I think this is one of their flagship stores as it is huge for an REI. If REI sells it, they carry it here. Depth in every product area. That is what hit me when I walked in. I came in for a running headlight. There were tons of options as headlights double for hiking, camping, etc. I was able to get a light and be on my way. However, it was a bit overwhelming with so much depth in every area, but "REI" depth - lots of base layers, rows of Gore-Tex jackets, etc. - not a lot of variety in brands and items - seemed a bit stale. I shop a lot at Scheels and Cabela's and they merchandise very well with lots of brands across different price points. It was also hard to find someone that worked there to help me even though the store was empty, but the checkout people were nice. read more

Spotted (easily) from the highway- she's a big one! We couldn't resist swinging by. While it was a beauty to look at, inside was busy & disorganized. After a very short time, I was ready to bolt, sans any purchases. I feel like there's potential but, as is, I can't see myself spending much time here. I think, sometimes, smaller is better (?) Prices are high, granted, but so is the quality of the products offered & there's a ton to choose from. Like everyone else, the appear to short-staffed. So, pack your patience! read more

If you like the type of activities that REI supplies gear for, this store is pretty much heaven. This is generally the best place to get supplies for camping, hiking, backpacking, biking, and active boating activities like kayaking. That also includes high-quality clothing appropriate to these activities. I have two particularly well-used ultralight rain jackets from REI that I swear by. This is where I will always come if I'm ever thinking I need anything to wear that's designed for specific outdoor activities. And you should check on this to confirm it, but I have it on good authority that if you buy shoes from their huge footwear department, you can return them after having used them a little bit. The Roseville location is closer to my house, but I get excited to come to this store because it is immense and impressive. You've probably spotted the huge climbing wall from 494 many times, and that should give you a sense of the scope of this place. All the departments are the largest versions of those you can expect from this type of store. You can get lost in here. Like, you literally will have trouble finding the exit. And it's really not particularly easy to find things. Last time I was in here I wanted to look at supplies for starting campfires. I completely failed to figure out where those things were so I gave up. As big as they are, they don't always have everything in stock. I even placed an online order recently for pickup at this store, and I've been waiting for over a week for them to alert me that the two items from the order are ready for me to be picked up. The messaging about the availability of those items is unclear. These are things you would totally expect to be on the shelf there, so I don't know what's up. Also, maybe this isn't their fault but I can't get a mobile signal in there. This was frustrating recently when I wanted to pay with a gift card I had, and there was no way to access the gift card. Maybe a public wifi network with a strong signal should be available and advertised. Still I really like coming here. I always have and I will continue to do so. I do, after all, have a gift card to somehow use. read more

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Probably the largest and busiest REI in the Twin Cities. Great sale selection and even better customer service. They helped my husband and I find the right size backpacking packs. Showed us how to properly adjust the straps and added weights to see how comfortable it felt. read more

It was scheduled to be delivered 12/26. I received it 12/24! The gloves were nicer than I expected.

Came here with friends who swore by their service. Encountered terrible customer service. Sales rep lied about their membership program. Even friends who have been members for years swear they will not return. Really disappointed!!! read more

Not impressed by this store. First time visit to Minneapolis, temps in the negatives with wind chill of -21, and realized I'd forgotten the family's head gear (neck warmers, face masks, etc.) for camping / hiking / skiing. Figured I'd try REI, as it was near our hotel. My takeaway on this store is that it's like a pretty retail version of an online "best sellers" list, across all outdoor sports; i.e. they put a nice face on selling you only what they think will move at a higher volume, at the cost of having an actual good selection and variety per sport, and given the huge array of sports they cover, no staff know all that much about any given area of the store. You really want to love it though given how awesome it looks from both the outside and in, where you're greeted by a monster indoor climbing wall for all levels, and then an expansive store covering sports of all types. My experience was they didn't even have a single kid-size mask or neck warmer. Asked someone, they didn't actually come to where they thought they may be to see if their guess was right, just pointed and said if we have any they'd "probably" be over there. Okay, if you aren't actually sure, ask someone else, don't tell me probably. Similar issues with camping equipment; clearly the sales person in that section doesn't camp. Checkout they have numerous registers, and two people working, so it took about fifteen minutes to get out of the store with what we did decide to buy. So, if you want to pay retail price for the latest and greatest from well known brands, they probably have that, but if you deviate at all from their playbook, expect to have a mediocre experience. read more

This is the largest REÍ I have ever been in. The selection was enormous and the service was great

