I really like this store. Employees are super friendly and helpful. There are some deal days and they even have a special area with discounted stuff. The main thing about this store that I love is that they support their products....if you don't like it, you can return it, no questions asked. I wish their selection was a little bigger and that their bike focused area had more to see, especially in a city like Chicago. The bathrooms are super clean. I am happy to support this store. Bike parking around the perimeter of building. read more

YES YES YES YES YES! I love REI! Every time I step in here, my inner Girl Scout squeals with delight! I want a new tent and new gear, and new boots, and new trekking poles... Ok, so it's always been a little odd to me that it's in Lincoln Park, but when you see the clientèle that shop here for things like "a stroller with big wheels" it makes sense. Fear not though, if you actually DO venture further than the manicured Chicago shores of Lake Michigan, they have great stuff! We got our tent here, a backpack or two, sleeping bag, random other things. The bf is a member so we like our dividend each year and LOVE the fact that we can always return something that doesn't work. Always. Shane has literally purchased the same backpack 3 times, in hopes that "this one will be better than the others" even though he finally returned it for the LAST TIME this year and upgraded. Hurrah for REI for always taking things back! Most recently we stopped in to get some serious winter boots. Not cute boots, not anything a step below "will carry you through a blizzard on Mt. Everest" boots. I can't wait for snowmageddon to try these out. I WILL take the dog for a walk in that! (and she'll be bundled up in her Ruffwear Quinzee coat and Grip Trex boots, of course! From REI too!) ps- we're coming back for the sweet book on Alaskan hiking aaaaand maybe a footprint for our tent that will let us sleep on snow :) read more

Where have you been all my life REI? My brother and I recently talked about going on a trip to Machu Picchu together in May. We didn't even know where to begin to plan our trip, so we decided to randomly stop by REI. First, the staff at REI are amazing. Everyone is so friendly and down to earth. Even though, the store is a little pricey. They thoroughly explain each item and are so welcoming to help you in every way they can. They use their own personal experience to help you with selecting each item. They will answer all of your questions, and when they don't know how to help you, they find someone who can. I always tell my husband that I feel like the staff must love working here because they get to spend hours talking about their favorite hobby. I think the best thing about REI is their REI Garage Sale. For those who can't afford full price items, you can find great deals on gear that have been gently used. I have purchased almost all of my gear from the Garage Sale - tent, sleeping bags, sleeping mats, hiking boots, hiking pants, water filters and more. Even though I have to wake up a little early to wait in line, it saves me lots of $$$. Keep in mind, you have to be a REI member to purchase items from the sale. Don't worry, you can always purchase the membership (only $20 for a lifetime membership) at the counter with your items on the day of the sale. We recently went to buy hiking boots for my husband, and Coach Mark was amazing. We told him exactly where we were going to go and he told us everything we needed to know to buy a hiking boot. He helped my husband select a pair a boots, showed him how to tie it, and made him walk around in it -up and down the stairs and on the practice rock. He even helped us pick socks to go with our shoes. I don't know about your but this is probably the best customer service I've ever received. REI, you have become my new toy store. read more

Wow... Didn't think that a big store like this could deliver the customer service that the smaller stores could. Did a ton of Christmas shopping here and simple returns, great help and good peeps. The free parking in that part of town doesn't hurt either and is easier than taking your life (and car) into your own hands by driving into the Best Buy/Whole Foods parking lot to shop somewhere else. read more

I'm backpacking through Europe this summer and got an Osprey bag here at a great price. Their customer service is awesome. I was totally clueless about what I needed and every employee (I've been here 4 times) I've interacted with has been super helpful, friendly, willing to answer questions, and just so damn nice to me! I love this place. read more

Came here to check out some Osprey bags in person, and the guy in the fitting area couldn't have been more helpful. It was the last five minutes before closing, and he didn't make us feel rushed at all. In the few minutes I was there, he fitted me, showed me some important straps on the bag I think I'll go with, and gave me some important info on picking a bag for my torso size. Greg Coleman is awesome! Thanks a ton. read more

Disappointing customer service. They want to nickel-and-dime for everything. I went to REI to buy a basic fender for my bike. It was a 2 step installation process so I asked if they would help me put it on. They wouldn't touch it unless I paid for the installation fee which was almost half the cost of the actual plastic fender. I decided to do it myself and struggled to get it tight enough. I simply asked an associate "Am I doing this right" in which he responded "if you want me to take a look at it, Id have to set you up for an installation package." I expect much better service from a brand like REI. The installation would have taken less than a minute and other bike shops around town would have gladly helped and thanked me for the purchase. I'll support local shops instead. read more

