Jason in the footwear department at REI Carlsbad was outstanding. He spent nearly two hours with us and was incredibly patient, kind, and knowledgeable. He took the time to answer all of our questions, explain the differences between shoes, and never made us feel rushed or pressured. Even though we didn't buy shoes that day, the excellent service is exactly why we'll be back. REI is fortunate to have Jason on their team! read more

Save yourself some hassle and go to the San Diego REI for ski service. I dropped off my skis for a hot wax because 50% off for members. Wanted to add a safety check for skis and boots going into new season. Filled out all paperwork, passed inspection and paid for both upfront. When I came to pickup nearly a week later, and past the date I was told they would be complete, there was an issue that the heel plate was worn down just over the allowable threshold. REI will not make adjustments or anything to skis/bindings. I was told I got a voicemail, but I never received a call. Pulled up my cell phone record on the spot. Worst of it all, they did not even do the wax. So my skis just sat at this location for a week, with my money, and then I picked them up and got my money back and nothing but wasted time. read more

REI is a great store for athletic and outdoorsy clothing and gear. One of the best perks is their return policy. You can return or exchange items for up to a year if you're a co-op member (or up to 90 days if you're not), even if the items have been used. I absolutely love my hiking shoes from here (Lowa brand-pricey but worth it), and they carry so many high-quality brands like Vuori and Patagonia. Every time I shop here, the service has been friendly, knowledgeable, and genuinely helpful. Highly recommend for anyone who loves the outdoors or needs reliable gear. read more

REI - Bikes Near Me - Carlsbad, California

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Love this location. Customers service is always top-tier here. Staff is always so helpful and eager to offer advice that is actually worth listening to (something that is not often the case these days). read more

I came here to buy a few Father's Day gifts with my boyfriend yesterday (6/19/26) and as I approached the checkout counter the cashier did not once look at us, was very short with us, and rolled her eyes which is all very unprofessional. I've never been here before and my first experience was substandard. I spent about $200 and I did not feel welcomed. read more

REI is a great store for anything outdoorsy and athletic. Stuff that I have bought here range from athletic wear, to hiking shoes, to travel accessories. The prices are competitive and the customer service is good. The best thing about this store is that I can physically see and or try on items that normally I would have to blindly purchase online. read more

This is the Home Depot of Outdoor Enthusiasts!!! Amazing selection and friendly and helpful Associates. Now's the time to find great deals. Always clean and well organized. read more

I used to 'live' at REI in San José. My then boyfriend and I would spend weekend literally checking everything and as he was very generous, buying me a lot of cool clothes and sports items. This is something I have been missing in here and actually I was surprised to see a REI around. I think there is one in San Diego but I never go. I kind of lost the nice habit of checking what is new. So yesterday while in Carlsbad area I had the opportunity to check the huge store and reminisced of great times and adventures. I missed seeing more cute femenine Townie bycicles at this store but maybe I didn't check well. I liked a lot of cool outfits and got an idea of the new color trends for bikinis and bathing suits for the summer. Also, I love the new Yeti colors! 2 employees asked me if I needed something, so they are on top of the customers in a non pushy way. read more

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Been to a lot of REIs. This was the least organized, had the worst selection, and even though we spent an hour there and wanted to make a purchase, we couldn't get the attention of any staffers. Disappointed. It's bigger than the previous location, but not better. read more

I initially came here to return a rain jacket that I was not satisfied with (it wetted out when I wore it during a downpour), that I've only worn maybe twice. But before I did my return, I tried some packs on. A gentleman was very kind and helped me out and gave me some suggestions, so that was a good experience. That's the only reason I'm giving this three stars. When I went to return the jacket, a woman with shorter blonde hair assistant me. Not only did she question my usage of the jacket, she told me I had to be dissatisfied when returning it or they can't sell it back at full price (that's not my concern though?). She told me that their products are "satisfaction guaranteed" And she just kept saying things that made me uncomfortable. Not only that, she took the jacket and SMELLED IT in front of me. I was just so alarmed. Then she eventually process my return. I don't think I'll come back to this location again, luckily I live closer to the one in San Diego. read more

