Helpful and knowledgeable staff. There is lot of useful stuff in the store and some of it can be very affordable too. I have tried lots of shoes in the store since there are lots of brands available. read more

REI you used to great. I've been a member for 20+ years and would happily pay a premium price for your items in exchange for the privilege to be able to return it if I wasn't satisfied. Now your return policy is 1 year or less (used to be lifetime), which is understandable, however I showed up with some swimming goggles I'd picked up and used once one day after my "window was closed" and you were rude and send me away after I drove 20 minutes and stood 15 minutes in line. ONE DAY! I actually called before I went to ask if policy was firm and the person on the phone said "it depends on who helps you" which is so lame! This has been my experience since their policy change, with some people being super nice and accommodating and others denying the ability to return items... I went with the hopes that if the window closed yesterday and the system will indeed allow you to do it, the employee would be kind enough to give me grace. Nah. I'll be taking my business to Sports basement from now on. You lost a good client and got yourself a few bad reviews because of a $30 item and you ambiguity when it comes to returns. read more

Second shoe visit within a couple weeks and non-impressed with either sales person. The first visit was a young guy who was clearly disinterested in helping anyone, no exaggeration. Set some boxes by me and I tried them on and then said what do I do if I want to get a different size that you don't have in stock. He said he can order it online. That was it. Did not ask me any questions about what I was looking for or offered to make any suggestions. Visit Two- I took a couple of different sandals off the shelf and waited until I saw an older clerk, not just someone out of high school or college, , putting things away just out of sight in the stock area. Told him what I wanted and which shoe sizes I needed to try. He came back with whole sizes in one type of shoe, Chaco brand, and the other one he said they only had this one size and they didn't carry any half sizes in that shoe either. I said well that's too big for me, there's nothing else? No. He didn't ask me any questions either. Finally when he came back out, I said do you happen to have a size 39? (That's a European sizing.) He said yes we do. I said, that's 8.5, a half size and you just told me you didn't have any half sizes in that shoe. I asked if they had a different color then black, so he went into the stockroom and found a color preferable to my liking. So ended up purchasing that shoe. But if you're working in shoes there, how could you not know that European sizes and how they correspond? REI used to staff knowledgeable people in each section, including shoes. Do you think they would be interested in making a sale. I don't know what management is like these days there, but I'm a member and it's a huge disappointment. read more

Rough experience the Berkeley REI. Started with waiting for a while to get help while observing two employees stand 15 ft away airing their personal grievances with each other publicly on the sales floor. When I did eventually flag a separate employee to ask a question about seeing a floor model of a product I received a lot of attitude that the product was in a secured box in the back and they didn't have a floor model. When asked if they knew when they may have floor models to see I got a terse response that they were a "nobody" at the store and that that information was not passed down to them then they walked away. I felt bad for the employees that the culture of this store has gotten to a point of having numerous seemingly disgruntled employees. read more

Oh my god the restroom smelled like urine which they tried to cover up woth chemicals. That plus the union busting is not having me go back. Bye Felicia! read more

I was on the app. For REI ready to order but I couldn't use my reward points on my purchase. So I called REI & the service person was so helpful. The service person helped me on my purchase & gave me a lot of pointers too. The value was great too on my purchases. Would like to tell everyone to get on board with REI's credit card & get rewards on all purchases. Plus REI has all your needs for Biking,Hiking,Camping & Climbing too! Whatever you need for the outdoors they have it. Plus training classes for all outdoors stuff too. You'll enjoy the rewards once you get your card! So Enjoy read more

Prices: very expensive Customer service: fabulous I came here today to get hiking shoes and a new backpack. The person helping me was very friendly and I enjoyed the experience. He helped me very well and I was able to find a great pair of shoes I wouldn't have found without his help! Cashier was also very nice. It was a slow day so he took his time asking me questions about my day/my purchases (nothing invasive ofc). Only removing a star bc $200 for hiking shoes is crazy. read more

REI - Bikes Near Me - Berkeley, California

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So glad I found this place! They were incredibly helpful with my unusual bike...recumbent trike to be excat. It's not something they usually tackle, but they were totally willing. Seriously impressed with their willingness to go the extra mile. I'd definitely recommend them to anyone needing bike repairs, even for tricky stuff! read more

