I had the displeasure of buying a very expensive kids bike here about 3 months ago. I returned it because he wasn't interested. When I got there I noticed nobody asked to help me, even though I looked pretty much in need of dire help on how to return this. Then come to find that when we paid over $200 dollars for the bike; they gave my husband the wrong bike packet with an adult bikes receipts inside the receipt packet they give customers when you buy an overpriced kids bike. ...yet, it was not my receipt. They gave my husband the wrong receipt. Well, you know since I'm a Mexican-American, this oversight on their part could not be admitted, because then that means, I figured it out. I had to explain it to these morons like 5 times the mistake they had made back 3 months ago. I never looked at the receipt until that day since my husband put it away. So then a pissed off manager lady comes out. She doesn't even acknowledge me as she knew who I was...the smart Mexican-American, fully educated woman, whom she has never come across with, which tells me she is not from California (if she was, she would have known many kids like me growing up next to her and she would be a nice person and have respect). ...but she is probably from the Midwest. Even so, she was rude and finally found the original receipt via my online purchase (thank god, because they probably would not have honored it, since I had no proof besides the online one). So when I left fuming, I called back to talk to a Manager and the SAME LADY who had NO customer service skills, much less social skills, said, "I'm the manager right now..."...sure enough, I told her how badly she dealt with her and her employees obvious mistakes and their further inadequacies of their ability to connect and take ownership. I'll never spend any money here again. You suck. read more

This two stars is specifically for their bike shop. I've been very disappointed with them lately. I had to get a rear wheel with internally-geared hub replaced, which is a major repair, and while they said it'd take 2 weeks, it actually took 4 weeks (which was a problem because this's my daily commuting vehicle), and then when it was done, the gears skipped and there was a screw missing from the shifter on the handlebars. Besides that, it seemed like every time I called to check on the bike (remember, 4 weeks of waiting) I talked to someone different and had to re-explain the situation all over again. I also had trouble with them earlier mis-diagnosing this problem with the hub as merely being a problem with the chain--if it'd been diagnosed properly earlier, I would've been able to get the problem fixed before it got to the point where I needed a complete wheel rebuild. I've had good experiences with them in the past, so I don't want this to be a totally negative review, but I would've thought I'd get better service for a bicycle I bought at REI. read more

Great products, good sales, efficient customer service, simple returns and exchanges. REI is my Happy Place.

I went to the Berkeley REI to buy a pedometer today. I've bought pedometers there in the past, but today I couldn't find pedometers, and I couldn't find a salesperson to help me. I went home and ordered one on Amazon. If REI wants to compete with Amazon, they should make it easier for customers to find what they are looking for--more staff or a store directory would have solved my problem. read more

Until now, my husband and I have been big fans of REI, so much so that we established our wedding registry there last year. On every previous visit, company employees treated me with the utmost respect and offered unsurpassed education about the thousands of dollars in gear we have purchased for our many outdoor adventures. Which makes the following review that much more painful to write. I visited the Berkeley store last month to test-ride a road bike. After taking it around the block, I was pretty sure this was the bike I wanted, so I asked that it be put on hold. The employee helping me set it aside, which he told me would be for a standard three days. When I returned two hours later to buy it, I learned that the hold had been removed and the bike had been sold to someone else. A third employee, after learning of the error, mentioned that this practice of removing holds and selling merchandise to other people happens often -- perhaps, as he explained, to serve customers promptly and keep them happy. I ask: Who's being served here? If you put something on hold, it should be there when you return for it. I was further frustrated by the inadequate response of the store manager, who apologized but could not explain how the error occurred. I told him the issue was not about the bike, but about the way I was treated, which was not in line with good business practice. I am not purchasing anything else from REI on principle. The incident -- and management's blase response to it -- suggest to me that the company cares more about immediate sales than customer loyalty and fairness. read more

Love Love Love to just flip through the racks. If you're looking for a $600 windbreaker, or some cross-training extreme fleece tech vests, they've got your backside covered. I have to chuckle to myself at the thought of a materialistic, affluent oriented coop, the same way I knowingly smirk at the wonderfully ironic name of the Gourmet Ghetto, where I like to dine on slow-food after visiting REi. read more

I have been going here for a long time and have always had a great experience. The employees have always been helpful and it is not to hard to get help. I cannot recall a time that is was not greeted and thanked on the way out. I have also always found what I was looking for at REI. The member dividend is great also. read more