NEW LOCATION ALERT! I was invited to attend REI's Pre-Grand Opening Party on Thursday, February 20th to check out their new location after closing the old one located in Encinitas. GRAND OPENING : FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21ST & 22ND -They will have vendors, giveaways, and great deals! This location will definitely get them more foot traffic, and they mentioned it is one of their larger locations. Now, right off the bat, the layout looks the same as the Irvine location. Clean Floorplan, neat layout, easy to find location. Staff was so friendly and helpful! They were having fun while working and I loved seeing that. The culture working there just looks fun! We walked around the store and were able to find the brands we like pretty easily. The only thing I really saw as something that could be updated would be their clearance areas. I have always had this problem with all REIs I've visited, but they spread their clearance around the store. I used to manage a retail store, and it is much more effective to have clearance in one area for your customers to find. Remember, some customers come in ONLY for clearance selection...so you have to cater to that cohort of people too. Remember, its for the ease of a good shopping experience. If they were able to start this change at their location, I would be there weekly haha! Clearance prices were still reasonable considering the brand names carried. I walked away with a couple items to hold me through to next visit! I highly recommend this location, it is close to the 5 freeway (maybe about a 7 -10min drive east from 5). I can't wait to see them flourish! read more

Brand new location! This place is huge and one floor only. No more stair! Larger selection of gears and gadgets. Plenty of parking. Happy and friendly staff. read more

REI - Live music - Bikes Near Me - Carlsbad, California

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Came in to return an item but then wandered around and found lots of goodies! Came into the register line and there were two cashiers, one helping a customer and the other looking at the register. I stood there for a few minutes and then the young lady in an annoying voice said she could help me. Her personality was barely there and rather curt. I'm in the service industry and I know the importance of giving great service...it's so easy to do! Don't you want customers to return? I would. Her name was Moise(sp?). Management you might watch her service...I highly doubt she is following managements expectation or for that matter the companies expectation on service. If I need to return I'll go to the other location. On a good note there was a nice who asked if I needed assistance as I moved thru the store. read more

Directions is still taking you to the old location! REI new address: it's between to 24 Hr Fitness and Petco 3415 Via Montebello Carlsbad, CA 92009 United States I called yesterday to make sure they were open they said they were open. I get there today 2/20/25 from Newport Beach, it takes me to the old location and arrive at the new location but they're closed for a special event. If you call, the message states the same exact thing rather abrupt and hangs up. No heads up! Would have been nice if the girl who answered yesterday mentioned that they'd be close the next day. There were others besides myself that were not happy. read more

REI - REI new address: it's between to 24 Hr Fitness and Petco 3415 Via Montebello Carlsbad, CA 92009 United States - Bikes Near Me - Carlsbad, California

I think its criminal to not like REI? Do they have the best prices? not always, but their customer service and knowledge is second to none. They have an awesome return policy and their garage sales are usually great. The buildings always give you that rugged outdoor feel and I always feel welcomed here. While I enjoy buying some lightly used gear sometimes, it always bothers me that people abuse the return policy, and return hiking shoes/boots that "Didn't work for them" that have the tread worn out on them, and the seams blown out, or where it seems like they are just "renting" shoes for their kids and return them every time their kids feet grow. Again their return policy is amazing, it's part of what makes this such a fantastic place to get gear from, hoping that those who do abuse it, do not ruin it for the majority of us. read more

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Tony and Javier at the bike department went above and beyond of line of service with a smile made me feel like a family. Member explained thoroughly what was going to happen gave me a price and I couldn't say no because of their friendliness they deserve to be employee of the month or pay raise or get acknowledge for their kindness. Thank you. read more

REI is always a solid stop when I need quality outdoor gear. The store is well organized, the selection is great, and the staff is knowledgeable and easy to work with. I appreciate how helpful they are when answering questions or making recommendations. It is a reliable place to shop whether you are gearing up for a trip or just browsing for something new. Always a good experience. read more

We visited this REI a few times when we were in the area, fantastic store! Two stories with stair and elevator access and full of employees if you have questions or need help. My friend and I were looking at snacks and an associate named Clayton came over and not only gave us recommendations on snacks but also on some restaurants in the area along with a night market going on that night. I love REI. read more

I've always loved REI, but today they came through in the most amazing way. I needed my camping tent pole re-strung. I called REI and spoke to Tony and he said that they were busy but to come on by and see what they can do. I did and Derek took care of us! He said he could fix it in 30 min and we timed it and HE DID!! WOW! This is Saturday of Memorial Day weekend, too. The service only cost $13!!! Unbelievably awesome! Ready for our camping trip tomorrow. REI FTW! I even got to use my member credit for a camping table. Top notch experience! Love the merchandise and their return policy. Sincerely, Happy and Forever Customer :) read more

