6.20.25 I dropped in as I was looking for a light backpack and comfortable sandals for an upcoming trip to Japan. I have a bad back and get back pains when I walk or stand for too long. The backpacks that I looked at were a bit larger and heavier than what I am looking for. I perused several sandals and the first pair of Teva sandals I saw were ginormous. The sandals look like they were swallowing my feet. The sandals at this retailer are likely meant more for practicality and comfort rather than their style. I found a second pair of Teva sandals that weren't as wide and fit my feet better. They are not the cutest, but they felt comfortable when I tried them on. The staff are amazing. I was greeted by three employees. The first one greeted me when I entered the store. The second one asked if I needed anything when I passed by him while I was shopping. The last one Krissy asked if I needed help when I was looking at the sandals. Krissy informed me about their lifetime membership which cost $30 and their current $30 new member bonus card which you get with a $50 purchase. The bonus card expires September 12 and can be used towards any purchase. A few benefits of being a member include: -10% back on full-price merchandise -occasional 20% coupon -Lightly worn items can be returned within a year -free shipping with no minimum purchase -Shop and trade gently used gear and apparel read more

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REIis fantastic. The selection is excellent-I always find what I am looking for. This visit I purchased a Jacket. I felt the price was fair. I'm definitely happy with my purchased. read more

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All of the associates that assisted me were knowledgeable, courteous, and IMO went above and beyond to meet my needs and/or answer my questions! I came in to get my feet measured and make sure my 'boot plan' for trekking Mount Kilimanjaro was a good one. The gentleman in the shoe department looked at the boots I had (I brought them in), gave his suggestions, and pointed out the various categories of boots. He also suggested several marino wool sock options (thin vs thick). I appreciated his cheerful assistance. Next, I needed a jacket. A WARM jacket for summit night. I'm talking 800-fill, down warm. Adrian suggest several options to include one (Big Agnus) I was looking at on-line that they did not have in the store. Being in the store was helpful for sizing references. Which also came in useful for the rain pants I needed. I ended up purchasing in-store versus a pair I saw on-line that fit better and had the zipper option up the side of the leg. That'll definitely come in handy for putting them on when I'm already dressed, to get over my boots. Lastly, I needed a duffel bag. The one the porters will be carrying up the mountain with my sleeping gear and extra clothes. The store associate who helped with this decision was extremely helpful. He said, 'If you get a bigger bag you'll just fill it because you have the room', which is so true. So, we'll see if everything fits in this smaller version. What's so great about REI is the fact that you have an entire year to return. That's CLUTCH! I had a question about air mattresses and was given a tutorial and the several brands available at REI, the R rating, the wide and warm, etc. I tell you what, these people really know their stuff! I guess if I loved to camp, fish, etc., I'd probably want a job here as well. Some of their items are a bit more than I care to spend, but in the end I believe it's all worth it. This is a good store. read more

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Selection: I'm happy to share my wonderful experience at REI, which is my go-to shop for all my outdoor adventures. This store is an absolute paradise for outdoor enthusiasts like myself, it offers a vast selection of high-quality gear for every kind of outdoor activity, including backpacking, biking, rock climbing, hiking, and camping. Service: I had the pleasure of working with Troy, who helped me pick out the right backpack for my height. He was patient, informative, and I learned not all hiking packs are created equal. It was so easy to make a decision after Troy added weights to the backpacks and I walked around the store to simulate a fully loaded pack. Value: This location also has a pre-owned section where I can save on expensive gear. Overall: I highly recommend the REI store for all your outdoor adventure needs. With their friendly service, a large selection of outdoor gear, a pre-owned section, and a satisfaction guarantee, you can't go wrong with this store. *Sign up for the REI CO-OP FOR EXTRA SAVINGS and rewards. read more

REI - Useful sign. - Bikes Near Me - Columbia, Maryland

You would think that finding a wick for a Zippo lighter would be an easy task to do. Especially since they are a very well known brand and a counted on lighter for many. While out, I had this pop in my head and since I was in the Columbia area I pulled up to see what was nearby to purchase one. I had been to many tobacco shops, gas stations and convenience stores with no luck. According to Google, and this company's website, they carried them. I showed up to the store, parked and walked inside. For a guy who hates the outdoors as much as a person can, I sure do end up shopping at stores that cater to this. I walked in and was immediately lost. It took me a minute to orient myself to the store and figured the best place to look was in the camping area. With the web search and the company website in my hand I looked through aisle after aisle, shelf after shelf, peg after peg, and was coming up empty. I began to get frustrated and started to look for an employee to help me. After finally finding one, I explained what I needed and he led me to where I had just been standing. He found the peg it should have been on and waited for the system to do its thing. He then tells me that their store was out of stock. I told him that was funny since it was showing on the website that it was in stock. Even though we couldn't solve that at that moment, he did tell me where there were stores that had them in stock. With that information in hand, I headed toward the next store to grab what I have been searching for at this point for a few months. read more