If you are an outdoors or sports person, this place is your place. They have a climbing wall when you walk in if you wish, and they have anything you want for outdoor adventures. Super nice staff and I think they can help with your excursion plans as well. read more

I love this REI location due to its best choice of different products. The clothing and gear are presented in a very enticing way, and I always end up buying way too much. It is my favorite choice for outdoor an active lifestyle shopping in the Twin Cities. read more

Yeah, this particular location is pretty awful. Go to the Maple Grove one instead, if you are the kind of person who likes: - not waiting in long line just to get into the store - being able to find someone to help you get one of the sleeping bags from the stock room so you can buy it - finding an employee who will not run away the second they see you heading toward them - waiting less than 45 minutes to check out, even when there are only a few people ahead of you But if you love a really long and exhausting experience, definitely go here read more

I love coming to this place. I could spend hours here looking around and enjoying every minute of it. The store just makes you want to go outside and camp and travel. They have everything you need for whatever adventure you have planned. Their products are all high quality, well-known brand names. Because of this, it does make their products a little more expensive. To make up for this, they usually have multiple sales throughout the year, so pay attention to when they start. On top of that, they do have a rewards program that includes educational classes, the climbing wall, the sales, and other family activities you can sign up for. read more

Great customer service. They explained everything I needed to know for new winter boots and explained that you actually want them a little bit big, which I never knew read more

I am an outdoor enthusiast. I love to hike and spend my time off road exploring the woods. Where do I go to get the best service and selection on hiking shoes and boots? REI of course. These guys really know what service means. I have been back in the shoe department buying shoes three times now and every time is the same. There are at least 3 salesman walking the floor asking if you need any help or recommendations and unlike other stores where you don't want to be bothered, a specialty shoe is not one of those times. If I'm going to drop over $100 on shoes, I want lots of information and I want someone that will happily and cheerfully bring me 10 different shoes to try on and never make me feel like I wasted their time if I end up not buying that day. I have never once asked to try on a shoe that was not in stock in my size. That is a great testament to the guy in charge of inventory. I wear a common size that is usually sold out everywhere else. The salesman are very knowledgeable when you ask questions regarding your foot size and walking style. It's funny that when I order shoes online, I never get ones that are good for my feet but when I go there, I always get the right ones. Live and learn. Great selection on socks and recently found out a good selection on ice grippers for your boots too. Price wise, they are reasonable. If you watch for sales, a super deal sometimes. Watch for their special of Buy $100 in merchandise and get a $20 gift card when you sign up for a lifetime membership to the coop (which is $20). So basically your membership is free when you buy $100 which is easy to do on one good pair of hiking shoes. Location isn't convenient for me. I live in WI. But I will make that 40 minute drive just to visit the store. Usually during non peak times because I know that Saturday mornings is just a bad idea all around. read more

REI - Hiking shoes - Outdoor Gear Near Me - Bloomington, Minnesota

Hmm. Not everyone, but MOST people who work here are...anxious introverts? Socially awkward? I HATE shopping here, but I LOVE REI products. So what's a gal to do? Expect to wait for ever in the shoe department. And get absolutely no help. I want boots! I'm not overly picky about style, just fit! For clothing, I order all my REI goodies online and return in store as needed, but it seems like a bad idea to order 8-10 pairs of winter boots. FWIW, the people who work the returns seem to be the most competent people in the store...after they show up. read more

Far and away the best of the Twin Cities REIs. This is the place to go for high quality outdoor stuff and the advice that you need to select and use it. I love coming here with a vague idea of what I need and leaving with a perfect fit of the perfect thing I need. Add in classes and events and a climbing wall and even a clearance room, and this is the place to go. The only thing that costs REI a point is that the prices tend to run high, but the helpful team here helps by looking for clearance or online items before you buy them. read more