REI - 2011 Catrike Speed - Bikes Near Me - Berkeley, California

Visited the store on Sunday after Black Friday. The store was busy, staff helping customers, and while I browsed the store, an associate by the name of Grant approached me and asked if I needed help finding anything. I mentioned that I was just browsing, so he shared an overview of where items were in the store. This is the service I have always appreciated about REI. Thank YOU read more

Tremendous for obviously outdoors needs. I went to REI for shoes. Great walking selection of walking shoes. Finally plenty of options with walking support. Well organized store. read more

REI - Bikes Near Me - Berkeley, California

Weatherproofing bottle. Natural sealant. Good promotions. Cause their clothes and prices too much. What's there: Bikes Some food. Shoes. Big store. read more

I needed to return something and the lady at the registers next to the entrance literally "forced " me to go all the way to the back of the store to the return area despite telling her that I had hurt my ribs a few days ago. the people at the return area apologized and said she was probably not confident in her return skills ( sic) read more

Love this REI. I've been here quite a few times and anytime I need things for hiking, camping, or climbing. I feel like they are short staffed at times, and you may need to wait to get help with shoes and packs, but no complaints about the service. The staff aren't trying to sell you anything. They just want you to have the best gear for you to suit what you need it for. Also, they always have the return sale area where you can definitely find some goodies. I've gotten almost brand new climbing shoes for a decent discount. It is also where I tend to pick up tennis shoes. If you have an outdoor need, REI has you covered. read more

I love REI. I've been an REI member for decades and I love it. I've been to several locations over the years, from the Bay to Bend, and probably elsewhere, so it was particularly jarring to go to the Berkeley location and be treated like complete garbage. Tried to buy a bike for my child, waited at bike counter for an eternity, dude whose eyes were giving "f*ck you" though the glass eventually came out to say what amounted to "f*ck you" directly to our faces. We engaged briefly, looked at the measurement chart, looked at a few bikes, but the whole vibe was so nasty and the experience so unhelpful, we wound up leaving for Sports Basement. The store is set up with bikes locked to stations or hanging from the ceiling, so you have to ask for help... but then when you do get kicked in the teeth. My child is a sweet little girl who just wanted to try a nice bike. You ruined her day, my dude. Whatever you are going through, maybe you could work on taking it out 10% less on REI customers. read more

I will never ever shop with this brand again. I had to deal with a particularly pushy cashier that would NOT take no for an answer when I declined the membership. I eventually just agreed to it so I could complete my purchase and be on my way. I explained the duress I experienced and was told the membership was nonrefundable. They offered to cancel my membership however. Yay! They get to keep my money and I get nothing! Woo! read more

always such a lame boys club, takes forever to get any help. the men that work in there are obnoxious. I always need equipment and it's always such a bummer going in. read more

On to Sports Basement for me, despite it being further away. Customer Service is NOT Fabulous at REI Berkeley, never has been and today was worse. Return Policy is 1 year, and the expensive Blundstone work boots that completely gashed at the seam of the boot to the insole was not considered return worthy??? They were faulty and cheaply made. All the store manager could mention was that there was dirt on them. REALLY... REALLY???? Blundstones at a whopping $200 a pair for work boots have to be worn daintily? Nope... Why do they carry that crap, or why can't they stand behind the products they sell for so much $$$$$? Not ok. Not going again. read more

Whenever I need snowboarding tuning or repair services, I always head to REI in Berkeley, CA. The quality of work here is consistently good. They can almost always do a machine wax on the same day, which is incredibly convenient for those last-minute tune-ups before hitting the slopes. For any other services, it's best to plan ahead and book at least a week in advance of your ski trip to ensure everything is taken care of properly. Overall, the team at REI is reliable and efficient, making it my go-to spot for all my snowboarding needs. read more

This is a cool place to shop! Yesterday, I had two really nice people help me, both in the bike shop (answered all my questions about a bike I was thinking about buying), and in customer service (I was given info about shipping times, etc, and ordered two large items to be shipped, which was free). I really liked both of these people. They were communicative yet efficient, patient, kind, helpful, enthusiastic, and knowledgeable. ...and...this is but one day's example... I always have a good experience in REI, so I wish to send this expression of my appreciation for a great place! read more