This is probably the place with the most outdoor stuff that I know in the bay area. So that is good. What I really dislike is that the staff completey ignores you most of the time. It#s worst when the place is packed, but with the exeption of the guy greeting you at the door and the shoe section, you hardly even see a member of staff, let alone they approach you to help. I also think that the prices are on the higher end. read more

I really like the employees at this REI .I was interested in buying a bike and I haven't had a bike in 30 years I love the fact that they listen to what your looking for and they let you test ride different types of bikes . the problem is when this department get's busy like it did when I was test ridding. the person you started out with gets deluge with questions and involved with other customers your stuck waiting .. I totally get it.. but i think corporate REI needs to have more specialist in key stores like this. the associate Chuck took the time to help me and Adam who I think was a bike technician? came out and explained in detail all about the bike i wanted to purchase.this is what closed the sale .My budget was $500.00 I spent 1,100. because these employees took the time to answer all my questions. they should be rewarded for their patience and professionalisum. read more

I FINALLY committed to purchasing some cycling shoes after 5 years of riding. First stop was REI to pick up some shimanos on a Saturday evening. The store itself was expansive but I found it difficult to find an available crew member to pull sizes/guide me through clips/etc. First person I found was David--he was friendly and tried to be helpful. Honestly though, dude did NOT know what he was talking about and needed to call for assistance and disappeared for 10 minutes. I sought out Kathy (who helped me on the phone and was SO helpful) until David returned. Truth be told, this was an incredibly awkward interaction. Kathy was knowledgable on the topic and I preferred that she guide me through different types of shoes, etc. It was clear that David was trying to be helpful but its never cool to be teaching the sales associate about the product they are selling you. He might have been out of his element/placed in another department--which is totally understandable--but I wish he would have routed me to someone who DOES know about my needs and questions. Instead it felt forced and as though he was trying to prove something to me and holding me retail-hostage. A new experience for me (even though I worked in retail for about 5 years during college). Regardless, Kathy was absolutely fantastic and straight to the point. The cycling department was understaffed and she was in demand(with good reason). Overall happy with my purchase. read more

How can you not love this place? Knowledgeable staff, great selection, friendly and good prices. 5 stars read more

I've shopped and spent plenty of money at this REI, but probably won't go back after today's exchange with the sales staff in the shoe department. Late afternoon on a Saturday and the store was quiet, but plenty of staff. There were at least 4 possibly 5 REI staff in the shoe area. Only one other person besides myself were looking at shoes. I approached the shoe display and grabbed a shoe that I wanted to try on from the display. I stood there for a few minutes and no sales person approached me - or even looked my way. REI staff members were chatting with each other and at least two staff were tripping over each other trying to help a young blond woman decide on a pair of shoes. Finally got someone to go look for my size. When he came out with my shoes he hands me the box and walks away. The guy then goes back to chat with another staff member. I try on the shoes - and then thought, you know, there are plenty of other places to go buy shoes - and for $120 I at least want someone to acknowledge me and possibly answer a question or two. read more

Far FAR superior REI than my local store in Corte Madera. Staff is more knowledgeable, and they have way more stuff in stock. Plenty of gear, and always good deals to be had in their sales. But outside of the sales, their prices are still pretty high - generally MSRP - so I spend more time (and cash) at backcountry.com. But if I need something in a pinch, here and Any Mountain are the spots of choice. read more

Early this morning, at 4:30am to be exact, my beloved pup, Giles, decided he needed to go number 2. So into the desolate, dark and deserted streets we entered. "Gosh, this is scary," I said to Giles. We walked into the empty parking lot across the street (the unofficial urban dog park) so he could do his duty (heh). Just then, from around the corner comes a rather statuesque man. How lovely! A late night visitor! He spots me and decides he'd like to say hi, I'm assuming. He starts walking over to the entrance/exit to the parking lot and just stands there. He's watching me. "Hiiiii!" I holler. He's silent. Maybe he's deaf, I think. Maybe he's lost. "What can I do for you, kind sir?" But nothing. Silence. And then! "What do you have?" he asks. "Ohhh, well I have a very territorial and remoseless dog who just needed to come outside for a quick poo. You know how it goes." He's clearly unimpressed. "I don't see a dog and this is the only way out." Oh cool, I'm totally not scared or anything. He's just trying to make sure I know where the exit is. "Oh look, here he is right now!" And then Giles stood by my side while we had a friendly standoff with the lovely gentleman. "Come on little guy, we won't go down without a lighthearted tussle." I'm guessing our friend didn't care for dogs because off he went. Thankfully, REI carries bear deterrent spray (mace for bears). I figured it could take advantage of it in the city and in the woods, bears are everywhere! read more

