Bought some products via online purchasing and lo and behold they needed to be returned. Unfortunately there is no REI Co-Op in Loudoun County so we trekked on to Fairfax County. REI is located in the Fairfax Govt Ctr shopping area. Staff is friendly but very picky about returns. It was obvious my products were new in original boxes with tags still on the products but this staff member inspected it with detail. I get it but her demeanor with me was not as friendly as the customer in front of me who made a purchase. Oh well, employee owned so I guess more picky. read more

See all

I went to check out a few different things. I needed a couple of pairs of running shoes. One barefoot and another. I also wanted to check their selection of bikes. Then lastly, to check out their selection of rain and cold weather gear. This store is tucked away not that far from me in the mosaic district. I found it one day by mistake after taking a wrong turn . I think it's on a dead end street. Either way it was a happy mistake. There was a decent selection of bikes and a repair/service center as well. Staff were pleasant and helpful when approached. Overall great experience. I'll be back. read more

See all

Came here specifically to look at running shoes. Was dissapointed with the selection, but very pleased with the service. They only had a few models for each brand and did not have wide versions of shoes. The gentleman helping everyone out in the shoe section was super friendly and knowledgeable about shoes. read more

Great service. They were great in helping my granddaughter get her gear for downhill skiing. Prices / quality seemed appropriate and the selection had nice variety. . read more

had the most amazing experience here yesterday! i brought my bike in to get serviced after visiting the trek location in fairfax. both staff members at the repair counter were so incredibly kind and took their time in explaining to me everything thoroughly. service was done quickly and was affordable - especially as i am a member of the co-op. i am a frequent customer here as this is my local rei, but i will definitely be coming back for all my bike needs in the future. i recommend you do as well! read more

Our first & last visit to REI. We came in excited to pick up an annual national park pass before our trip & were genuinely looking forward to the experience. Unfortunately, our interaction with the cashier, Kelly, left a lot to be desired. Despite our friendly & enthusiastic approach, we weren't greeted at all--just a blank stare. The interaction felt cold & unwelcoming from the start. It wasn't until we politely called out the rudeness that her tone suddenly changed. Customer service goes a long way, especially when people walk in excited & eager to support a store like REI. Sadly, this experience was enough to make it our first & last visit. Thanks Kelly! read more

Had not visited REI in so many years as its located a distance from Ashburn but it is a must visit store for any travel. Heading to Europe and different climates my wife and I visited and bought several items and joined REI. They are very helpful and returning/exchanging is made so easy. High recommendation. read more

See all

I would like to travel and hike in the desert. I went into REI to ask about this. What types of gear would I need. What features should I consider when buying XYZ product. I asked about personal locator beacons, backpack, sleeping bag, tents, etc. There was a lot more to know about camping gear than I thought. There are many things to consider. I spoke with Mac in the camping section. He was very patient, helpful and showed a great amount of knowledge about things that should be considered. I must have spent about an hour finding out what I could. If you have questions about camping gear, Mac can help you out. I learned quite a bit in a short amount of time. read more

Am not pleased they got rid of the lifetime warranty. They were a rare business to do that. To be fair probably quite a few people took advantage of that. I like REI, but I don't love it. The reasons are simple, and that's my competence with anything outdoors, and simply put they are often too expensive. To newish or amateur outdoor folks, you won't find a more knowledgeable staff anywhere! Their employees are A plus in every regard, and their customer service is exemplary. This is certainly a nice location, and they do have some neat toys. Their dehydrated MRE meals are quite decent. What do I usually buy from them? Those and polarized sunglasses. Yes polarized sunglasses cost more, but they do help with glare when driving or skiing. Here they have a good selection, and for less than the Oakleys that finally met their demise. Every time I've found a good pair, as I can do destruction on outdoor gear like none other. Their tents can be a pain to set up, but they are made of impeccable quality. As for bikes and most camping equipment, you can get the same for less elsewhere. read more