I ordered online and picked up inside the store. The parking lot was full however, not very many customers inside. Pick up is at the customer service counter. Two staff greeted me and asked was I needed. I was directed to another nearby register and to wait for assistance. One staff yelled to the back of the house, "pickup'l A guy comes out and asked me what I wanted. I said I'm picking up an online order. He asked to see my email confirmation, which I didn't have. I showed him my CDL and asked if this was okay. He guesses so? What the fu-k? Waited a few minutes and I received my order. Sorry to bother everyone! read more

I love REI. I'm a member and have been to multiple stores and love the one in SF proper. Unfortunately, this branch in Berkeley is just terrible. I waited over an hour for assistance in cutting some cord. I flagged down 3 different store associates for help, only for them to tell me to wait for someone to assist. This was a Wednesday afternoon and the store was empty. There were 4 different associates in the shoes/backpack section but none could cut some cord. I had a similar experience a few months ago trying to get shoes - waited over an hour for someone to grab me my size in the back. I chalked it off as a one-off bad incident but clearly this is just pretty standard at this store. read more

Great service here, as they are experts! Selection of clothing is very good. Value is good for the buck!

First things first - the prices at any REI are astronomical HOWEVER I come here specifically to this location, because they have one of the best Garage Sale areas and customer service. The store is very clean and the customer service has always been great and helpful. They make you feel like you are talking to someone that cares and not just a robot. Their garage sale section is usually good. The prices are usually reasonable - but sometimes there is a jacket with a massive rip in it and it is still priced over $100. I do appreciated that they have a variety of items. Almost always find something that I do not need :) read more

The sales associates are rude and judgmental. I'll shop at Sports Basement from now on.

The always on used gear racks and section float my boat. Open to members only, what a way to save $40-70 off stuff that people have used/worn once or twice. Excellent way to shop. And I actually spotted styles and brands I looked up on a magazine about best shoes for various things-3 models were available, in the used section. But! For the value, no returns. So be sure, consumer- I'm gunning for the Brooks Ghost 13 next// hehe read more

Weather forecast says an upcoming storm is ahead of us and I'm going to tent camp through it. To give me a fair chance, I needed to grab a few things. I'm absolutely nuts for taking the challenge, but glad REI had the gear I needed. One of many items I picked up was their Trailbreak Tarp. I'm excited to give it a try. Wish me luck! I'm definitely going to need shelter from the rain. I appreciate this location, but the parking lot is not so great. Personally did not get dings, but seems unavoidable with the narrow parking spaces. read more

Covid review Pros: -friendly staff -free parking lot in front -hand sanitizer available -cashiers wipe down area after each use -physical distancing markers used -fitting rooms are closed Cons: -n/a read more

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I came in with my siblings to purchase hiking supplies, we purchased a pair of boots, gear and Arc'teryx clothing, spending over $1,300. When we were paying at the counter, the receptionist just scanned everything and set it aside without a care, we were left fumbling trying to get our things together as we were told "we're outta bags" once everything had been scanned and set aside. Like okay? You tell me that after I purchased everything and on top of that just push our stuff aside like it's nothing? Like come on, at least show some type of "care" especially after spending over $1,300. read more

This is simply a wonderful REI location with great service, cleanliness, a sizable parking lot, and a large space. I came here on a Saturday afternoon to purchase some climbing goods. The workers were extremely patient, friendly, and accommodating in helping me and others out to find what we needed. They were willing to assist me for quite a good length of time without any pressure to purchase anything and with helpful advice and comments to make the right choices for me. In addition, the place is nice, spacious, and clean with a lot of goods that are organized appropriately. The overall layout simply allowed for comfortable browsing and shopping. The bathrooms are surprisingly very clean too with some water fountains nearby as well. read more