ThIs store has such great Customer service I brought in a scooter to have it assembled and they fixed in 30 minutes when no other bike shop would touch it these people are the best. read more

These guys are the biggest joke on the planet. Whoever they are hiring barely knows anything about backpacking. Staff is extremely unprofessional and rude. The information they are giving is ridiculous. The products are average at best. Fine if you are a weekend warrior newbie, but for actual backpacking products you should look elsewhere. read more

A huge thank you to Laura and Paul for helping me make sure this cargo box was a good fit for my SUV. They really went above and beyond -- before I could decide and make the purchase they brought it outside and put it on top of my SUV. They were very kind and helpful. I love REI so much! read more

REI - New cargo box is a perfect fit! - Bikes Near Me - Carlsbad, California

About once per year I go to this REI to browse. Why browse? Because I like looking at cool stuff I can't afford. Been going for at least 10 years, if not more. Aside from having my ear talked off for over 5 minutes about the benefits of joining their co-op thing (couldn't just cut her off, that would be rude) I noticed that the dust, dirt and hair that has accumulated in the corners up and down the stairs was ab-so-lute-ly disgusting. If I've been going there for 10 years, it looks as if it hasn't been cleaned in AT LEAST that long. Grab a shop vac once in a while and suck that sh** up. After making a comment jokingly to another customer, their reply assured me that I'm not the only one who is noticing the dirt and grime in the store. Can't wait for next years visit! Love you! Bye bye. read more

This review is for a specific employee- Kennedy. It has taken me some time to post this, but we had the luck of running into Kennedy at the store again and I just had to share this story. Our family lost everything in the LA fires. We found ourselves at the member's sale earlier in the year trying to replenish much of our gear. Kennedy came over to ask us how we were doing and we shared our story. Without skipping a beat, Kennedy took us to the book section and insisted on buying our toddler a book. My husband and I were both brought to tears by this unbelievable act of kindness. It might have seemed small but it was a moment of connection and kindness when we desperately needed it. Fast forward almost a year and we still read that book regularly (about how to make sure we don't feed bears when we camp- it's the best) and think of Kennedy with big smiles on our faces. Today we were in the checkout line, and there was Kennedy. It brought us another huge round of joy to get to say "hi" and share the gratitude we have to this day :) Good people work at this store :) read more

I needed an adjustment to my mountain bike today and Tony was so helpful, and the best customer service! Thank you and keep up the good work. read more

I came in here twice the last week and every time I had an amazing and positive experience. I was looking for shoes and was determined to leave with snow boots l, however they didn't have my size. But Andrew was patient and kind enough to help. He was knowledgeable and explained to me everything I need to know about the REI membership and the different products and brands. It's nice to meet people who care and have knowledge of the products. Normally, I order everything online and look for reviews, what people write about sizes and quality and buy based on that but shoes is a different level of tricky online and the easiest is always to go to a store for the experience if you can (since every brand has its own size/ width/ narrow). Due to our current situations I have become more of a hiker and love being out and enjoy nature and love the quality and what REI stands for. The store was not too busy, they cleaned everything before at the check out and the cashier was really sweet and kind. read more

This place charged me $160 to replace the tube in my e-bike. They will empty your wallets and scam you. I'm never going here again. You're better off hiring the neighbors kid to fix your bike for half the price. This place is ridiculous!!! read more

The store is new and clean but impossible to get any help. I live nearby, The first time I left after waiting 30 minutes for someone. The second time I spent at least 40 minutes going through every single pair of pants in the store looking for a size 32/34. There was not a single pair of pants that were 34 length. Whoever orders clothes sizes for REI is NOT doing a good job. I still could not find anyone to help on my second visit. Nearby there were two male employees chatting the whole time I was looking for pant sizes. When I approached them to ask for help they continued to chat, it sounded like it was an employee review as the one was critiquing the other. (Maybe do the reviews in the back so it doesn't appear that you are not working!) I'm going on a trip and was planning on buying a couple pair of pants, a few shirts and a couple jackets but guess REI doesn't want my business. I am very disappointed with REI! read more

Different vibe than the San Diego location. Everyone wears Patagonia vests here and drives German performance vehicles. So don't come here wearing North Face, driving a Chevy. The best thing about REI is that you can check out their camping gear especially their backpacks. I usually find better deals online but this is the place to physically inspect and try stuff on for size.. Another nice thing about this location is that they sell Neso chairs and tents. Neso is a North County company, so I came here looking for their products. Unfortunately their tents were sold out and they only had a few beach chairs.. - Bathrooms are on the second floor - They had a bunch of bike maintenance items for sale for only a few more bucks than other places. Inner tubes and rhino-dillo thorn barriers caught my attention. read more

