went in to get some basic camping gear and was followed at a distance by an employee the entire time. It made me very uncomfortable so I left without purchasing anything. I will not be going back. read more

First the positive. This place sells things. Sometimes you need things. If you need things and they are the things that this place sells you can buy them and take them home. Secondly the negative. I cannot abide this place. Wildly expensive lifestyle products aimed at people with too much money. But worse than this, oh so much worse than this. The staff are forced to endlessly try to push you into becoming a "member" whether you want to or not. Today I bought a six dollar pot of mosquito repellent as she pushed me three times to become a member. Eventually I told this was the reason I didn't come here, I can't bear to be harassed about this. She then said "well, become a member and we'll leave you alone". No, I think alternatively I will just try to avoid coming to your store. read more

Hmmmm...well they do have nice stuff but they charge ridiculous amounts of cash for it. A week to turn around ski tune ups? Please... hire some extra help - it's not rocket science. For the money charged for their gear they should do it while you wait. Also, "Have you checked online?' a painfully common expression at this store. Well, if I wanted to do that I wouldn't have driven down here. It's called inventory - manage it. Ever notice how the "Flagship" store always has it? I know...it's just B'Ham. read more

REI is a great business, which everyone probably knows. The staff at this establishment are kind and attentive, and the atmosphere is always welcoming. Great products too. read more

Huge shout out to Clay in footwear for pushing me to shop local instead!!!! Went in today to buy some running shoes that I've been unable to find elsewhere in Bham and hoping to look at a second pair as well. Clay came over and proceeded to "help" (if you can call it that???) and was condescending the ENTIRE time. I will be the first to admit that I don't know a thing about running-- I'm just getting into it and said as much. This guy made me feel stupid for any question I asked. Really took every opportunity to make it obvious how little I know and kept a better-than-thou attitude while I was apparently wasting his time with my questions. Finally I had had enough and said I would come back another time after doing some research on what I wanted. To which Clay said very snidely, "I can assure you that I have a more complete knowledge of running shoes that anything you'll find on any page online." This guy is needs to get over himself. Not the kind of thing I would expect from an REI employee. You guys are usually so great about helping people get into the outdoors! And normally I LOVE talking to people when purchasing things, but this guy needs an attitude check. REI, I hope y'all see this and talk to Clay because he's not doing a good job of repping your values. read more

Just got to love these full service outdoor stores. Some decent sales on fleece jackets but with our Canadian dollar, it has to be half off before I even try on anything. Did see some Columbia cargo pants not back home. Good selection of sunglasses, mostly Smith. Men's apparel actually quite good, all the way from front to right. While I've been quite elated with my Ello glass bottles for hot water, this Hydro Flask has piqued my interest: 24 hours cold. Though not sure if I still want to drink that long LOL. free WiFi here. Good service. read more

Will never shop here again. Drove over an hour to get to store to buy Boxer a backpack. They sell dog backpacks, but she had to wait in the 80 degree weather in the car! Angry! This is a local company and it bums me out they are anti well behaved dogs! Went to Big 5 tween minutes later, while they have no puppy apparel, they were happy to have her in the store while I tried on backpacks! read more

This store and its employees are fantastic! Very open feel and no pressure to buy. The staff were all knowledgeable and helpful. My husband was looking to purchase a day pack and accessories and only had a vague idea of what he was looking for. Doug, the associate that helped us, went into great detail to explain how everything worked and why. Not only did we leave with just what my husband wanted, but he gained more knowledge about the gear and how it was supposed to work for him. Doug was AMAZING! Thank you all for a great experience for someone new to an activity! read more

Day 30/30: 30 day Oct yelp challenge (Woohoo - I'm done! Bit off with some of the time zones, and I've learned that a review a day is harder than it looks!) I'm not outdoorsy but I occasionally need to pick up a few things from REI. This is like the American version of MEC. Good quality, fair prices and good return policy. I like that you don't need to be a member to shop here, but there are some additional perks if you sign up. I can't recall the details but it may be worthwhile if you're a regular shopper. I find the service here is great. They don't up-sell and the associates seem to use and know their products well. I've bought small electronic gadgets, fuel and clothing here and have been happy with all my purchases. Good selection. Definitely recommended for outdoor gear. read more