See all

I am a member of REI. I'm not a frequent shopper, but I do buy bicycle equipment, hiking boots and some clothing there. I purchased several National Park tee-shirts at Fairfax Corner store as Christmas gifts. They were great quality for the price. One of the shirts was the wrong size, so I tried to exchange it. The store didn't have the shirt I wanted in the correct size. When I went to the counter to return the shirt, I asked if they had the correct size at another store. The counter person immediately scanned my item and said the nearest store with the item was 100 miles away. I thought that was the end of the story. However, the REI employee said he could order one for me and have it delivered to my local store or have it delivered to my house. He said since I was a member that home delivery was free. I arranged for home delivery and received the new shirt in about 5 days. This is exactly what I wanted. Great job REI. You saved the day and now my daughter and her husband have matching Parks Project tee shirts. You greatly exceeded my expectations. Plus, I am still loving the hiking boots I purchased over five years ago and bicycle shorts I purchased two years ago. I'm looking forward to my next visit. Great job! read more

Chris K., mgr had provided excellent customer service when I visited yesterday. He was very patient and genuinely wanted to assist. I usually visit with the bike technicians for either advice or repair and nice to know that they're always willing to help and are courteous, especially when others are waiting.I like the fact that if you are an REI member, you are privileged to have extended return timelines and benefits to their resupply. Will continue to shop there definitely. Stop in if you haven't already and maybe it'll inspire you to do more outdoor activities. read more

Love REI (Fairfax Corner) and really enjoy Christmas shopping there. I usually get good service, but 1/3/24 went in to pick up my online order (Smartwool mittens) around 9:45 a.m. and the woman at the register seemed to have such a chip on her shoulder. Not even a "Thank-you-for-your-business-so-I-can-continue-to-work-here. I'm expected to say thank you when they hand me the merchandise, hand me back my credit card, hand me the receipt--all for the privilege of being in that person's presence. Seems the higher wages go the worse service gets. Clearly this woman does not need the money, but I'm spending hard-earned dollars and I do want polite service and a Thank You for Your Business! And please don't expect me to magically know your job and store policies. We get better service from Amazon, so it's no wonder brick and mortar places are disappearing. read more

Nice store, nice selection. I joined the co-op. However my 2nd shopping experience this past Sunday was terrible. I waited patiently for the more experienced person in shoes, only to be sarcastically dismissed when I asked for recommendations as I have difficulty getting a good fit. He dismissed my stated shoe size saying loudly in front of 7 other shoppers "there's no way you're that size, I can tell by looking at your feet". When I started to talk he turned his back on me and walked away. What a complete and utter ass this man was to me. I'm 60 years old, wear custom orthotics and have comfortably worn my stated shoe size in Allen Edmonds dress shoes and Asics for over a decade... it was really irritating to be treated so dismissively. I tried to let it pass but its been several days and its left such a distaste for REI that I wanted to leave this review. If I could give back my co-op membership I would, will not go back. From experience, NEVER let a shoe guy size you into what he's got in stock. Been there, done that, had Morton's Neuroma for years from salespeople saying "they'll stretch out" because they didn't have right width's in stock. Pro tip: they usually don't. read more

I've been an REI member since 1997 and I have to say this is my second favorite location-sorry Fairfax- Arlington will always be my first love. Fairfax though - you rock- sorry clean (all REIs are) fantastic, friendly staff. Btw to the person taking pictures of staff and S talking them SABofDs - I call BS- that very same employee helped me and was fantastic- on three different visits. My one complaint- REI used to subject matter expert s- I go there and pay more because I need product advice. Now it seems they hire people have no idea about the products- those staff weren't watching YouTube- they are looking up products- everyone of them I asked a question had to use their phones to look up answers. I was a tad disappointed when the person in the bicycle section admitted she didn't own a bike and have never ridden. That is okay- she looked my questions and was exceptionally friendly and nice. Lastly I direct this to the store manager- I hope u see this last comment. I've notice that Fairfax REI seems to have a very open pro LGBTQ stance with Staff wearing Pride pins. THANK U for not caving to the troglodytes terrible haters like Walmart. I want u to know I now drive out of my way to shop at ur store. I'm not Gay - but I despise prejudice of any kind. Good for you. read more

I bought some new hiking boots and socks there a couple of months ago. The boots and socks are working out well. The store was in a convenient location and there was free parking nearby. The staff was friendly and helpful and the store was clean and well stocked. The young man who helped me knew his stuff and helped me find boots and socks that fit. If I lived nearby I would definitely shop at this store a lot. Unfortunately for me - I don't. But when I'm in the area again I will. read more

Went to look at bikes, got great service helping to find the right sized bike for my teenager. No pressure. Specific bike we wanted was not available so we were encouraged to order online for delivery to the store with setup. Was happy with the easy experience. read more