Good location, good products but it is very hard to find anyone that really knows the products, I even asked if they carry certain items and was told no. I then went and found what I asked for myself. Staff did not know the products. Very young staff and very little knowledge of the products. Love the parking, don't love the service here. read more

I love this store, it has everything you need for any outdoor activity & more! But I think I love it more, because the staff at this particular store is STELLAR!!! They helped me tremendously with my purchases, were extremely knowledgeable & friendly; in the end that is what will keep a customer coming back. Thank you, again!!! read more

My girlfriend and I decided to get out of town and hit the road to go camping for the weekend for her birthday. We made a quick stop here on our way for some essentials; that is, a tent and sleeping mats. Thought they might come in handy out there in the wilderness. We'll see. I was assisted by the helpful and knowledgeable Mark, who not only helped me find exactly what I was looking for, but, even though we already had a few ideas about where to go, gave me some sound advice on some different locations, as well. Might just stop off in New Glarus thanks to him. The inestimable Courtney processed payment like the master she is and was friendly and down-to-earth to boot. Totally a pleasure doing business with you, Courtney. To make a long story, well, longer, the staff here is excellent. read more

Purchased my first pair of rock climbing shoes and Tommy was not only incredibly patient, but knew every shoe like the back of his hand. Great experience and answered every question until I was confident with my purchase. read more

Love every REI I've ever shopped at. Great clothing and cycling accessories. Excellent customer service!

This was my first time at the REI in Lincoln Park. I would like to start by saying I am usually extremely impressed by the staff and selection carried by REI in their Oakbrook Terrace and Schaumburg locations. I thought the LP location would be the same. Unfortunately it was not. The help was scarce, no one offered to help me even though I seemed to be wandering in circles looking for an item. When I finally found what I was looking for, there was one left and no alternative brands to choose from. At the checkout there was one guy on the phone - for a long time! I had to wait awhile to even give them my money! I don't know if it was just a bad night or if this is typical. But I chose to visit on a week day when it was less busy to get better service and I ended up disappointed. I will be going back out to the suburbs next time I need something. read more

I love REI. This is nothing against the store or their great programs. This particular REI store has the worse service ever, I wish it weren't true. I am always stuck waiting in line and there is always some issue with the registers. It's beyond frustrating! read more

I had ordered a duffel bag online and the strap broke within two days of using it for light lifting. I took the bag back to this location, as instructed by REI's website. They couldn't just replace the strap without me paying for a new strap. They said my only option would be to exchange the bag. The bag I found int the store, although the same bag, had a higher price tag and they made me pay the difference. This just doesn't seem right. read more

Worst REI. Every time I come here I leave disappointed and empty handed. Sales associates make you feel like you are bothering them by asking for help. read more

I love REÍ and (I thought) all the people who work there. I usually go to the one in oak brook but tried this one Downtown and it's awful. The supplies is fine, I'd say a smaller selection but the workers are AWFUL. I called before to ask about selection is tents and whoever answered the phone was so rude. I asked pretty simple questions and the camping selection and they made me feel incredibly stupid for wondering about the selection they have in store. Don't try to ask questions while you're in the store, they act like gatekeepers. I'm sure half don't know how to camp. Very unwelcoming and when leaving just made me feel stupid read more

I don't normally write reviews, but I was so impressed in the service that I received this weekend that I wanted to take the time and give credit where it is due. I went to REI, looking for a new winter coat and was slightly overwhelmed, since I HATE shopping. I was immediately asked if I need assistance by Chrsitian, and was extremely surprised at how patient and helpful he was with me. He took the time to show me the different coats and help me find something that was suitable for me. He took me through the dozens of options and explained the difference between all of them. Thank you, Christian, for helping me. You really took time with me and provided excellent service. You have made me an REI customer and a Christian fan! 5 Stars to you!!! read more

