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

REI, what happened to you? I first started shopping at REI while living in Virginia. No longer would I have to buy my climbing gear on the internet or from that @$@%*!! climbing gym (Sportrock, in Alexandria, VA, I curse you!!!). Here I could try things on, and get some experienced help. I blew too many a paycheck here, became a member and even got an REI themed credit card. When I moved to Minneapolis, I was relieved to find REI was here, too. I bought a great deal of my backpacking gear here, such as my solo tent. However, I hate driving to the suburbs. Midwest Mountaineering is much closer, and I have never found their selection or service lacking. It became my go-to shop. Once a year, a rebate check would arrive for REI, and I would eventually make a trip to pick up something with it. Thus I arrived, minuscule rebate check in hand, and a short list of "must purchases" and "maybe purchases". However, something different happened on this visit: no one EVER offered to help me or asked if I had any questions. I browsed the aisles, selecting my "must purchases". I lingered in one aisle, considering my "maybe purchases". This is often a moment where help before has led me to make a purchase. Instead, I talked myself out of it. I helped my sister select a tent (since no one else apparently was interested in doing so). We even took one out and set it up, and still no one dropped by to see if we had any questions. As we left, the checkout clerk asked if I found everything okay. Yes, things were not hidden, it wasn't as if I couldn't find them. There was one item from my "must purchase" list I could not find (a guidebook for Wisconsin's Ice Age Trail), so I mentioned it. I also said I was not certain said book even existed. Most backpacking trails have at least one published guide book, but I reasoned since the Ice Age Trail was not complete, perhaps it did not. The clerk agreed. WRONG! I went home and checked online, and there is a book. I would expect REI to carry a book for local hiking locations, but they did not. I would expect an employee there to have some knowledge of local hiking (such as the existence of the Ice Age Trail, or the fact that it has been "incomplete" for at least 30 years). At the very least, I would expect them to have the common sense to ask another employee if they themselves did not have the answer (I understand not everyone in the place can be an expert about everything). It was as if my normal REI employees had been switched with the mindless automatons of a Walmart. I am not encouraged to take another trip out to the 'burbs for this. read more

20% Member sale going on right now... I'd recommend to hurry up and get over there soon! This is one of the larger REI's in the country - i'm fairly certain it's the largest one in the Twin Cities area. And surprising to me when I visited a few days ago, it's the 2nd highest volume REI location (currently). 2nd only to Seattle. #shocker But as expected, this REI has a little of everything on display and then some. Rock climbing wall when you walk in... currently there is a YURT in the front door area. Cool! TONs of tent, sleeping bag options, large travel section... and even more apparel available on the floor. My visit the other day was to pick up a GPS for geocaching. Unfortunately....they don't qualify for the 20% sale; but the floor associate who helped me (sorry forgot his name!) was super rad and helpful. It was really helpful for me to go into the store and hold the devices, so that I could then go home and make my $550 purchase online. (Apparently they didn't have the model that I wanted in-store.)Ugghh.. (sad face) If you're not an REI member, (and have been under a rock) - - sign up! You basically get 10% for all the full-priced items that you purchase in a calendar year. It's one way to not feel so bad for spending full MSRP. read more

REI will probably always be the first place that I go for my travel supplies, but their customer service is lacking. Right before I left for my most recent endeavor I needed to buy a travel international alarm clock / thermometer / calculator / money converter, but the last time I bought one was over 5 years ago. It is understandable that after 5 years I would forget the exact placement of said amazing object. There was no one around to help me find what I was looking for. Something that should have taken a few minutes took over half an hour. We entered and there was no one to greet us and ask what we were looking for. Half of the registers had no one working at them. The sales reps were few and far between. Finally we flagged someone down in the Swiss Army Knife section and she sort of pointed in the general direction of the travel accessories. Once in travel accessories we had no one there to help either. So after carefully looking up and down five aisles of travel supplies I was able to find what I wanted. Next we had to make it through the REI maze back to the only working cash register. The only thing that made me not completely lose my shit was that I was able to cash in points and get my clock for "free." 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