This local REI is my outdoorsy store. The store has a subset of much of their product line, and also acts as a front-end for the much larger online selection- you can ship to the store as well as return at the store. A lot of items are their own brand, but they carry a variety of popular national brands (with varying levels of representation eg they offer a lot more Smartwool than Icebreaker). Staff are always efficient, usually friendly, and all seem like they'd look natural on a trail or other natural setting. It's also a co-op with an annual rebate and various discounts for a one-time lifetime (!) membership fee. A dangerous place for the outdoor enthusiast because you'll get so much gear lust. I'll continue to visit them. read more

Good variety. All on one level. A little smaller than some REI stores, but I like that because everything is so easy to find!! Wish I lived closer to this store... read more

Bottom Line: Large and organized recreation gear store with knowledgeable employees but a tad pricey. I'm a big fan of the REI store in Columbia for several reasons. First, I like the location because its in a low-traffic strip mall so parking is easy and the lot isn't too nutty like so many shopping centers in the area. Also, the store seems to have a good selection and it is well organized. Its easy to find what you need but if you need some assistance the staff is really helpful in talking through features of gear. I also like that they carry quality brands in addition to their own brand. As many other reviews have mentioned, REI is not inexpensive and often the same items can be found elsewhere for less. REI offers a $30 lifetime membership where you can earn money back on your purchases but I think the membership is more about a sense of belonging versus saving money. To give a sense of what they carry, today's purchases were a Black Diamond headlamp, men'sPatagonia puffy coat and women's Athleta joggers but I also spent a good bit of time looking at DarnTough socks, Hydroflask drink wear and Osprey luggage. My husband was lost in a sea of kayaks, bike accessories and tents. My only regret is that I didn't pick up the Sasquatch Field Guide! Drats, next time. read more

The staff here are so nice. They have a wide selection of gear and clothes to keep you safe, warm, and dry in any outdoor adventure. The price did go up a little bit, but still affordable. I got a new pocket knife for only $38. Would recommend read more

REI - The knife (works well) - Bikes Near Me - Columbia, Maryland

Outdoor gear, cold weather clothing, worth out clothing, pet toys, lawn chairs...you name it, you can find it at REI! Stopped here to get 16 year old some clothes for school in Connecticut. Thus REI is smaller than others I have been to. However, the staff was super friendly and helpful. Two staff members spent lots of time helping us find the perfect medium weather winter coat. I joined the REI club to get cash back on purchases. Even the checkout person knowledgeable and helpful. Looking forward to trying the S FL location. read more

REI - Bikes Near Me - Columbia, Maryland

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Went here to try on cycling shoes during COVID-19 and it was unpleasant. We stood in line and waited to go inside due to the restrictions but the line moved along fine. They carried 5 different pairs of cycling shoes pretty slim pickings. The worst part was getting someone to help me. I even went to the regular shoe section to beg for help. They refused telling me I'm in the wrong section. Back to square one. "You're in the wrong section" no kidding? I was there because of being ignored. Went back to the bicycle section to wait again. Bike staff tells me "We are all too busy, you'll need to wait" and so I waited and waited. Awful.. They had a nice selection of women's athletic wear and back packs but I don't think we will return unless desperate. Sadly there aren't many REI choices in MD. read more

Huge, clean, well-stocked store with plenty of parking out front. I picked up a product I ordered online for store pickup. The front desk employee was helpful, friendly, and as adequately able to explain the co-op membership program and their current promotion. It took some time to find someone to assist with a car rack, but someone finally did. The employee was knowledgeable, friendly, and overall courteous. The prices are quite high but their products are great quality, including their multiperson tent and cots, so I am eager to return for an upcoming camping trip. read more

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Out of all the bicycle repair shops in the area, RE Columbia (MD) stands out as exceptional. They had all the supplies I needed for getting me back out on the road or to accessorize the bicycle for maximum enjoyment of cycling. While I'll admit their products are pricey for their quality, their service is better than what you'd expect. Recently, as I was about to begin my workout, I discovered a flat tire. I filled it with enough air to carry me to the shop, where it was assessed that I should replace the tube. The tube was replaced immediately, the rest of the bike was inspected, and I was only charged for the price of the tube at a member's discount. The cost of repair, inspection, and rush service wasn't added to the bill--another member benefit. read more

