HMMM...The staff has always been so incredibly knowledgeable and helpful on prior visits. But, not the grand expertise experience I wanted from the staff today.
I did my research ahead of time and determined I wanted to purchase either the Thule rooftop bike rack, or the Yakima. There appeared (middle of the day during the week) to only be like two or three staff members working. I had seen the Yakima displays in the past, as well as the Thule. But, this day, there wasn't a display for the Yakima roof bike rack, only the Thule. So, I lingered around waiting for the one guy working the bike section to finish with his customer. A staff member came out from the back room and offered to help me. When I explained the specific rack I was seeking (and had seen at REI so many times before), he looked puzzled, and went over to the computer to look it up, which he found online. Sure, I have seen it online, and in the store too. I want to see it and the Thule side by side to compare before I make my decision. He shrugged his shoulders and said, "I dunno, I haven't see it here"... Then the guy I was originally waiting for chimed in. I told him exactly what I wanted, and he looked like I just spoke German to him...said he had never heard of it. Guys, I have seen this exact model for over a year on display right here, AND it's at REI online. Don't tell me you have no idea what I am talking about. . . The guy who had come out from the back room went back there to see if he could find them. . . sure enough... he comes out with one. The second guy says "OHHH, I didn't know you were talking about this one".... Get ready... What part of Yakima Forklift Rooftop Bike Rack is confusing to you??? (for those wetting your pants right now, it's probably the most standard Yakima rooftop bike rack they sell)... OK, so now can you find a second one for me?
Got it....
I get to the register, and the cashier is having some difficulty with getting the register to function properly. To the point where one person put their stuff down and walked out.
It just wasn't a great experience. . . and, yes, I am an REI member...so does that make me an owner who can request the staff members be trained better??? If so, then make it so.... read more