**This review is specifically for the optical/sunglass section!** UGH - had the worst retail experience I've had in a long time looking for sunglasses at REI. I am a regular customer and REI member, and have always had knowledgeable, quality service and good products. Today I went in after work because I have a big sports tournament coming up and I wanted to upgrade my $10 cheapo sunglasses to something with proper UV and polarization. My criteria: lightweight, shatter-resistant, good peripheral vision, firm fit. I looked through all of the sunglasses on the racks and then moved to perusing the pairs in the cases, then asked to see a couple pairs. The guy would not look me in the eye as he dumped the glasses on the counter. They were the wrong shape for my face (I have a flattish nose and wide temples), and I mentioned that to the guy--who said disparagingly "oh". Not "here are pairs with a higher bridge" or "did you see this pair with a wider frame". "Oh." I continued peering into the case, while he stood there staring into space, then barked "are you going to see anything else?" I was starting to realize something was wrong, but did ask to see one more pair--which were absolutely the wrong size--he hunched his shoulders like I asked to put on a fashion show! Now I know I had my work skirt and nice heels on, and a face full of makeup, so maybe he thought I was too femme to be serious. Or maybe he thought I was too brown to be serious. Or maybe he wasn't thinking at all! His rudeness ruined my experience and I will be buying my sunglasses elsewhere. I know this is not indicative of all Berkeley REI staff as I have had the opposite experience happen, and even the other person at the optical counter was getting thorough advice on their binocular purchase. What gives, REI? read more

True story: five years ago I bought a watch at the REI in Berkeley. It was my "outdoors" watch - rugged and sturdy, with a light-up face useful for checking the time in the dark, like when you're in your tent. I loved it. A few months ago, the battery died, and I went from store to store trying to get it replaced. It turns out you need a special tool to open the watch, and no one could do it. And no one would try because apparently people sue stores all the time for damaging their watches when trying to open them. I went back to REI figuring they could open it since it was an REI brand watch, but they couldn't get it open either. Damn! I was really bummed out, until the guy at the watch counter said that I could just return it and get another one. After five years? With no receipt? I had heard about REI standing for "Return Every Item", but that struck me as a bit much. Sure enough, I went to the Customer Service counter, and using my my REI member number, they pulled up the record of purchase or whatever and refunded me the full amount. The full amount, after five years! I promptly went back to the watch counter and bought another watch, and had a $15 store credit left over to boot. Now THAT is customer service. read more

dear rei, thanks so much for indulging in my personal belief that buying top-of-the-line sporting attire and equipment can make me more fit. thanks for making me seemingly athletic to the naked eye. though i've taken knot classes before, can snowboard, and can handle an oar or two if need be, that is pretty much the extent of my outdoorsy nature. but strangers don't need to know that. you do a good job of dressing me up for the role. however, i have to let you go. it was a nice run, you and i. but it seems that i can't love you while i'm on an any mountain budget. give my regards to your gorgeous climbing wall, the pinnacle, at your seattle flagship store on yale ave n. she's a tall glass of water, and i'll miss her. oh, and tell her i'll miss gripping on her nubbins. signed, broke bitch read more

Amazing service in the shoe section! There were probably 5 people looking at shoes and only 1 worker, but the worker was great at attending to everyone in a timely matter - getting different sizes, answering questions about the shoes, etc. read more

The bike team here is awesome. Elliot and the senior bike dude helped me out proper. Thanks so much guys!!