My boyfriend and I are about to take a hiking trip in California, and we were super excited to stop into REI to gear up for the trip. We especially needed to get some good hiking shoes to carry us through the California terrain. They were pretty busy in the shoe section, so I understood that we were going to have to wait for a bit, but after 20 minutes of not even being acknowledged, I approached the salesperson and he said he would check in with us in just a bit. At this point, I assumed it was their practice at REI to just help one customer at a time and I talked myself into being ok with that (trying to find excuses for this lousy service). Another 10 minutes go by and my boyfriend flagged him down. I had picked out a couple of shoes to try on and I just really needed the sizes so that I could see if they fit. My boyfriend had been lucky that his size was the display shoe, so he was ready to buy. He asked the salesman to bring him a size 8 and he was going to purchase them. I asked for my size in the two shoes I was checking out. It took another 5 minutes for him to bring the boxes out, and he had brought me one shoe 3 sizes too big for me and said, "well they should be loose, so you never know!". He brought out another shoe that he wanted to suggest and he saw that I wasn't really excited about the aesthetic and asked what I wanted. I said something super simple. I was happy to take his recommendation, but I didn't want flashy colors or anything. He responded by saying, "you know they make these with practicality in mind, not just to be stupid." Um, ok. He was obviously peeved at me for whatever reason, so when he went to get my try on socks, he stopped to help at least three other customers before even going to the back room. I should say at this point that he still didn't even bring the shoes that my boyfriend was ready to purchase out to the showroom. After at least 30 minutes and not being able to try on a single shoe, we decided to leave, as our amazingly bad salesman was laying on the floor talking to another customer. Totally confused. Totally bad service. Will only buy REI online from now on. read more

I have long been a fan of REI. I love the customer service, big selection, and buying online + shipping-to-store! They also offer classes to learn more about outdoorsy stuff (how to use compass & topo, how to pack backpack for trekking, etc). read more

I love REI's the gear is always amazing. This one was slightly disappointing however. They wernt fully stocked it seemed, and the staff was incredibly rude and lack luster. All they seemed interested in was pushing the memberships, like they had a quota to meet. Gonna go to the one in the suburbs next time. read more

I ordered a climbing helmet online through the REI website and had it shipped to the store on Lincoln Park in Chicago. However, when I opened it, I realized that it was not the one I had ordered. So I went all the way back to the store to try and solve the problem. The individual at the desk checked the item number, and agreed that while the numbers matched, the image on the screen was a different helmet than the one I was given. He then called some other worker who was of less help. Instead of looking into my issue, he simply said that "it is what it is". I was upset because it was not what I had ordered, and none of the workers seemed to be interested in solving the problem. I am not sure if it's a labeling problem through the REI website, but since I did not receive what I ordered I simply asked him to refund me. I felt like my time was wasted and the REI team was of little help even if it was a company problem. I did my own research and black diamond does carry two different kinds of half dome helmets. read more

Unless you are buying shoes, the lack of customer service here is astonishing. I recently spent an hour in this store on a pretty quiet Sunday afternoon and the only staff seemed to be behind the cash registers. We had questions about fitbits and camping gear and bicycles, but there was no help offered or found. A store that contains such specialized gear needs better staffing for the specialized questions. Save yourself the trip and shop online. read more

The staff seem like a tiny disconnected herd of beaten sheep. They were nice, until a Shepard came out looking like some cracked out jerk just barking orders. I have never seen that before in any store. This Napoleon character screamed at his employee about being ready for some HR person...ha ha. I think he has to worry about his tone and the irony of yelling at your employees and even yelling in front of customers before you worry about a shirt fallen from the hanger. I felt so sorry for her that I offered to buy her lunch, but the store is so under staffed I didn't think she would get a break. I understand pressure, but this store has gone down hill his since its first couple of years. What gives? Easy to say, I won't be back. Dick's, Sports Authority, uncle Dan's, or Erehwon here I come, at least the staff don't appear so beaten by managers. read more

I had the worst experience at this store. Will never shop here or buy anything from REI ever again. I wanted to simply stop buy to purchase an item I had found on REI's website, which also confirmed availability at this store. I parked on the street paid the meter a couple quarters, thinking I would be able to get in and out relatively quickly. After not being able to find what I was looking for I asked. The first worthless employee simply told me that they didn't have it and it was most likely shipped to an outlet since it was out of season. The next worthless employee started off on the same track but I informed her and showed proof via cellphone that the website claimed it was available at this store. She checked herself and confirmed it as well. She wasn't sure where it would be in the store however. This is when the so-called 'store manager' jumped in, worthless employee #3 and probably the most worthless of all. This worthless 'store manager' said that it would take some time but he would go into the back and dig it up for me, supposedly. I said no problem if you don't mind looking I can wait. He said he had to finish up quick with another customer then he would go look, told me to look around and he would find me. I walked around for a few minutes and then noticed this same guy was checking out customers at the register. Okay I thought, he most likely delegated the task to someone else. After standing there like an idiot for about 30 minutes, with this a**hole still at the register checking people out, I said forget it and left. Leaving behind 2 other things I had decided to purchase along with the original item I had come in for (good job REI manager). Unbelievable. This guy either suffers from short-term memory loss or just didn't give a sh*t about what he told me. To top it all off I got a $65.00 parking ticket for an expired meter after this fiasco which all-in-all probably wasted about an hour and a half of my Sunday. Congrats you lost a customer for life. read more