REI - Thorn buster... - Bikes Near Me - Carlsbad, California

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Walked in to have the Bob stroller wheels changed out and Javier at the bike station did a quick and great job replacing the inner tubes. Labor is covered with membership and $20 without. Our stroller is moving like new again. Hoses here too are cheaper than online. A little less with REI lifetime membership. Also for a connecting hose for our grill at home. Much better quality than the one we got off of amazon. read more

My first visit to an REI and the experience was 5 star! Emilee greeted me while I was looking at their smartwatches. She was very helpful with my decision on a particular watch. Every employee that I encountered were very personable and friendly. May not be back on a regular I live out of town but hope that they open a location in the Temecula/Murrieta area. read more

They've just moved to a new location and the store is beautiful. I needed hiking boots, not easy when one wears women's size 10 with a AAA foot and high arches. Jessica was phenomenal - very knowledgeable and recommended orthotics that made a huge difference, as well as showing me alternate lacings that might work better for my high arch/instep. She brought out 5-6 pairs of hiking shoes/boots and several were strong contenders. I ultimately decided on the LOWA hiking boots and I think they will be great. Jessica and everyone in the shoe department was very helpful, patient, and knowledgeable. read more

Went to REI today looking for kids bikes, went to several other local stores before and they were beyond not helpful or had no inventory. When we went to the bike section of REI Jessica greeted us and was beyond helpful and efficient, she made buying two kids bikes very easy! We also had to buy a bike rack as well in order to get the bikes home and REI will install the rack for you if your a member for $28, the bike rack was very tricky to put on my car but REI took the time to install it correctly and it has worked out great! Would highly recommend them for your biking needs! read more

REI - REI installed this bike rack with our new bikes! - Bikes Near Me - Carlsbad, California

I bought an REI membership for the discounts when waxing my skis, and came here for that sole purpose. When I came in, they refused to wax my skis, pointing out a small mark on the bottom I've been skiing on for the past 2 years with no problem. I've had it waxed a million times with no issues, but this time had to leave the store with nothing but my time wasted. read more

This is another store I can be in all day long! I haven't been to REI for some time. These days it's a bit different visiting any business. Today's visit we found a set-up in front of the store following social distancing guidelines and a masked, warm, and welcoming employee. Inside the employees on the floor are always good at checking if you are in need of any assistance. Today was very nice, because at the time of our visit the store was not filled with many people and we didn't have to wait in line to get into the store. The store is always neat and well stocked. Not a lot sales going on today, but they did have some merchandise on the clearance rack. The employee did remind us since we have an REI membership that annual dividends are coming up, good for shopping! We have our eye on a few things that we saw as we walked around, but not in any hurry until things out in the world start to open up. So we will be back. Oh, and did I mention that they are on top of their customer service? A+!! read more

Went in looking for some good hiking shoes with no prior knowledge of good brands or styles. Jim offered to help and was very knowledgeable and had great recommendations to get me the right shoes. You could tell he genuinely cared and throughly answered all my questions. There was plenty of options to choose from and if they didn't have my size or color they were able to look up on a tablet and have an online option. Can't wait to get started on all my adventures thanks to Jim! read more

Service has sucked the last two times I spent a lot of money in this Encinitas store. Two different female workers treated me like crap on two different occasions back to back. Not cool to treat customers with such disrespect. Granted, this has never happened before in all the years I have spent money here and so these may be recent hires or just a-holes Who aren't very good at communicating. The merchandise has been consistently good, with only one return for crap product (socks). Buy your socks from someone else...REI socks suck. read more

Have been a member for over 20 years all of a sudden they're pushing you to get a membership for everybody in your family so when they send you a gift card or a coupon in the mail if it's not the same name on the membership, you can't take advantage of it unless you get your own membership Absolutely ridiculous read more

I first called REI to find out if they had size 13 wide shoes for my grandson. They did. I brought my grandson in to try on some toed sandals. When we came in he saw the exact boots that he had been trying to find in his size. REI had them and they fit perfectly. My grandson was ecstatic and I was happy that he finally found the shoes that he had been wanting all along. read more

Javier was an extremely big help. Great snowboard maintenance service, fast turn around