Yesterday i found one of the WARMEST hats jn the Twin Cities-- and just $28, hand knit from Nepal and made with very good quality 100% thick WOOL yarn beautiful natural vegetable coloration, complete with a FULL thin fleece inner lining. Only... at REI, a coop. I used to study analyze the retail industry of NYC in the 70's 80's and saw with many others the massive transformation this sensitive industry was RAPIDLY undergoing. Fortunate to interview managers at Sears Montgomery Ward and Spiegel i learned a great deal and early un my career was a special shopper store wide at the flagship BTC Bloomingdales store under deeply revered industry wide store chair Marvin Traub ( later a friend to my biochemistry prof Dad). We are lucky to have REI here, and for so long. Structured as a Coop they MUST listen closer to their stedfast consumer base, and they have. Their sales are outstanding, their yearly most welcome divided checks a huge help just before it gets freezing cold‼ I was shocked and extremely pleased with the dramatic change in floor space ( something Mr Traub was brilliant at). FABULOUS!! Open.... airy......bright..... welcoming......FUN.....happy. Love it!! Great great job. Most of all, second to good price points, is the excellent carefully planned selection of QUALITY products. Yes... i loved designer cloths years ago in NYC , but my dad climbed the Cascades, Tetons and grew up in Seattle, so ALL my life i went rugged back packing and camping... no makeup, hot rollers. I still have my beloved North Face parka from Madison WI college days in 1970 in mint condition and my 1969 Vasque climbing boots also mint condition. Today folk got smart and realized how practical it is to buy /wear top quality (materials made to last) rugged outerwear for daily urban use. Smart. My youngest fortunately thanks to Camp Menogen did dog sledding winter camping as well as 30 day trips in the Boundary Waters since age 12, and has BEAUTIFUL equipment from REI and my other fav retailer, Campmor in New Jersey ( my folks bought from them starting in the 1960's). And she does special effects makeup etc. I love love THIS store. Enjoy! read more

So crazy to come here after or during Covid. The WORST service ever. Once you get someone you may consider it ok... BUT then you have to wait in a line that moves so slowly, and maybe one of the 4 clerks working was working efficiently and friendly. The others dawdled and would have loved to have one customer to ring up for their entire shift. I know this because waited in the line twice, had two different purchases. Guess no one wants to work and those that do have signed a pact to make it hard for the efficient worker! read more

I used to buy a lot of camping gear and clothing from REI and have attempted to several times within the past 2-3 years, but have found REI just does not have the right gear anymore. Add pricing is too high. The vast majority of my outdoor gear purchases have happened somewhere other than REI. This once was a fabulous place to buy outdoor/camping/hiking/backpacking/kayaking/biking/BWCA/cross country skiing equipment... read more

This is the REI flagship store for the Twin Cities, and as such it is much larger and offers more inventory and services than the satellite stores in Maple Grove and Roseville. A number of free and paid courses are offered here, as well as a formidable climbing wall (actually a few towers, the tops of which can be seen from I-494 in the upper windows). Many of the available courses start in the 6 pm time slot during the week. Just note that if you are coming from the western suburbs then rush hour traffic can double or triple estimated travel time! As an REI member since I started backpacking in 1972, I appreciate their return policy and still use them for more expensive items, even though I've only returned three items in all that time. Pay the $20 to become a member if you are planning to spend more than $100 on any item. They may not always have the lowest price, but their service, return policy, inventory and member rebate make it worthwhile IMHO. My only real criticism is that some of their sales associates are recommending expensive items without truly understanding either the customer's real needs and alternatives. Of course, there are some associates who are very knowledgeable, but determining which can be a challenge. I suggest you visit multiple times and engage different people each time, or perhaps asking specifically for someone who has the experience you need to help you make the best purchase for your needs. read more

This is the only REI I have known and even though I don't live close to it as I used to, this is my outdoor outfitter of choice. I've appreciated having the freedom to buy products and not feel bad about returning them if they don't work out (and what IS IT with the portable solar chargers?! I swear they don't work). My experiences with helpfulness is all across the board depending on the day, time, and season that I go. Overall, it feels equivalent to your average department store...when you ask, THEN they will help. And I'm actually not adverse to that approach. Their sale weeks appear to be pretty chaotic, but they keep getting more efficient in their approach to get people in and out of the store quickly. Ultimately, they have the advantage because of it being a fairly "niche" market being that it's for the outdoors. And the folks that are drawn to working there are ones who live that lifestyle and bring their own unique experiences to share with you if are able to engage with them. They have a wide variety of items and brands representing those preferences. Pricing isn't cheap BUT the time to buy are when the sales hit. I'll be back. read more

We went shopping shopping at REI for out hiking adventures. We received excellent customer service from a sales Associate named Jersey! He was extremely knowledgeable and assisted us on the right choices not just for the sale but more to fit our hiking needs and he cared that we knew how to utilize our purchase effectively and confidently. Remember to ask for Jersey! read more

I hadn't been into an REI in forever. long long time. but at dinner last night I heard they were offering 20% off one single ticket for a few more days if you are/become a member. we were in the market for an all-terrain stroller, and if you've ever shopped around for strollers before you know 20% is more than a chunk of change. It was quite the place to be on this fine Sunday...I think people were motivated by the 50 degree weather to reflect on upcoming athletic outings and the discount. But even though it was busy, we were approached more than a couple of times by salespeople and the woman who did help us with the stroller was well-informed, friendly and accomodating. They even assembled the stroller for us and we were able to just wheel it out. We left happy. read more