I have been an REI member since 1986 and am very disappointed at how the "experts" that REI hires as their employees do not know what "Customer Service" is. I went out of my way to attend the Fairfax REI's "Garage Sale" because I was on the market for some camping gear (tent, footprint, sleeping bag & sleeping mat). I had previously tried to buy these at the Richmond REI but after walking around for more than a half hour without finding any help, I left. Well, the Fairfax REI isn't any better. Below are pictures of their employees that I took as I was trying to gain their attention. The first one you can see Employee #1 watching a video on his smart phone while ignoring all the customers walking around him. The second pic shows 2 other employees having a map discussion in the middle of the store. The 3rd pic shows Employee # 1, walking past Employee # 2 & 3, away from me when he saw me walking towards him with an inquiry. I bought my camping gear from Amazon instead - at a lot less than what I would have paid at REI. I was more than willing to pay a higher price because they supposedly hire "Outdoor People" whose expertise you can tap into before you make the purchase. What good is all that (probably overpaid) experience if they don't make themselves available to customers? FWIW, I did contact REI about this incident and never heard a damn thing from them. read more

See all

Visited this REI a few weeks ago. Needed some hiking/walking shoes that would be warm and waterproof, and stand up in the snow and some light trail hiking. I went with the Merrell Moab hiking shoes. They are really comfortable and nice looking - ended up with the espresso color as that is all they had in my size. I also picked up several pairs of warm socks to go with the shoes and a set of thermal long underwear. Even though the place was pretty busy - I did not have to wait long for a clerk to help me with the shoes. The line at checkout was also long - but they cranked through the line pretty fast! I'll be going back soon for another pair of hiking shoes - need something for the warmer weather that is waterproof yet cool and breathable! Great store! read more

I've experienced ageism before, but to hear about it from my parents (age 80's) who visited this REI store in Fairfax, VA was shameful. My father, who has cognitive impairment, needed better shoes to help his back pain, but instead got an awful customer experience from an employee who was distracted by his phone, barely engaged enough to be helpful, and rude in response to my parents' questions. My parents don't fit the typical REI customer profile, but when new customers come to your store to solve a problem that isn't your typical customer scenario, you have a chance to expand the value of your brand by solving new problems for new customers. And this employee just cost you that chance. read more

REI Fairfax was phenomenal in their bike service department. I had partially assembled an online ordered ebike but ran into trouble and didn't know how to finish. I took the bike in and was told it might be a 2-3 week wait. To my delight and amazement it was finished a few hours later and received only a partial billing since I had already begun the assembly. That was not only good business, it was very considerate. They surely know how to build good will. Ive ordered a 2nd ebike and will go back....this time to have them assemble the whole thing! Finally, the 3 service persons are to be commended for their professional demeanor and extra effort to make the process smooth. read more

REI - Bike wheel - Outdoor Gear Near Me - Fairfax, Virginia

Just have to say what a great store. James helped me for at least an hour to pick out the perfect backpack for me. He stuffed, unstuffed four different packs after measuring my torso, of course. Adjusted everything and I left the store with just what I wanted. A super pleasant experience all the way around. I made sure to find a manager to say how awesome he is, too. read more

Me and my husband were just in their today and this girl with fish and flower tattoo's on her arm helped us out. She looked like she was busy but instead of getting someone else to help (which is usually the deal here... you get pushed from one employee to another) she actually helped us out the whole 30 some minutes we were in their. I like that REI has hired new people that are actually going out of their way. You use to usually wait forever to get an employee to help out (especially without being short). I dont know her name but thank you lady with the tattoo's and bright eyes. Lol We'll be back again. And hopefully she'll be there. Happy that REI is also up and running again. We missed you guys during the shutdown. Yeay!! Keep up the great work!! read more

I came here a few days ago to buy a backpack. It was my first time buying a backpack, so I didn't know anything about backpacks. I was very lucky to have met James. He was so kind and detailed, even though I spent over an hour asking so many questions. And finally I was able to find one that fits my short (5'1) size among many backpacks. He was patient and taught me a lot about backpacks and helped me until I found something I liked. James, Thank you very much! You made me happy. See you again!! read more