I have really mixed feelings about REI but overall like their selection of outdoor goods. Snowboarding gear and equipment are the primary items I've purchased from here as they have an extensive snow sports section during the winter. If you're going to be making larger purchases at REI I would suggest signing up for their co-op membership which gives you 10% back on all of your purchases throughout the year and access to exclusive member only deals and sales. REI typically starts to mark down its snow sports items starting in February with the deepest discounts offered through mid-March. Although the products sold here are high quality (and high in price) I've had inconsistent service from the sales people. On some visits the sales people have been super friendly and helpful and other times I've had to basically jump in front of someone to get them to help me. I'm not sure if it's because I don't look old or granola enough to be shopping here but it can be irritating nonetheless. On one occasion I accompanied my old roommate (who's an avid runner) to REI so that he could buy a pair of Vibram shoes. When I commented to my buddy that I prefer to run in traditional shoes I got a full on lecture from the sales lady about how it was better to run "barefoot" and that human beings had been running barefoot for centuries, etc etc etc. Listen hipster sales lady, I don't care that it's cool/trendy/better for you to pretend to run barefoot in those rubber socks with toes, I don't want to buy a pair. Oh and BTW, you both look ridiculous running in those things. (Sigh) Maybe one day in the not to distant future I'll learn to fully appreciate this store... and hopefully by then I won't be driving a Subaru, wearing all weather hiking pants or running in rubber toe socks. read more

I find it truly amazing that you try to get a employee to help you and instead they straight look at you and ignore you or walk into the back and don't return. 10 minutes in counting. But the second they see someone or a small child with there mask pulled down. The whole staff is telling you to pull up your mask. Or in the case I saw the staff memeber start to yell at the parents because there child was special needs and was having a hard time with wearing a mask. I will never buy anything from this store or from this company again. Of this is how they are going to treat people then maybe they should go out of business. read more

I prefer the my Berkeley store, but this is a nice space, starting with the glass enclosed climbing wall and continuing through the water falls and bridge, a nicely laid out shopping space and helpful friendly staff. I came here to buy some first aid supplies for an upcoming trip to the Yukon/NW Territories and I wasn't disapointed. read more

This is the first time I've ever had a negative experience with an REI. I'm biking across country and brought my bike in to simply have some air added to the tires and lube put on the chain. They couldn't do it that night so I decided to leave it. I was taking rest days anyway. For unknown reasons they decided to switch out a tire and chain that DIDNT need changed at all. The chain was replaced in Sioux Falls, 340 miles back, and, although the tire had 12,000 miles on it, was still in immaculate condition. I'm pretty sure you could bring in a brand new bike and they'd replace parts on it. read more

REI - The tire they insisted needed replacing - Taken before I took it in - Outdoor Gear Near Me - Bloomington, Minnesota

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The only place I would go for outdoor equipment! My son is a Boy Scout and he does plenty of outdoors activity to test the limits of equipment sold here. They stand by their product is 100% if you have any problems whatsoever you bring in for a full refund or you can trade it for something you like better. Customer service is second to none. My whole family loves shopping all through the year. A tip for you is go up to the second floor and check out the clearance items there are returns or slightly used things that come with a great discount. read more

I went into the Bloomington MN store convinced I was never going to find a pair of hiking boots that fit. I had been to several other stores trying on at least 20-30 hiking boots. I was greeted by Cindy. It was an hour before closing and she worked with me even after the store had closed. She went back and forth checking for different sizes. She gave me several suggestions on which she would think would work best for my feet. Even when I started to get discouraged and disappointed she kept me motivated to find a pair of boots to fall in love with. She offered the Oboz in mids that worked out perfectly. Unfortunately the store didnt have my size and I was leaving the following day so I had to purchase them through another retailer. She was not one bit upset I had to go somewhere else to purchase them. Cindy is the definition of a great worker who went above and beyond. She made my life so much easier and I had a very comfortable trip because of her help and dedication. read more

Their gear rental staff is amazing! Super helpful and willing to go the extra mile, no questions asked. They're great.

The bike dept is awsome they really know their stuff. Its not cheap but you pay for quality. I love the scratch and dent sales and the ability to return anything you buy for any reason. They will also custom order almost anything. I wear a size 15 shoe so thats huge for me. I have never been let down. read more

Love REI. Great member benefits, great events, classes, and activities. You can find good deals if you really look and use there intermittent member discounts, but for the most part it's higher end products. Often I find products cheaper here than at other outdoor sports stores. Store is clean and employees very helpful. Returns are easy, even if you've used the product (100% satisfaction guarantee). read more