Great store! Great location, great staff, great products! They -hold events, tent sales, classes. This is a flagships store. There is a climbing wall. A clearance room upstairs. They rent equipment! If you go online they sell gently used items, seriously! REI also has trips you can sign up for, groups, families, solo. Local or overseas! They treat their employees well and have special events for them as well. Great place! Almost forgot to mention they have a beautiful fireplace and a play area for kids. read more

Let's be clear. This is not a review for REI, Inc. We love REI. We are members. We shop online all the time. This is a review for this particular REI location. And this particular REI is really weird. From the highway, it looks awesome -- with the big giant glass window structure thing obviously evoking thoughts of a mountain, it seems to fit the whole REI vibe. When you get closer and realize the rock climbing wall is inside the big glass window thing, you're all like, "Wow REI! That's freaking awesome!" I also really love the nature-laden walkway into the store and the nod to the BWCA and Gunflint Trail as you walk in from the parking lot. But that's pretty much where the awesomeness stops for me. This is one of the biggest REI stores I've ever seen, but it's also one of the most disorganized and poorly laid out. I just find it really hard to know what's where or get from one section of the store to another. If you accidentally forget an item and have to go back, it's kind of like IKEA, where all the traffic moves one way and you have to really wind your way back if you are going upstream. The cash register area is poorly marked and hard to find. And, also like IKEA, you have to get to the end of the maze to check out. I think they would really benefit from putting some registers near the front of the store (or where you come in anyway, is that the front?) for people who just need to come in and out quickly. Employees seem both scarce and overwhelmed at the same time. I just really feel like this store had the potential to be awesome but got a little lost along the way. Better signage and a logical layout would sure be an improvement. read more

I bought a bike from REI and had a few problems. To solve these problems, I visited the REI Bloomington bike shop frequently. It was a time-consuming and frustrating experience. Some mechanics are really bad. For a few times I went there with one problem, but left with an additional, then visited again, and then more problems. There is a mechanic who does not seem to be very honest in addition to his incapability. He helped me twice but solved no problems. He usually just says that everything is within tolerance. He messed up my brakes each time, and sent me home with a loose rear wheel one time. Thank God, I got home safely. It was dark outside. He kept my newer front wheel and sold it to a different customer without telling me anything. However, I found it out myself. I thought he made a careless mistake so I went to talk with him three days later. However, he said it was not an accident and he knew what was going on. I asked him why he did that. He said he was not able to install the wheel back to my bike. I asked him if he consulted anyone else about it. He said it was his own decision. I asked him why he did not tell me upfront during my visit. He said his job was to make things work instead of talking with me. Moreover, he threw away my hex locking skewer because he could not make it work, and he blamed my tires as being weird. These parts were installed by a master technician in their bike shop at an earlier time. I took my wheels off quite a few times and never had any problems putting them back on. My lesson is to avoid visiting the shop after 6pm or during holidays and long weekends, because good mechanics are probably off-work or on vacation during those times. It is very important to find the right person to talk with so that we do not waste time. The bike shop is a bit messy with bikes and customers. My first bike developed a frame/wheel alignment problem after I rode it for 400 miles. It is mainly due to a design flaw of a rear stay bike stand that I used for bike maintenance. To stop this kind of problem from happening again, and to get a good bike to ride for myself, I filed a claim for property damage through the bike stand seller. All I needed was a new frame and a new rear wheel with an invoice. However, their bike shop took my bike back as a factory defect instead. I was grateful for their generosity, but it made me uncomfortable as well. Ironically, I saw they put my returned bike for sale after cleaning, for the same price, pretending nothing happened in the past. And it was sold within two days during the Labor Day weekend. I know the problems of that bike very well. In addition to a distorted rear triangle and an off-centered rear wheel, the seat tube opening was damaged. I asked the bike shop how they made that decision. They told me that REI is a business and that is just how business works. This made me uncomfortable as a customer. It undermines my trust in their products. I would be very hesitant in buying anything on their floor. It is not easy to figure out if these items are indeed new and what problems they had in the past. A newer sales associate enjoys teasing customers while idling around. He labeled me as the customer who was not very happy with her CTY. He asked about my kids in a funny way, and joked about relationships between me and one of their bike shop mechanics in public. I am a "retired" university professor and a mom of two smart kids. I think I deserve more respect from them as a customer. I heard him teasing another customer as well. In my opinion, the store needs to hire more good-quality, hard-working bike mechanics and fewer unprofessional sales associates who do nothing except idling everyday. Another newer sales associate is never hesitant in giving wrong recommendations. She strongly recommended a car rack when I was waiting for my bike. She pushed me to get it during the Labor Day sale. It sounded like, do it, right now. I quickly checked it online but found a very low rating with many negative reviews commenting on its bad design. It does not seem to work well with my bike either. I was a bit confused so I showed her the rating. She then told me that I can always return it if I don't like it. I did see some returned items on their floor. I would rather get the right thing the first time. Meanwhile, she was strongly against a top-rated rack style that I have seen many times. I hope REI could jump start their new employees with some solid training in the future. I accidentally found out the past criminal record of a bike shop technician in the store. It made him very uncomfortable. REI then decided to accuse me for shoplifting when I visited the store for bike service and to make some donations. I was a highly respected university professor! REI also withdrew my membership twice in the past two days in order to protect someone who does not kn read more