REI - I was back to my workout on the trails after a brief flat repair job at REI Columbia's bicycle shop. - Bikes Near Me - Columbia, Maryland

Co-op member since REI opened its first store in AZ. REI has veered off the mark in the last 10 years. Too many young, faintly hostile, arrogant and obviously inexperienced employees pretending they know everything now wander aimlessly through the aisles. REI has done away with older staff who genuinely knew the outdoors and wanted to share knowledge to lead you to the right choices. REI culture Is no longer that of a co-operative although it still tries to sell itself as one by collecting "membership" fees. It no longer treats its customers as investors in the co-operative. Staff seem impatient and annoyed when approached. Just try to find one to open up a fitting room and you will understand. Another clear signal that REI has lost its way is the insistence on ostentatious BRANDING of co-op product. Not everyone wants to be an unpaid advertisement. REI has been fighting unionization of its employees for more than a decade. Why, REI? No excuses please. Finally, the most recent attempt at reaching beyond REI's typical white upper middle class customer, the Afro+ line, was a disgraceful, patronizing embarrassment. Backcountry.com and Moosejaw do it better. read more

I find REI to be overpriced. The quality of their products is fine, but there seems to be a premium required once you enter their store.

This place has the worst customer service. People standing around and when you ask about an item you looking for they point in the direction. Then this little girl said" Oh you need sun protection"....I wanted an SPF shirt. DO NOT GO IN THIS STORE.....They would rather help someone with less Color. I was walking around in circles. They really need a diversity and where everything in the store is training. read more

Great service!! The person who helped us was very informative when it comes to bikes and helpful.

I've been a member of REI for 25 years and their customer service has gone downhill. I won't be shopping at REI anymore for my outdoor needs and will be canceling my co-op membership. The reason I have shopped at REI for so many years is that whenever I had an issue with my items I knew I could count on REI to help me get back on the trail, road, etc. Whenever you had a problem REI would do everything they could to help you get back out there and now they just defer you or quote there return policy. What a bummer, there are few places left that have good quality customer service and this store is no longer on my list. read more

Drove way out of our way to stop in and pickup a few items for our upcoming trip, including a swim vest for our pup who accompanied us on the outing. Management swooped in to tell us Finn, our 15 lb Border Terrier, wasn't welcome. Go figure - an outdoor store that sells pet products doesn't allow them in?? He visited the REI a month or so ago in DC and was welcomed with open arms. I called the north Bethesda REI and they said "Please, bring him!! We LOVE dogs!!! Columbia - u really suck. We will not be back. read more

This store seems to have everything. Granted I'm sure a lot of it is stuff I will never use or know how to use, but the cool thing is they have classes here too! Want to kayak? Buy one here and learn how to use it too. How about a GoPro camera? Yep, they can show you the ins and outs too. There is a calendar of classes located near the registers at the front. Speaking of the cashier area, try to get into Diana's line if you can. She is fun and personable. She will help you but not be pushy about it. She is quick and knowledgable, what more could you want? It took me a bit of time to get comfortable with the place. There are still parts of the store I have yet to explore, or may never venture over. It's conveniently located near most of the major shopping areas in Columbia. read more

Great store to meet all of your outdoor needs. Very friendly employees that greet you and ask if you need assistance. I like the "Opt Outside" mantra of this company. A little on the pricey side, but you can find some good deals on the clearance racks! read more

REI - Area to test out hiking boots... Awesome! - Bikes Near Me - Columbia, Maryland

I've been to three REI locations in my life. So far this one is my favorite, mostly due to the size and outstanding service I get there. All of the employees are friendly and very knowledgeable. They have a great selection, I just wish the prices were a little cheaper. Sometimes even with my member discount, I can get a better deal on the same item online at a different venue. read more

REI - Bikes Near Me - Columbia, Maryland

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Just walked around the store For about 20 minutes. No one offered to help at all. I asked a young man for assistance, he said "let me find someone who can assist you." Then he left, never to return. Customer service D- read more

Assisted by a very rude employee. He made very rude comments to us when I asked to try on hiking boots. He was very charming and gracious with the couple before us who were Caucasian. My boyfriend and I are Hispanic. I'm never one to pull the racist card but in this case it was very evident. We will not be returning to REI. We were able to purchase the same boots at L.L. bean, where we were assisted by an actual decent person. read more