Walked in here on a mission for a large travel backpack, good walking shoes, and maybe a sling bag and found all 3 plus some socks. Amy and Dave in particular were very helpful! Dave showed me all the details and features on the backpack I needed and helped adjust the straps making sure it was the perfect fit. Amy was incredibly helpful in making sure I got the right shoe for my trip and was very kind. She shared the store behind the co-op and is someone who loves her job and it shows! For someone who's never been in REI before and hasn't shopped outdoor gear much, I was pleasantly surprised! Beautiful store! read more

I went in looking for a new lantern for at night. But I just so happened to walk passed the other camping gear and was thinking about how nice it would be to have a great cup of coffee in the morning. I sale person was so help full. I started to look at a item that was $59.00 and he talked me into buying a $9 drip that you just place over your cup and poor the water in. After 4 days of making coffee for 4 adults, it was the best thing that I have bought this whole year. Thanks to that employee I saved money and was happy with my coffee... read more

REI - Outdoor Gear Near Me - Bloomington, Minnesota

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REI is expansive and amazingly thorough in its offerings. This can be good and bad. For one, it's like walking into China. Everything is everywhere. The sheer size is overwhelming... BUT, the stores are typically well-staffed with extremely knowledgeable and helpful people. Finding assistance is generally not an issue. Be mindful of REI member sales/coupons/events. The store traffic will be ridiculously high, but the deals are worth it. Just be prepared to enter the gauntlet if you stroll in on a Saturday afternoon. A big benefit of being an REI member (a 1-time, $20 fee) is your purchases are eligible for a dividend. This percentage of the purchase price is low, but sometimes, I'll get a surprising $15-40 dividend alert, and this dividend never expires. It can just be a welcomed surprise when checking out too. Aside from the dividend, the other big positive I've experienced being a member is the return policy. It's basically applicable on everything, anytime (but please, have some integrity). I had a pair of Keen sandals and the seam blew out on the heel 2 years later. Returned. Another jacked that's zipper was totally F'd, returned. The stories and testimonials of what people have returned is ridiculous. Again, the integrity piece is key for me, but it's also a balance--I consider the premium price to have this return policy in mind. I'm throwing down some serious coin on this gear, and I expect it to perform. If it doesn't, REI is comfortable with taking it back. Swing in to REI sometime. It'll be an experience, and a pretty good way to get inspired to do all things rugged and outdoors. read more

Thanks to a very kind and knowledgeable employee named Dave, I got a very nice new sleeping pad. This store is amazing. It has everything you could possibly want for an outdoor experience. Any avid outdoorsy individual will love this store! read more

Very cool store! They have EVERYTHING you could possibly need for the outdoors! The prices are extremely high when compared to similar on-line retailers. I think you pay for the HUGE buildings they construct. I'd recommend going here, trying on whatever you're looking to purchase, then go on-line and price shop. They are employee owned, so all the employees are knowledgeable and willing to assist. They also have a climbing wall which is very unique. read more

Well, I was pretty blown away when I visited this place with my friend. However, everything here is a bit beyond what I expected to pay for. The same goes for LL Bean over in the Northeast. But, there was an outlet with LL Bean in Freeport. Not here at the REI store. Still, I managed to find a bottle holder with sling for $8. The only affordable and useful thing that was worth getting. My friend was looking for some gear for his bike but it wasn't available. If there is a sale, then come out here but otherwise just window shopping. read more

Update: Eric and Stacy (managers) heard my complaint and very politely fixed the issue by refunding the extra liners we had to buy once we presented the receipt with a price total for the 2nd pair of liners. Very upset about how an online order was handled. I ordered a pair of ski mittens for my husband as a birthday present. He was going on a ski trip two days later. I picked the mittens in the store an hour before closing. The cashier didn't give me any time to check if the order was right before I left the store, she just said, "Have a good night", sort of rushing me out. I got in the car and looked at what I purchased. There was a liner missing from the mitten. I had to go back in the store and ask them to find the liner. They sent another cashier on the floor to look. She came back with a pair of liners made by a different company and they rang them up for me for $0. I was grateful. Unfortunately when my husband tried them on, they were too big. He had to go to the store to exchange the extra large for a large, but they wouldn't do it because the receipt said $0. They needed the original receipt. Bottom line is he had to buy another pair of liners when the original mittens should have had both of them in the first place. Now we spent twice the money when they should have made sure the order was complete before selling me the mittens and letting walk out the door. Do better, REI. read more