REI - Outside - Bikes Near Me - Berkeley, California

"Since you're such a big fan of the brand." This is what a cashier associate gushes to us as he puts a pamphlet into the backpack we purchased at the counter. We had literally just come into REI for the first time ever to buy the cheapest backpack available because we were too lazy to hoof it to Target. We are not hikers, or campers, or anything else outdoorsy ... speaking of, do you know how many people disappear in state parks every year? Specifically California state parks? It's a lot. I mean a lot a lot. I mean you should really look into it before you take a trip because it's so many that the National Park Service and US Forest Service don't actively track them. But I digress, we are not and have never been "a big fan of the [REI] brand." In fact I'd like it understood that we have no intention of taking a hike past our capabilities and mysteriously disappearing in the woods, but if we did and I were to bring a backpack along on that trip, it would be a Jansport brand backpack because they have a lifetime warranty. And fun colors. All in all, REI had overly expensive backpacks, we bought one, the service was non-existent and weird, and we likely won't be back. But I did put in an order for another Jansport backpack. You could even say I'm a big fan of the brand. read more

While I haven't always had a great experience with the folks working here, and their prices are not typically the lowest, the store policies and the annual member 10% rewards is what keeps me shopping here. They even have a 365-day return policy which I'm careful not to abuse, but have had to use in the past when I bought something that did not end up working. The shopping experience here is generally a nice one with the majority of the employees being friendly. read more

I am in the market for a new bicycle. I went into this location on a Sunday morning shortly after opening. It was pretty quiet, so I figured I would be able to get a number of questions answered. I did not see anyone behind the bike shop counter, so browsed the bikes hoping someone would come by to offer assistance. After nearly 30 minutes of wandering around that area and never once being offered assistance, and still seeing nobody at the counter, I decided to leave. Highly disappointed. I will be purchasing a new bike elsewhere read more

Most Awkward Fitting Experience Ever I went in today looking to get sized for a backpack for a backpacking trip. For context I'm a short woman, like 5'4, but I'm wide hipped with a large chest. I had been borrowing a pack from my boyfriend, who is much taller than me, and I wanted something that was a better fit. There was one person working in the section and she started fitting me, beginning with taking my back measurement and then recommended that I do a size small because of my height. I asked if we needed to do a waist measurement too and the person helping me said that wasn't necessary. They got me a pack and told me they were going to weight it up so I could get a sense of what it would feel like on the trail. Ok, cool, so far so good. The staff member was helping another person at the same time and they told me that we needed to hurry up because they were going on their lunch break, and that it was against store regulations for them to stay over and help(?!) At this point I am standing with a fully loaded pack and no one helping me and surprise surprise it doesn't fit me around the waist and is tight at the chest. At this point I see another staff member and ask if there is a way to extend the waist strap...at which point this woman looks me up and down and says 'you realize that's a small, right?' and then suggests that I should probably 'just get a plus size pack' and asks me why I'm trying on a fully loaded pack. What in the actual eff. I *know* I have boobs & hips and need help with sizing, that's why I'm trying to get sized! I brought that up explicitly when I was talking to the first salesperson. But I felt like I was set up to be humiliated just by following instructions. The second staff member made me feel so uncomfortable and judged just for being short and having hips. I was so uncomfortable I just walked out and ordered the backpack online. It makes me sad because I have never had an experience like this before at REI. You folks need to do better on your staff training! read more

For all the years I previously lived in Albany (walking distance from my previous residence) and shopped here, I guess I never got around to writing a review. When I moved to Pleasant Hill, I went to the REI in Concord, and now that I'm in Genoa, NV, Reno will be my REI home store. I've been to a few other REIs sprinkled across the country, but the Berkeley Store remains my favorite. I stopped by last Saturday as part of REI's annual sale. I also parked across the street in front of Hida Tool & Hardware, which is where I went directly after this REI visit. I was looking for some hiking boots for an upcoming Iceland hike and found a very comfortable pair of Salomon's on Sale. The footwear department had a limited occupancy system in place that worked pretty well. The guy helping me, was helpful and as I pretty much found what I wanted on the 1st or 2nd try, I was a pretty easy customer. The checkout line went quickly and REI staff did a great job keeping things moving. If I had more time and wasn't so focused on hiking boots, I should have hung around longer and expanded into backpacks, sleeping bags, etc. read more

This is my favorite REI store because the staff are extremely friendly and helpful. Sure, it's pricey for things from here, but the level of service here is incredible. I was just browsing to kill some time, but employees would stop to ask if I need help and really want to help me find what I'm looking for. I think it's part of their training and boy, it feels nice to be around people that actually seem happy to be at work. Anyway, I ended up getting two really nice flannels that were discounted. From the questions about the flannel to the checkout line, I felt comfortable and valued as a customer. read more