The home of a backpack god. His name is Greg C. My very reliable, but aged, camping backpack looked like it was on its way out. The shoulder strap was torn. I had taken it to a seamstress and even called the manufacturer several times, but no-one thought the situation could be helped. I figured I'd just have to buy a new bag. On a friend's suggestion, I phoned the Halsted REI and -- God was smiling on me, apparently -- got to talk to Greg C. He sounded optimistic and told me to come right in with the backpack. And to ask for him personally. When I got into the store, Greg had *just gone on his lunch break.* I was resigning myself to a long wait. But no. Another employee phoned Greg and told him I had arrived. Greg CAME OFF OF HIS LUNCH BREAK to see me. Greg took one look at the backpack, diagnosed the problem that had probably caused the tear, and immediately began thumbing through possible replacement parts. The backpack's original manufacturer didn't sell any. But Greg was able to find a different company that made something close enough to work. When I expressed admiration for his knowledge, he looked away and blushingly admitted, "I'm just a gear geek." Greg heard me say that I would be leaving town soon for my trip. He advised me to pay a little more for express shipping -- of course, he knew the exact shipping price off the top of his head -- and even figured out how to get the part mailed directly to my house. I was so impressed. Greg is friendly, efficient, knowledgeable, and generous with his knowledge. Like all real geniuses, he has the modesty of genius. What mattered was getting a good backpack for me. Along the way, he cost his store a few hundred bucks, since the replacement part was exactly $25 and new bags were running in the $300 range. But he *gained* for his store my deep loyalty. After he finished helping me, Greg, I figured, would go back to lunch. But when I walked out the door I turned around for one last look-- and saw him helping another customer. I'm not surprised. read more

The first thirty minutes of this visit were rough, but the kinks eventually worked out-- and I realized WHY the first half an hour spent here were spent wandering around aimlessly while waiting for an employee to notice me. Needless to say, once an employee did notice me wandering around aimlessly (he was finishing up with a customer,) I was immediately given all the attention. Shoutout to Jason for being a trooper and for going above and beyond for my visit. He asked me what the purpose of my trip was, and I basically told him it was for my 2 month trip to Europe. He suggested a couple packs before we realized that I was: 1) Short as HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAIL and 2) Curvaceous as fawwwwwwwwwwwwwwk. Basically meaning, it was a super great idea that I came in the store to fit on these packs in person. The best part about this visit was the careful thought and attention I got from the person who helped assist me. Jason went out of his way to adjust everything, teach me how to use my pack (pull backwards and not down) and used his brute strength (I mean compared to me-- I'm so weak) to remove the velcro from each pack to adjust the hipbelts for me. Jason was super chill about it, and was a trooper even when he accidentally cut himself while trying to remove the plastic from one of the hipbelts. He even went out of his way to suggest a pack that was much cheaper (on sale!) than the one I ended up purchasing. In the end, I picked the pack that was best for me-- and Jason was an extreme help in that. I totally get why it took someone so long to get to me... because they definitely spend a couple hours just working it on out for people. This REI was awesome. Can't wait to go back to pick up my backpack with the new hipbelt because (I'm) chubs! read more

I've been coming here for years but wanted to take the time to recognize an employee who really stands out. I called ahead of time this morning and Sue had answered the phone. She was very friendly and had put my item on hold. After coming in and picking up the item I went to check out duffels and Sue was the first to approach me, and had a lot of great product knowledge on each piece (I had done my own research and she pointed out a few things I had not taken into consideration!) The last few visits I was never approached by an associate. Her overall friendliness and sincerity was appreciated. read more

I usually hit up Moosejaw whenever I need any out door gear. But today I was biking down Halsted and decided to see if they had what I needed. Great friendly staff that know there stuff. I went in looking for some light hiking shoes and the lady working helped me find just what I needed. I'll be back for sure next time I need anything for my outdoor activities. read more

I am obviously one of those people-that-does-not-belong. I don't LOOK like a mountaineer, so I am assuming that is why I was ignored the entire time I was in here, even after asking for help. The thing is, REI has some great stuff and the membership thing can be pretty handy. Stick to the website, though, it's a lot less offensive and won't leave you as bitter. read more