Quick summary: This REI has gone down hill as they seem to be hiring minimum wage staff to replace the old extremely knowledgable staff they used to have. This new staff in turn are acting like they are being paid minimum wage. Go to other stores if you want staff that are passionate and care about their products and therefore are willing to pay the in store premium. Otherwise stick with the internet. Long version for anyone interested- I used to love REI. It used to be my favorite place to go. The Berkeley store has traditionally had knowledgable staff that were passionate about their department. I was in the bike department. The staff member working the area was talking about getting laid and shitfaced with his coworker at some party a night or two before while they were both (she was helping the winter area) ignoring customers in their section. The two cut off conversation and went to helping customers. At this point its more like okay, I get it, slow day at work, both friends and conversation got a little out of hand and I happen to overhear it. I was exchanging shoes. They were a gift and the wrong size. The REI employee goes to the back and gets a new pair for me and then leaves. Luckily they ended up fitting me, but I seriously couldn't find him when I had a question after I tried on the shoes. I then decided to go check out ski's and overheard another employee giving out advice on boots that while wasn't patently false, certainly was not correct nor beneficial to the customer. I was an outdoor professional for 4+ years and been in the mountains for 3 years. At this point I was pissed. The bike guy was entirely unhelpful/absent and it was clear this salesperson had never spent a season on the mountain, or had even gone up to ski in the past 5 years. What happened to all the awesome employees that were passionate about the gear they were selling. Anyways I go to outdoor stores (vs online) when I want to talk to somebody who knows more about the product than I do. Otherwise why would I pay the marked up prices? My experience at this REI, and from things I have heard since, leads me to believe that REI is going the classic corporate route of cheaper, more inexperienced staff. There are plenty of other shops in the Bay Area with staff that are knowledgable in their fields and if all else fails at least the internet provides massive discounts. I will not be back with our without REI's golden return policy. read more

Customer service is thee best at this REI, super friendly and knowledgeable folks make this store!!! Thank you ;)

I've always thought very highly of REI but they lost a sale today and I'll probably do my shopping elsewhere for a while, as a protest against one of my worst customer service experiences in a long time. I went in looking for a shirt that would be appropriate for white water rafting. I was directed to their paddle sports section (kayaks, etc.) and waited for a few minutes since there were no salespeople in the area. After waiting a bit, I flagged down an employee who was walking through and asked if she could get someone over to the section to help me. She said she would and I waited a little longer. No one came, so I flagged another employee who was coming through. Same request, same commitment. More waiting with no one showing up. The Customer Service desk was right next door so I stood in line there (while keeping an eye on the paddle sports section in case a sales person came by). When my turn came I explained to the woman behind the desk that I had been having trouble getting service, now about 20 minutes after first stepping into the section. She said she would talk to someone personally and ask them to come over. I returned to paddle sports but still no one showed up. Eventually one of the other customer service agents who was momentarily free saw me standing idly in paddle sports and asked if I needed help. I told her I had made 3 requests for service and had been waiting for about 25 minutes. She called up to get someone to come over. Several more minutes later I was still unserved, so I finally told the last agent that I was done and walked out. On the way out, I stopped at the info desk by the front the door and mentioned that I had waited a half hour in vain, after 4 unfulfilled promises for service. He asked if there was anything he could do and I told him it was too late, but to make sure the store manager knew what had happened. He promised he would. I walked out and probably won't go back for at least 6 months. Even though I'm an REI member, I'll buy my gear elsewhere for a while before trying REI again. Membership means nothing if there's no service, and I have other places where I can spend my money and wait to see if REI fixes their problem. read more

service usually OK even if for the shoes it's not too good but today I went there twice for nothing the first time, around 11:00AM it said there that it was closed for power outage and reopen when the power come back. Around 1:30 I checked and the answering system was back up and the message said it's open. At 2:30, I went again only to discover that even if the power was back on they had decided to give themselves the rest of the day off! In order to give due respect to customer, you have to be careful how you communicate when problems arise. read more

This location has horrible customer service. I would give no stars if I could just on that merit. My boyfriend and I came in to pick him up some things for his upcoming trip, one of the main things he wanted was the Go Pro hd cam that you can attach to helmets, backpacks etc. So were checking out the camera and there were a few employees by the section, not one of them asked us if we needed any help and when I finally asked one of the workers if she could get us the camera because we wanted to purchase it she told me she would be with me when she got a chance. So 10 mins later she still hadn't gotten around to helping us instead she was moving sun glasses around on a rack w/ another employee. We decided to buy the camera somewhere else since they obviously didn't want our money for the 250+ cam and all the accessories he wanted w/ it. BTW had this person been on of my employees at my store she would have been fired on the spot, What you don't want to do your job? Buh-Bye then, I don't pay you to stand around and not help customers spend money. Customer Service Grade = Big Fat F. The store does have a vast variety of merchandise when it comes to outdoors and what not however I would rather go to a diff one instead of coming to this one where the employees treat you like your bothering them. read more

I have always raved about the awesome service and great gear from REI, however I had one extremely dissatisfying experience with an employee named "Holly" recently. I believe she may have even been a manager. I'm not sure if I got her on a bad day or what but she was extremely rude and short with me when I was trying to ask her questions.. I actually decided to put down all the gear I had already gathered to purchase and left the store without them.. I would avoid her on your next trip in. read more

Terrible customer service at this location. Employees ignore customers that need help. I won't be returning.