This place is awesome! Whiel I could get pretty much most of the equipment here for a similar price at other sporting/outdoor stores, what gives REI (or at least this location) the edge is its impeccable staff. I have been preparing for a big backpacking trip to Europe and every little item I've come in to get, there is someone who's an expert on it. I used to joke that it must be a job requirement for the employees to be into outdoorsy stuff. I mentioned this once to a staffer and she informed me that, indeed, in her interview, they asked her what sorts of outdoor activities she participates in. Moral of the story: the people who work here are knowledgeable and passionate. Every time I've inquired about a product, they will often respond "well I really like..." and share their personal favorites. (And no, the favorites are not often the more expensive items!) One employee spent over an hour with me trying out different boots, socks, lacing, etc. because I was so worried about finding the most comfortable fit that would best prevent blisters. I received a membership as a gift and it has paid for itself. Every March, a percentage of your purchases comes back in the form of a check OR you can use it as credit. Even better, they have a record of everything you've ever purchased and have a rather liberal return policy. I tried out a pair of boots for a few weeks before deciding they weren't breaking in enough for me to feel comfortable, so I went back and exchanged them for a new, bigger pair (which are great, by the way). Didn't even need to keep the receipt since they had my past purchases on file. Full disclosure, they are a little pricey (as are most outdoor products and goods). however, if you're thinking of getting into the outdoors, and/or if you want some quality product with a knowledgeable staff to help guide your decision, check out REI. read more

OMG... Talk about amazing customer service! We are traveling back to CA and found we had too much stuff to fit in our car. Decided to get a pod and drove from the Virginia REI to this one in Maryland because it had the parts we needed in Stock. VA gut was super helpful too. So we get here and buy the system and I tell my spouse that I have confidence he can install it without having to pay the $75 install fee... No problem! Well he did his best..but the guy from REI came to the rescue! Thank goodness. And he had a smile and friendly conversation to boot. THANK YOU! read more

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Wasted my time and bought some bad mountain bike brakes, overpaid when I bought them at rei but I thought to support the local economy, but the brakes were horrible the piston wouldn't close (obviously air in the system) the shop manager says there good enough. Returned and wasted my time, I won't be back. read more

Love REI. Helped me get my Lemond back in working order. The people were very nice, knowledgeable, and efficient. My lemond kept losing tire pressure - I ended up needing a patch! read more

Let me start this by saying that I have been going to the College Park REI for years and it is just amazing. Great service and super knowledgeable staff. As I was planning for a trip out to Yellowstone next week I thought I would swing by and pick up a few last minuet items. I needed to get a knit hat as it gets down to the 40s at night even in July and a new day pack. The Columbia store has the advantage of being really close to my office so I went there. I saw jackets, and gloves galore but no warm hats. So I asked and was told its seasonal and we don't keep them on the floor. They are in storage 30 feet in the air. Ummm ok. Really none on the floor? Then I found a pack they had listed on the REI site for $20 less than the listed in store price. When I asked if they would match the price on their site I was told no that was online only. Ummm ok. Time for me to leave. Just disappointing. It seem like the Columbia store is really focused on getting people to look like they do outdoor activities. Not necessary helping them gear up to get there. (update) Headed over to the College Park store got the pack @ online price and a knit hat that they had on the floor. Also had a great conversation with an employee about hiking the north rim of Yellowstone. My advice, make the drive to the College Park store its worth it. read more

Ordered a book bag months ago and got an email saying it was shipped. Order never came. Two weeks later called and they said "there was a problem at the factory and the product was sold out". They refunded but if I hadn't called they never would have let us know. Horrible. No more REI for us. read more

REI always has the most helpful employees. Friendly faces willing to assist you in any department. I get everything from winter sports stuff like skiing to summer sports like mountain biking and kayaking here. The classes they offer look interesting though I have never taken one. Love this place. Keep up the good work read more

I decided to join the co-op a month or two ago and not only saved the amount for joining on my first purchase but already got a check for $9. Of course they also bribed me back into the store with a 20% off members only coupon, which means I ended up spending way more than $9. But at least it was quality stuff that will last a long time! I broke down and bought these three little refillable travel shampoo and conditioner containers that you could also use for food like mustard/ketchup/baby food? I guess you could squirt it in their mouths as long as you don't choke em....it squirts pretty well. I really wish REI had more running clothes but they focus on biking and hiking. Still really cool though. And if you haven't tried the $4 Ramen Chocolate bar (it has real ramen crunchy noodles in it) then you haven't lived. Better than bacon chocolate bars, I swear. read more