My Happy Place! REI Bloomington is one their bigger co-ops stores in the country. Lots of friendly staff members to help members and non-members. They have an extremely knowledgable staff when it comes to buying trail/travel backpacks, bikes, kayaks and just about anything hiking/camping. Expect an awesome selection of cold-weather men's gear and travel/hiking clothes that are perfect for the trail, working out or spending a few weeks traveling overseas. My favorite part of being an REI member is the 20% off sales and the 10% annual refund for every (non-sale) dollar you spend at the store each year. Skip the North Face store and buy your cold weather gear here, plus you get a refund! Lifetime membership is only $20. Hands down one of the better places to come before a big travel trip in the city, full of useful travel gear, high quality luggage and durable packs. You'll find just about everything you need including money wallets, small containers, small packs, etc. But why only a 3-star review for this location? Well, it's well overdue for a remodel. This store has seen it's better years. During the weekends there are never enough fitting rooms, the shoe department is awkwardly laid out and it is always hard to find what you're looking for because departments are moving around or shrinking/growing in size. While they always are fully staffed at the registers, lines get long and returns take forever because the customer service area is built too small for this store. Staff tries hard to make this store work, but it needs some remodel and new layout love -- soon I hope! read more

This is a great REI store. Probably one of the best I have been in due to its size, and of course the climbing wall right in front. Leave it to Minnesotans to build a 'Mall of America'esque' REI. Some people do gripe about the "high price" of REI, but you have to face facts, their stuff has a fantastic money back guarantee (what Costco used to have on electronics until people abused the hell out of it). I can honestly say that all my REI purchases (from sunglasses, to hiking boots) have lasted and lasted. I buy items here that I hold on to for awhile, and I feel like I typically get my moneys worth. Sure some jackets are expensive, but they are time tested brands that deserve the price tag for the higher quality. If you don't like something, just return it, the friendly staff will help you out and get you happy again :) read more

I love REI. I'm writing a poor review because they need a new store layout manager for Bloomington. Seems the store is extremely cluttered. No clear aisles. It feels like walking through a maze. Amazing stuff. Great customer service. Just improve the shopping experience by creating an organized environment with straight aisles. Otherwise clear aisles.... read more

This is a beautiful store and the second REI that I've visited. I'm not a member but I enjoy walking through their stores in order to browse. They have a large rock climbing wall just inside the front entrance that is a neat feature. The kayak and canoe section appeared to be well stocked, as did the bicycle inventory. The clothing section for men and women was quite large and the shoe department was huge. As I was walking into the front entrance, there was a small seminar taking place where an REI associate was making a presentation of various hiking trails along the Mississippi River basin in the Minneapolis area. If I lived in a city that had an REI, I would definitely become a member. read more

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This is specifically for the shoe department, I want to be clear about this. If I was rating the whole store my rating would be higher, but I came here specifically to find some good hiking shoes.............. And let's just say my experience was sub par. I came first thing in the morning after they opened. The shoe department had 4 customers and 2 sales associates, I took my time and looked at the shoes while waiting for an available sales person. Not a big deal at all, as I was picking out different shoes to try on. So, when I have some selected there are only myself and a couple remaining. This is when things get weird and unpleasant. This couple were all geared out in their fancy hiking attire and they kept on and on about their upcoming trip to hike Mt. Kilimanjaro- everyone within earshot could hear all about it. At this point both salespeople were chatting them up about, while of course ignoring me, the guy who looked like he just came off a drywalling job. So, hiking elitism? I don't know, but I certainly felt neglected. Finally the sale person who looks as though he was a former roady for the Grateful Dead comes over and helps me get some shoes to try on. He doesn't ask anything about myself- where I hike, what type of foot/fit I have, zero questions. All he said was "What size" that was it. As soon as he gets the shoes out to me, bam he goes right back to the Kilimanjaro couple. And I sit and wait again until he comes over and gets me some different sizes. Trying to engage him I ask "What do you hike in" He very loudly and curtly says "Whatever fits me best" So, we went from neglectful to downright rude there. Finally, I find the right pair of shoes. It's been roughly between 25-30 minutes. Both sales associates are still with the Kilimanjaro couple. I will admit I looked sort of shabby in my blue collar work clothes, but it was very presumptuous of the sales guys to dismiss me as I've hiked all over this country and I take hiking as a serious passion. I detest elitism anywhere it's present and I was shocked to find it at this REI. The store is beautiful that's for certain, but these guys were unprofessional and downright rude. I would go back to another REI to find shoes, just not this one. read more