I've been to many REI stores and have been a member for years. Me and my three children have shopped there many times and they had provided great service and more than anything the staff knows about their products.But NOT at the REI in Berkeley! We were on a rush to get a bike rack and get on the road. The girl in the bike department had no clue, she started searching in a catalog and and clearly didn't know what to look for and couldn't figure it out. I then found another staff member in the bike department. He told us to look for a rack and for all the parts. he said "it's like a jigsaw puzzle" once you have everything we'll install it for you for $65, we install on Saturdays (4 days away) Leaving there totally frustrated we went to a local bike shop "Rack Solid" and in 10 minutes they installed the rack for free, gave us a discount and we were on our way. REI Berkeley. I suggest you train your staff, and by the way they were not very nice either. read more

It's not the quality of product, but the poor service. Went to get a pair of shoes on a weekend afternoon, probably 30 or so people in the shoe department and only 2-3 employees. After waiting 15 mins to finally get a salesperson I tried on the pair that I wanted, but I got two different size shoes and couldn't track down a salesperson for another 10 minutes. They ended up not having my size after all. I went online and the MSRP for the shoe I wanted was $120, but REI was selling them for $135. I guess that money you save from being a member at the end of the year is just a wash since they seem to be selling them above MSRP. read more

REI is expensive, but their clothes have pockets all over, and when you are conquering the wilderness, you need pockets. They also have a decent selection of sports nutrition supplements and bars, and dehydrated food. The staff is SUPER friendly and helpful. They do NOT pressure you to buy anything and will chat you up forever to explain the pros and cons of whatever you're looking at. Also, if you order on-line, you can save the cost of shipping and have the item delivered to a store. And if you're a member, you get a dividend every year! Free Stuff!!!! Woooooo-Hooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1 read more

As with just about any other bike store on the planet, cycling staff are smug and superior and will subtly hint that you're not worthy of their attention. read more

Poor customer service, bad exchange policy, and forget trying to go there when they're busy they won't give you the time of day.

Since when does REI give you a hard time about returns? My fabric cooler has a broken zipper and instead of simply replacing it with a new cooler, the customer service suggested I go to a fabric store, buy a new zipper, and take it to the tailor. I have never had this kind of experience at REI before and I am disappointed. Bye bye! read more

A few days before my item would be "ready for pickup" I called the store to know the process for my husband to pickup a kid's bike on his way to work. They said he just needs to bring his ID and the email that says it's ready for pickup. He goes there and spends 30-40 min where they offer the wrong bike. When he points out it's wrong, they keep trying to figure out what is going on and it ends up the bike meant to be picked up is in a box unassembled and we have to go back to pick it up. I call the store asking about the situation and they said that typically I would get a phone call saying the bike is ready for pickup. well that's not what I was originally told days before. I was told to just bring the email says it is ready for pickup. We ended up getting it cancelled and another order placed but what a waste of time. It was also a pain to call on the phone to REI to get a new order placed with free shipping (30 min!). Then I ask the phone rep to cancel my original order to be picked up at Berkeley but she cancels my new order! So I call again and spend 30 min explaining the situation and getting a new order placed. REI has really done a number on me today. Such a time intensive process that could have been avoided if the REI Berkeley workers here had the orders straight and only emailed once the order was assembled and actually ready for pickup. read more

REI is quickly becoming the wal-mart of outdoor gear..well, maybe target. but they do offer some pretty awesome prices, benefits, and events. i've taken one of their mountaineering classes here and, while not super-educational, it was nice to watch the slideshow they presented. i've also taken advantage of the member benefits and bought some new plastic mountaineering boots for super cheap. eveything just feels so picked-through and help is sometimes hard to find (at least in the climbing department). overall, i love this place. i just know that places like marmot are more specialized and have better-educated employees. but REI serves its purpose well, and will continue to do so for a long time. read more

Obviously a quality store with a wide selection of outdoor goods but with this particular location it had to be some sort of a sign when I first opened the door and it felt like a 1000 pounds. See, I found all the clothing pieces I wanted missing or in the ranges of L-XXL+ size. Not cool. Whoever is managing there please maintain your inventory. I would have bought more stuff if it actually fit me! read more

If you are outdoorsy and love nature then this is your one stop shop for everything you need. Day hike? Camping trip? spelunking? pretty much all you need you can find here. The staff here are knowledgeable and can help you find what you are looking for. The only sad thing is that they recently took away their unlimited time return policy and its shortened now. But everything you want to know about going outdoors you can find here. read more