Great company and awesome, knowledgeable people who work there and love their jobs. They always have absolutely everything you could possibly need to enjoy an outdoorsy and active life. read more

Very poor customer service. Walked all over the store looking for 4 different things and no one offered to help. I would have like to browse through the clearance of showed but all were left in the box. I was happy to pay full price. They clearly cater to one group of people. But they lost me. read more

Maybe I was crabby, but this place isn't awesome. Tons of staff, except where you need them. They all seem above the common man. Went to the help desk, where there were 2 guys and they were rude, didn't ask what I needed just said get in cashier line where there was 1 cashier and 10 people in line. Annoying. Just came for a state park sticker. Once I got the cashier, Kelsie was very nice and helpful. She gets this place the second star. I will order sticker online next time though. read more

Love this place. Went here to rent two stand up paddle boards and the two guys helping us were terrific. $60 a piece to rent, and It's a 2 day rental. They help you setup a makeshift rack and tie down the boards and teach you how to do it as well. The process was as smooth as anything. When we got back, they helped us unload as well. Make sure to check their hours as they don't open until 10am. Also the deposit on the boards together we're about $3,000 so just be aware. read more

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I was in this evening with my elderly parents. My dad needed hiking shoes to return to the Swiss Alps for his 65th year of hiking there. He'd heard that there's these "new fangled hiking shoes that are lighter," but had "no idea if they work." A sales person named Amy sized up my dad, gave me a wink, and took over. She was delightful. While she gave him her full attention (for a half-hour) I wandered the store and noticed something interesting. Many of the staff were 45 years old or older. A few helped me out as well. Like Amy, they were well informed, engaged, and extremely helpful. This speaks volumes about the store and its management. Not everyone in the world sleeps on the face of El Capitan, hikes the entire length of the "AT" (or knows what that stands for), sets up basecamp for Annapurna Massif, or catches waves at Padang Padang Left in Bali ... and I'm glad REI can probably help these folks as well. But some people need something different, and tonight I learned the staff at this REI store are more than happy to help these folks as well. Thank you for taking such good care of my parents Amy. They matter to me. And now you, and this REI, matter to me too. read more

My favorite store - has everything I need for rock climbing / bouldering and other various outdoor recreational activities. I recently signed up for their membership program too - paid $20 to be a member for life and instantly got a bonus card for $20 off my next purchase! The employees are always kind and ready to help. Will definitely be trying out their rock climbing wall next time I come in! read more

If you like REI and you're already inclined to shop there, then you'll love this store and you'll want to go out of your way for it. This is a one-visit review. That means you can take this rating with a word of caution. Who knows how what shopping here is like over the course of months or years. One visit was enough to determine that it could be excellent. The store is cavernous. It contains enough merchandise, thoughtfully displayed, to inspire and excite enthusiasts and spark serendipity. TIP - membership delivers an effective 10-20 percent credit annually; you should consider joining if you believe you'll shop here over the years because it's a one-time fee read more

I received the absolute best service from Rachel! I came in looking to try on backpacks for long trail hikes. I was at first intimidated by the many varieties of packs, but Rachel was an amazing help. She made selecting the right pack for me incredibly easy! Her incredibly friendly and personable attitude made shopping at this REI an absolute dream. read more