Love this REI. I enjoy the selection, friendly customer service and the unique brands they carry like the Canadian brand LOLE and other unique brands like Kuhl, Horneytoad and NAU. To me, this makes all the difference, since I don't go to REI to buy camping clothes. I go there to buy cute, urban active wear, and serious grade outerwear that is also fashionable. I will caution you not to go there on a Saturday since the place is a total zoo. I feel like every person brings at least 3 kids with them on Saturdays. However, that being said, they have an indoor play area for kids, which does make it manageable. I love that REI will always take back any product I'm not happy with- more companies should deliver such high levels of brand promise. read more

I love this REI. It's great to come to for a great selection of outdoor gear, but one of my favorite parts is if you pay $20 ONE TIME, you are a member for lifetime! And that means FREE rockclimbing for life! read more

REI - Rock Climbing Rocks. - Outdoor Gear Near Me - Bloomington, Minnesota

My favorite store... (Or I should say what used to be my favorite store) just disappointed me greatly. I had several more (very expensive) items on my list to purchase but I'm now walking out of the store bitterly disappointed after my two and a half hour drive, questioning my need to ever come back to the chain at all.... I have been a member at the store for longer than the folks who "attempted" to help me have been on this earth and have not returned hardly any items. I bought a very expensive Osprey bag at REI that was supposed to have a lifetime warranty. I read online how many people had come back to REI and got assistance because trying to work through the company was not resulting in any solution, with the same issue I was having, so I thought I would give it a shot. The first gentleman firmly stated that everything in REI only has a one-year warranty without consulting anyone or any literature. The second woman asked me how the bag got damaged and I made an assumption that it probably got damaged while traveling....maybe on on the airline but it was hard to say as it was a crack in the plastic and did not become obvious until it's split apart. She quickly replied that it was not covered under the policy. Guess I should've just lied as having an airline pack the bag on a cart is probably much less stress than carrying it around on your back for weeks at a time while traveling in transit buses etc. It's a travel backpack for crying out loud. In the past I haven't minded paying a bit more at REI because of the outstanding customer service and back in the day it was really the only option... There are many more options now and I will start to exercise those. It's 1125 on February 25th And these are the people at the "customer service" counter At the store located in Minneapolis at 750 American ... A very disappointing morning. read more

Absolutely love going to REI for climbing gears. This is the only place that I shop at for outdoor gears. Sometime I make exception to other places as well but I love the divident program and taking their outdoor classes. Would definitely recommend the classes. All has been super fun! read more

Extremely rude customer service employees. We went in for a simple exchange for faulty clothing and the woman working was clearly projecting her frustrations about the holiday season on us. Would not recommend shopping at this location. read more

The worst customer service I've received at an REI, ever. I have half a mind to go back and chew out the snotty brat who practically rolled her eyes at my particular request. I have worked retail sales before, and I know that customer requests and questions are sometimes unpleasant or menial tasks, but the effing customer is always right, so slap a smile on it and get to your job, okay? I will not be back. I've been to much better REIs where service is key. read more

I've been at REI for about 30 minutes looking at tents. So far nobody has asked if I need help. However several other people who arrived after me have been helped. The customer service here is really bad. read more

1. Every sales person I encounter here asks me "are you a member?" They must get a bonus. One time 10 employees asked me that and I was only in there 30minutes. And yes I am a member. 2. The dressing rooms are right by a very noisy playground area. If you want to concentrate on your choices, it is very difficult with all the screaming kids. 3. The sales people don't know their products (except the awesome footwear staff). I don't shop here anymore. I go to other shops for kayaks, clothes, gear like Midwest Mountaineering in Minneapolis and 45Degrees in Stillwater. Update: I went in again yesterday to pick up a gift. There were 5 customers in line waiting patiently while two cashiers lectured customers on why they should become members. OMG!!! Finally got my turn with the cashier. I said I was no longer a member and she said "May I ask why?" and tried to resell me on it. I kept saying no thank you and finally she gave up. Please ask once and close the transaction. read more

the only suck you'll run into here is the sucking sound from your wallet and with that i've likely used up that little one-liner. we're fairly ardent backpackers/trekkers/travelers and this is ground zero for gear. the service is always first rate. the coop membership pays for itself, over and over and over and over again and they have a painfully reasonable return policy. they carry a reasonable selection of gear for pretty much every activity (other than team sports) and you can count on candid advice from folks that will tell whether they see a lot of something getting returned or whether i'll be able to find something filed under C-R-A-P. the only other place of this caliber is midwest mountaineering and while they're decidedly higher end, local and really awesome too, they're a bit of a PITA to get to. read more