I've been a customer of REI since before I was in college (Park) a couple decades ago. Back then, there were only a few places to get outdoors gear: REI, HTO, and EMS. They do have a great selection of packs, a decent selection of tents (I've owned several of their REI brand ones and can recommend them). Over the years though I've realized that they're really a "full on full price" retail store that only carries highly marketed, highest margin brands (think Minimum Advertisable Pricing policies) and that their selection in certain product categories really isn't that great. In some of these categories, the selection is actually anti-good, as in 'they have a selection, but it's a selection of the worst, most overpriced". For example, today I discovered that they don't carry spare parts for the racks they sell, nor some basic kayaking gear. Additionally, while there was *no end* to the cheeky Bear Gryllis branded knives and machetes (yes, machetes) I couldn't find a single simple rescue knife. In the past I've shopped for climbing gear and been surprised that they didn't have what I was looking for. On the upside, they really do carry a great selection of packs, and their REI house brands are infallible (you'll find many uhm, "more experiend hikers" like myself recommending them. If you call me old-timer I will cut your tongue off with my new Bear Gryllis Machete). Downside, there's a high probability of getting stuck in line between 2 douches buying 60 dollar hiking shirts for their weekend treks around Centennial Lake. Bottom line after 20 years of shopping, I would say REI is ok to pretty good. For packs I would almost say their great. But it shouldn't be your last stop. Old retailers in the region like HTO and new retailers like Bass Pro both provide some pretty stiff competition in the categories they overlap, and the ole-standard mail orders like CampMor, Sierra Trading Post and a plethora of new online retailers can often provide a better (or at least different) better selection and better price. read more

REI is a great speciality store that has all you need for the outdoors. Camping, hiking, biking, and snow... They have all the items you need to have fun out door. It really is a good place to find activity specific equipment. Also they have the best selection of outwear. As of this review, the store is making room for it's huge ski and snowboard selection. read more

I spent two hours in the boot section and while it was a very frustrating experience overall (because of the boots and my feet, not because of the store), the two women who were working in this department were very friendly and knowledgeable. They both gave great advice and helped me steer away from things that would not be good for my usage. They even demonstrated how to properly test boots on fake rocks (usually I just walk up and down them...) I was there for a looooong time and they never gave up on me or got frustrated. read more

First time in this place, and the girlfriend and I were looking for a place to buy some bikes (mountain variety likely). Man did we make the right choice. While nothing but the lifetime REI membership ($20, one-time fee) was purchased this go round, our experience was absolutely stellar. Went in looking at bikes and was approached by Matt H. He was absolutely terrific. Knew his stuff and was able to educate the both of us, making us feel WAY less "bike stupid", without being anywhere close to snobby (see next review). Definitely made us feel comfortable with the product, even though it wasn't his SME (subject matter expert) area. To the point of our next visit will likely be sizable purchase thanks to his knowledge sharing. Would highly recommend this place to anyone. read more

To Whom It May Concern: I wanted to write this appreciative/positive review for Joe H (Store Manager) at the Columbia, Maryland store. He offers an extremely positive experience to his customers. I visited the store on March 5th, 2016 to inquire regarding an item that I bought on March 3rd, and he promptly offered me solutions. To him, I am one out of a thousand customers. But from the customer's perspective, there is nothing that is more important than a positive shopping experience at REI. Again, thanks for providing an extremely friendly shopping experience, by having quality staff, and an overall great shopping/learning environment. Sincerely, Ray, whose whole family shops at REI. read more

Like an outdoor toy store. A little pricey, but you get quality on most things. The staff is helpful and knowledgeable. Their loyal customer plan is great too! You can't beat the garage sales or the yearly points back sale. If you are a hardcore thru hiker or weekend backpacker they have it all. They changed the return policy to 1 year of you don't like the product you bought. Amazing! Clowns were taking advantage of the lifetime policy. I had a REI jacket that I busted a zipper off of and it was my own fault. Took it back and they replaced it for free. You can't beat it! I can wander around in there for hours. They also offer outdoor classes that give great information. Most are free, but you do have to pay for others. Good stuff. read more

REI - I just picked up my Suunto Core All Black from REI! Thanks! - Bikes Near Me - Columbia, Maryland

I love this store! My 8 and 10 year old boys and I have been frequenting this store to take their FREE outdoor classes and learn more about how to get outside and have fun together! Every time we visit, the sales associates prove themselves to be welcoming, knowledgeable, friendly, and most helpful. I highly recommend this store to anyone who is interesting in outdoor activities. They seem to specialize in camping, hiking, biking, snowboarding/skiiing, kayaking, running, yoga, etc., but every time we go there, I find something new! read more

REI - off of Dobbin Rd, near 175 and Snowden River Pkwy, next to the new ToysRUs! - Bikes Near Me - Columbia, Maryland

The guys at the tuning desk were beyond helpful by lending me some specific tools and helping me fix a piece of gear. Best part: they didn't charge me a dime. Would definitely recommend REI to anyone who is looking for good outdoor gear with a knowledgeable staff to answer and question you may have. read more