Been shopping here for years. Never had a problem until today. Sales rep kept walking up behind me, very close, even though I politely said a number of times I didn't need help. I selected the OR jacket that I was looking at and walked away. I saw an REI jacket, thicker, but slightly similar on my way to customer service, to pick up my hammock. He asks what specifically are we shopping for. I said nothing. Thank you. We are fine. He comes closer and leans on the rack I'm perusing through. And continues to ask questions. What am I going to use it for? Did I want him to explain the features? I again said no thank you. He said, "this is what I do for a living," as he put his hand to his chest. I said, "shopping is what I do for a living. I certain I don't need help." He then proceeds to tell me that the REI one is cheaper. I already knew the prices of both jackets and did not need his judgement of what I should buy since I didn't ask. Never happened before. #personalspace #nothankyou #scott #NO read more

Once, I walked in here with a girlfriend and she told me that this store was "better than sex." My ego is happy to say she said that while she and I were strictly platonic. :-) But ... I might agree with her on some days. This store is huge and packed with everything the hiker, backpacker, or other outdoor enthusiast is going to want. It's filled with camping food, hiking books, clothes, boots, bikes, and everything else imaginable and staffed by knowledgeable people who actually seem to use the products they sell. Just a fun store to goof around in too. If you're planning to be outdoors you should get equipped at REI. read more

Dear REI - I used to love you. I've been a loyal shopper for more than 25 years, even had my first job with you after high school. But you've become a victim of your own success. Today I went into your store at a quiet time. 3pm on a Wednesday. Very few customers in the store. I went for a specific item - Novara bike shorts, Couldn't find them on the rack. Looked for help. But the only staff person in the bike department was at the mechanic counter, and he had a line. No other staff people in sight on the main floor. The greeter at the top of the stairs was talking to a security guy, and didn't even look up while I stood there for about a minute. Next I tried one of the cash register people, but though she was willing to help, her computer didn't have the right program open and she had trouble opening the correct one. 0 for 3. Why did I bother coming in? If you staff so lightly that it's not worth my while to come in, why would I come back? read more

I visited the Berkeley R.E.I. on 9/22/08 and was "helped" by cashier 106916 and I have to say her customer service (or lack thereof) was rather obscene. I am usually not one to take the time to complain, but this was an exceptionally poor example of customer service to the point where I feel it necessary to communicate my concern. I came in to purchase a particular pair of crocs I had been meaning to buy and knew this store would have them. No one asked me if I needed any help, but that was fine by me because it would have been unnecessary. I am truly of minimal maintenance as a customer and really only need the most basic of help. Everything was fine up until it was my turn to be rung up. I was next in line and was waiting in the area designated. A man came to wait to be rung up as well, but entered the waiting area from another entrance and thus sort of waited outside of the "line". No big deal. As cashier 106916 completes a transaction she was preoccupied with, she welcomingly calls up the next in line. As I make my way to the counter, she abruptly stops me and says firmly, "I believe he was next in line." She had a stern look on her face as if I was cutting him in line and should have known better. Seeing where she may have missed that he had come after me as she had been busy, I gently reply, "Oh, actually I was already here." And he politely chimes in that I was, in fact, next in line with a light smile. Thus, confirming that I had not cut him in line. And this is where it all falls apart. Regardless that the man had generously honored the fact that I was next in line, this awful cashier shuts down. She was ready to receive him warmly with a smile and great attitude, but because it is my turn, she keeps her lips pursed, eyes down, and I can feel her disdain. I don't know what I could have possibly done to have mustered this response from her. And the worst part is where she attempts to ask me if I am a member at REI, but it was as if she couldn't even spare the breath to ask me in a full sentence and rudely barks, "Member?" "Bag?" That is what she said to me when inquiring if I needed a bag or not. One word. And her tone was sharp. I wouldn't even talk to a dog like that let alone a person, esp. a person who is a customer and pays my paycheck. I turned down the bag as I only had one item and could carry it and save a bag. No "thank you". No "have a nice day". Nothing. With that I left. My friend who had accompanied me and witnessed the whole atrocity had even asked if I was done at the register because there was no indication that it was over except that her attention was no longer on me. Now, as I am not a confrontational person, I did not address her rudeness at the counter. Certainly I wasn't buying a $500 bicycle or $200 jacket, but $45 plastic shoes is not chump change and it should not matter how much I am spending to be deserving of even the most basic customer service. read more