Was very impressed with the helpful shoe salesperson who helped me tonight. I know the REI people know their stuff, but usually I'm there just to buy clothes, and I don't have too many questions about what sweatshirt is best for lounging around in....anyway, needed to buy new all-purpose, walking-type shoes that could be used for some light hiking. She was very knowledgeable about the two pairs I started with, and didn't make me feel at all bad for picking the two least-expensive brands (not that anything there is inexpensive anyway). Found a pair on clearance, and based on what I was looking for she thought those would be my best bet. I totally appreciated the fact that she didn't just try to sell me the most expensive shoe! Also, it's nice to try out shoes on the little "terrain bridge" or whatever it's called. The climbing wall's pretty cool too. Members can climb for free at various times throughout the week. I should really take advantage of that more. Oh-one more thing, a tip for you ladies with small hands...check out the selection of kids gloves. I do this every winter. The XL kids size fit my smallish lady hands. The gloves are just as good as the adult ones, and they're 1/2 the price! read more

Every REI is great. This is one of the greatest. Massive selection, awesome climbing wall, but most importantly, super friendly and knowledgeable staff who are always happy to answer your questions and give gear advice. If you're not already, become a member and receive 10% back at the end of every year on the purchases you made. Great company! read more

Coming here is like going on a mini-camping trip--minus the less-than-appealing aspects of camping such as black flies, gnats, pit toilets, poison ivy and not being able to wear deodorant (did you know that mosquitoes are attracted to most kinds of deodorant? Even the 'unscented' stuff? It's true. I tested it once. Or two or three times during a college-era camping trip. Ahhhh, the things we do for science). The water falls outside the front door and the walking bridge and the canoe-paddle door handles are, in my mind, welcome sights that let you know that you're in for a good time of ogling things you're not hardcore enough to spend all that money on. I did spend money on a pair of sandals from REI. Let's call them rugged flip-flops, because that is what they are. Now I'm a big fan of flip-flops. Big, big fan! I've been especially fond of the beachy ones from J. Crew for the past few years. They're damn cute but they have no support and walking around in them for extended periods of time makes my lower back hurt (as if I needed another reminder that youth is fleeting). My new flip-flops have arch support and there is no additional toe-curling effort required to keep them firmly attached to my feet when I walk. But best of all, they are also damn cute! They are girly enough that all the girly girls will be like, 'OMG YOU HAVE CUTE FLIP-FLOPS!' but rugged enough that all the earthy girls will be like, 'those are very practical and smart and isn't it awesome that new Chaco shoes come in biodegradable bags now?' Cute and practical indeed! REI also sells marshmallow guns. Did you hear that? MARSHMALLOW GUNS, I say!!!! read more

I heart REI big time... I joined their Co-OP/Members program and as a result, I get some great discounts, a small reimbursement check at the end of the year, and the opportunity to shop in the "returns" section of the store. Located above the rental return, this area of the store has some unbelievable deals on recently returned items. This area is somewhat like a flea market though.... Sometimes there are unbelievable treasures to be found, other times it is simply junk gear that has been returned to the store. In regards to pricing for the rest of the items in the store, REI can be expensive so like all big purchase items, its good to be thrifty. Often times, websites like "backcountry.com" or "seirratradingpost.com" offer better deals on the same gear being sold in the store. But back to the store review... Another thing I love about this REI is that they have a generous selection of classes, group rides, and educational seminars to offer its customers. So even though they are a national chain, it still offers some "local flavor" into the mix. Lastly, returning products here is a synch. Wether it is a faulty product or you simply change your mind, with receipt in hand, you are golden. read more

My husband and I are leaving for a hiking trip in the mountains of British Columbia. Last weekend we went to REI Bloomington. Bonnie and Christine went above and beyond helping outfit us from head to toe for our trip. These women deserve a huge bonus or raise! They were so patient, friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful. They're a true asset to the store. If all of your employees are this amazing, you're doing something right. We were able to get everything we needed and now we're off to hike in all our new gear. Thank you Bonnie and Christine! read more