I went to this store today to look for two things, a bag to install under my bike seat, and a pair of hiking boots. I go to the bike section and no one is around, I find them myself and nearly fall over at the excessively high prices of the bike accessories. Then I go upstairs to the shoe department. I walk over and find the mens section and start looking. There is one guy in the department and it is nearly 5 minutes before he comes over to talk. I understand he was with another customer but it took 5 minutes for him to even acknowledge my existence in the department. Then he briefly talks to me about what I want/need and says he is going back to get me a few pairs to try on. While sitting there for 10 minutes of him going in and out of the store room and helping the prior customer he never says a thing and never brings the boots out. Then another employee enters the department and helps everyone who came after me and he never asked if I needed anything and the original employee never came over. So I put my sandals on and leave noisily, and he never even batted an eyelash. I then went and spoke to a manager and by that point I was annoyed and nothing she could have done would have made me buy anything there. There were no people in this understaffed store and the shoe guy was not really as helpful as everyone says REI people are. Oh and did I mention everything in there is excessively overpriced? I will take my business online or to another retailer as REI is out of touch. read more

Maybe I was spoiled by the one in Seattle, but this REI isn't that big a deal. Yet. It has potential. One great thing is that you can rent camping equipment, which I don't know of any other place in Chicago where one can do that. I'd really like to see a better selection of long underwear. I think they should start carrying silk in addition to all the capilene and stuff, because this is Chicago, and people wear long underwear everyday in winter. Not just because they are going skiing. So the Chicago REI should have a very well organized long underwear section. Don't be like Moosejaw and throw it all in a big pile. I think an organized wall of long underwear would bring in some $. Also please have a sale as soon as possible. I think there is garage parking, fyi. read more

I have been a loyal member of REI for almost 40 years, and alas, must now cancel my membership and shop for my recreational equipment elsewhere. I received two successive units of a folding camping chair that were defective. The second of the two collapsed at an event I was hosting the first time I used it, resulting in an injury to my hip and back along with an extremely embarrassing moment in front of 12 clients. I tried my best to come to a very reasonable resolution with REI's risk management department, but was offered unreturned phone calls and a cold shoulder - not even a replacement of the defective product. This company has lost its soul and its roots as a customer owned cooperative, and now operates as a Walmart style corporation. I'm off to Dick's and Cabella's. read more

Incredibly helpful staff-great big space.

This is the biggest REI I have been to. It was exciting to walk in and be drawn to so many fun "toys" and equipment. The staff was welcoming, helpful, and kept checking in on me. They had a large sale/ clearance section also. I have never had a bad experience at any REI's. I definitely recommend getting the REI membership. I have only been a member for a couple months and it paid for itself within my second purchase. Plus if you're a member you can return equipment (including shoes) if you have used them and don't find them comfortable! read more

Yeah......well I guess I didn't really need that $9. Drove across town only find out they are all out of the watch I was looking for. Then hear they only validate for purchases. They don't keep their shelves stocked so I get stuck with a $9 fee for 10 minutes worth of parking? They wonder why their stock price is struggling? On the upside the clerk I spoke with was VERY nice, but really powerless to help me. read more

I went to REI to purchase doggy boots for my dog. Guess what though, no dogs allowed in the store! Am I really expected to spend $60 on a pair of dog boots if I can't have my dog try them on? I would have expected an outdoor company like REI to be more dog friendly. Instead, they told us we had to leave. Very disappointing experience. We went to Dick's, got what we wanted and they were very welcoming. read more

The service in this store is really fantastic. The guy who helped me gave me some great advice on the cycling shoes I was buying and answered my questions knowledgeably which I really appreciated. They have lots of good stuff in the store. The only reason I did not give 5 stars is that they were basically out of ski socks in February which is sort of weird. Otherwise a great store! read more

I called to find a piece for a Yakima rack. I was put on hold for more then 2 minutes and the hung up on 3x. The only reason I called back was because I need the piece right away for a trip out west. When I finally did talk to someone they had no clue what I was talking about. I've been to other REIs and I'm stunned by their customer service and incompentent staff. I called Moosejaw (talked to 1 human being on the second ring) and found the piece in need and placed it on hold. Done and Done. read more

I frequent this store often and there is one thing that is consistent with all of my REI shopping experiences, which is SUPERB customer service! Most recently, my partner and I went in to get her fitted for a backpack. Ross (Sales Lead) was so helpful, resourceful and patient with helping her try on numerous packs. I highly recommend new backpack hikers to visit the store and ask for Ross - he is super knowledgeable and friendly. read more