Customer service is very lacking. I overheard 2 different employees snap at each other because there weren't enough staff in the store and people weren't being helped. The cashier Margaret was icy cold - I try not to judge because maybe something bad happened in her life...but I smiled as I approached her checkout and received a stone faced response. I had to ask to give her my membership number after she'd rung up and was waiting for me to pay. She was condescending when I tried to use a coupon that wasn't useable yet "you SEE...it's CLLLEARLY printed RIGHT THERE". My bad Margaret. She also didn't offer me a bag even though I was CLLLEARLY struggling to carry my items out without one. read more

I have been a member of REI for a very long time. I have always found their merchandise to be of high quality and they stand behind what they sell if something doesn't work out. Some of the reviewers point out that you often have to seek out a sales person to help you and the layout of the store can be a challenge. However the employees all appear to be outdoor types who are often familiar with the products they sell from personal experience. I have to compare my recent experience with REI and Cabela's in Woodbury when buying long underwear. At Cabela's the sales person amazingly did not even know what long underwear was - really? In an outdoor store in Minnesota??? I went to REI and found what I was looking for and got a some good advice from the sales person. The REI rebate is a nice extra. REI will continue to be my go to for outdoor clothing and equipment. read more

I've been here once, and I won't be back. I came in looking for a pair of hiking shoes. I had some ideas about what I wanted, but knew that I needed an expert to help me refine it and find the right pair. First red flag was that it took me 20 minutes before I could get the attention of one of the salespeople, despite my best efforts. No one asked me if I needed help, and they all seemed determined to avoid me. But, it was a weekend, and a little busy, so I figured it was fine. Once I got the attention of a salesperson, he was a little curt with me, but that's not what annoyed me. I wasn't being super friendly myself: I was tired, not in the mood for people, and had some wrong ideas about what I needed and why. He made some good suggestions, and brought out some shoes for me to try on. I did. And then I waited. He helped a family who came in after me, brought out multiple pairs of shoes for them to try, helped other people, and never once came back to ask how they fit or even acknowledged me. What was I to do? Butt in on the other people he was helping? Clearly he didn't want my business. So I packed up the shoes he'd gotten out for me to try, left, and bought some online based on his comments. Waste of a drive. read more

A supersized busy REI, as a matter of fact the REI I saw in the Seattle area wasn't as big or as busy. With more of the heavy duty stuff this store is packed with camping and other outdoor activity items and a much larger selection of clothing than the smaller stores. The clothing at either store is nothing much anymore. Ten years ago I was impressed now it's blah. I do use REI for winter wear, such as gloves, hats etc. The customer service counter will sell State Park passes which is a great feature and this location has a DNR booth with all the brochures you'd ever need. The parking lot is huge but people insist on driving to the front area and playing tag with pedestrians crossing the striped walk when it's obvious there are no spaces, turn in an aisle and park down away so you don't frustrate yourself and others trying to speed pass me. There are extended lots for sure bet parking but there will be a walk, but hey, if you are going to REI your into this type of thing right? read more

I'm torn. Two stars? Three stars? Two and a half stars? Okay' two stars for the shoe department, four stars for the climbing department, three stars for the running clothes department, ... Kinda see where I'm going with this? I love REI. I love REI online. I'm in awe of all there is to offer whenever I go in their stores and can spend over an hour on line reading reviews of products they sell that others have tried. It's just that the consistency as a whole is seriously lacking. It seems that the majority of the employees are just going through the motions and could really care less if you bought anything or not. Please note, I started this review about three weeks ago so the Black Friday headache wasn't a factor. Also, this isn't isolated to one visit. The two stars for the shoe dept? They either need more help or a salesperson commission program. Myself and about four others were waithing waiting way too long. Four stars for the climbing dept? That dude behind the counter was great! Helpful as well as cool. He's the reason I became a member of REI. read more

A friend of mine has recently gotten into hiking and I've been a trail runner for a few years so I suggested REI when he wanted to look for gear. We went looking for shoes but since we have very different needs, body types, and goals, I had no idea how to help him. One of the shoe peeps (we wish we had gotten his name!) was AWESOME! He was helping 3-6 customers at a time. Being so attentive, checking in, asking lots of questions, and being patient with all of our questions. My friend left with shoes he absolutely LOVES. This seems to be very on par with REI culture. From the moment you walk through the doors you hear conversations between customers and employees all about their experiences, goals, dream quests, and so on. It's very clear that they do what they sell. It's a little pricey (but that's not unusual for recreational hobby gear) but they also offer sales several times a year including discounts for members ($30 for a LIFETIME?! Totally worth it!). Other than that I have only good things to say about every REI experience I've had to date either at this store or any other in the Metro. read more