I hope someone at the store sees this and there can be a larger discussion on how you treat people. This happened a few weeks ago. For context, I'm a South Asian woman. I was shopping for hiking boots, so I asked the guy working there which ones were waterproof and if he could get me two or three different pairs that I'd been eyeing. He seems pretty annoyed I asked him, and was a bit short answering my questions, as if they were stupid, so I wondered if maybe he's just supposed to working the men's section, since he was a lot more friendly and actively trying to help two other people who were looking at men's shoes. He comes back with only one pair in my size, and is a bit rude to me again. Whatever, I think, probably having a bad day, and I know it's a pain to have someone ask for three pairs of shoes off the bat. Later, a much nicer woman offers to help me, and she is able to find two other pairs of the boots I had asked the guy for in my size. I guess he missed them--it happens, and perhaps at that moment they were understaffed in that department, and he was overwhelmed. But finally, as I'm packing up to leave, I see an Asian person try ask him a few questions about the men's shoes on the wall, and he kinda brushes them off and doesn't help. At that point two other people were also helping people get shoes. So I could be wrong, but maybe this warrants providing some extra (paid) diversity training to your staff. I don't often assume things are about race when they are happening to me, but there was something weird about the way this guy treated people. Watching the way he treated someone else put things into perspective. We are all just hoping to try on some gear to see what will fit properly, so we can buy something that will work for us. read more

I went in to purchase trekking poles there because I was advised they would fit me for the right poles. The attendant just gave me some advice on length and told me to buy different tips. On the way out the clerk sold me a membership and said it would enable me to return without a receipt. Problems: 1) The tips I was told to buy did not fit the poles. 2) The poles themselves shrank unevenly after walking for less than 1 block. 3) I can't return them as I don't have the receipt and have been told that I need it. REI ghosted me after my second email. (I was polite in case that was a question.) 4) The advice I made the journey for was easily available online. I would also have done better to check Wirecutter or any other good review source for good poles for my needs. The attendant offered no major guidance. I usually try to see both sides, but this was a bad job all around. I don't think REI will suffer from missing me. I'm not outdoorsy. But I'm disappointed. It would have been nice if REI had lived up to their reputation. read more

I have to say that my experience at the Berkeley REI Bike Shop over the past few visits has been spectacular. I recently purchased a direct-to-consumer gravel bike and built it up myself. Well, I'm decent with my hands, but am by no means a bike mechanic, and I quickly got in over my head. My first trip in, the staff walked me through the basics of what I had missed with my bike, and I dropped it off so they could address them. At the same time, I had them install new tubeless tires, new compressionless brake lines, new bar tape, and a derailleur adjustment. They did a fantastic job on all counts, and the cost was extremely reasonable - about $100. A few weeks later, after maybe 100 miles of East Bay gravel, fire roads, and single-track (and after laying the bike down quite a few times), I had some new problems. My derailleur was a bit out of whack, and I had a few difficult-to-diagnose creaks coming from the bottom end. I walked in expecting to drop the bike off for a few days, but man was I surprised when Art immediately through my bike on the stand. Art not only diagnosed the issues in a few short minutes, but addressed them on the spot. If that weren't enough, he pointed out a few other things I had missed, and then went on to adjust the fit of my bike, including adjusting the saddle + levers. All the while, he explained what he was doing, and man did I learn a heck of a lot. If your bike could use some love, please don't hesitate to take it into the Berkeley REI Bike Shop for a tune-up. I am thoroughly impressed by their staff's knowledge, care, and attention to detail. As a bonus, Coop Members get 20% off all services. They're my local bike shop from here on out, hands-down. read more

REI - My gravel bike overlooking the East Bay. - Bikes Near Me - Berkeley, California

My wife bought a pair of shoes. They seemed ok at first but then they caused a lot of damage to her feet. She returned them a few weeks later and the clerk (Jules) gave her a tremendous amount of attitude and tried to shame her for doing exactly what REI purports to advertise. She has never used and returned anything before. How dare he. I'll start going to sports basement instead read more

Great selection of everything , rental lines are pretty long to pic up already bought gear. And Drop off .. Favorite quote from standing employees I'm not trained in rental pick up .. must be a months to gain such a skill read more