When I need a few items to go hiking or camping REÍ is the place to go. They have all kinds of cool gadgets. Honestly I try to wait until they are on sale as they can be a bit pricy. Still a fun store to walk around to grab last minute things and new gadgets. The employees are super knowledgeable that is a plus. read more

Should be a ZERO. I've been to dozens of REI locations and the staff at this one are a bunch of city slickers who've never spent a day in the woods in their life. Rude staff who don't know the first thing about the outdoors. Can I change rating to ZERO? read more

There's something about walking into an outdoors type store. You feel the sense of adventure and fitness looming in the air. I absolutely adore this store. They have everything you could possibly need for your outdoor lifestyle needs, from first aid kits, camping gear, outdoor cooking needs, cycling stuff, running, cold weather clothing (base layers, to snow pants, etc), luggage, hiking back packs, hiking gear and shoes. I mean everything! The customer service is above the norm, its excellent. As I was browsing, each employee smiled and asked if I needed help with anything, and they were sincere felt about it. Areas of improvement: - the women's clothing wear area in the back corner is really dark, they could use a few more lights to help brighten up that area. Only complaint, some things are over priced. I thought the tents were way too expensive. You can get a solid Coleman tent online for better rates, rather than buying an overpriced $500 REI tent. Other than that, absolutely a great experience browsing and shopping. read more

We drove over an hour on Black Friday due to the website and Apple Maps saying the store is open. Very disappointing.

I was there after Christmas in search of some snow shoes because I live in CO. I asked a lot of questions and needed a specific pair of snow shoes for a trip when I got back to Denver. The staff who helped me was so patient and gave me superior service and suggestions for exactly the right pair. We ordered them to be picked up a few days later when I got back to Denver and I couldn't be happier!! This was the best after Christmas retail experience I've ever had and I used to work in Retail! So thank You! And I'm sorry I don't remember the name of who I worked with! read more

They have a decent selection of outdoorsy stuff: if you are hiking, camping, biking this is your place! I have found they tend to be pricier than some of the competition, but do offer high end brands, have a great guarantee, offer all sorts of neat classes and have a rewards program that is beneficial if you shop here often. That's unfortunately where my issue with this particular store lies. My husband signed up for a card, paid $20 for it and was excited to come back to use it and the gift card they sent him. However, when we stopped in this weekend, the person at the register couldn't find him in the system. After spending several minutes asking him if he was sure he filled out the card (he assured her he did) and trying to look him up by either phone number or last name, she gave up, finally honored his gift card and then advised him to call corporate to figure out what happened with his account, stating the person who helped him out must not have done it right. Ironically, once we left the store he mused that the person who just told him to call corporate was the person that sold him the membership in the first place. To me, I'm sorry, but if you make the mistake, you fix the problem. They should have pulled a manager aside and made sure he was entered in the system properly right then and there. I've worked retail and I know that once a customer is out the door with an unresolved issue they are not likely to come back. I still love REI as a brand, but the Fairfax stores' employee need some retraining. read more

This is easily not my favorite REI but it still has what REI is known for. I got the help I needed when here but didn't exactly find what I was looking for. Still a good experience as always. read more

So I've never been a big fan of "sports/outdoor rec" stores. Maybe it's the kayaks hanging above your head and the doohickies whose purpose you don't know and probably will never know. Why the 5 stars? Well, this REI store is different. You go in totally clueless and the people working in there actually know about the products they are selling. I've been in here a couple of times and the staff helped me purchase a climbing harness, chalk, and climbing shoes. Each time, they weren't trying to "push the product." They actually recommended renting out the gear at the climbing facility first so you know what you want. They patiently wait and let you "try on" the gear, they even want you to get on the climbing wall that they have in the store (I gracefully declined). I've been happy with every product i've purchased at the store because I chose them with the help of experts. Three cheers! read more

I like that the staff are friendly and try to be helpful in telling you where to go if what you need isn't carried by this store. The selection of jackets is excellent. I also like that parking is readily available behind the store. What I think could be improved is that the store does not sufficiently advertise that it lacks any ski or snowboard gear--you have to go to another REI on Baileys Crossing near Alexandria or Watson in McLean. I also think the clearance items are still very expensive so this is a good place to come if looking for top quality but would recommend looking elsewhere if looking for the best price. Overall, I like that REI equipment is a good value for the money. read more

I am fan of REI enterprise and would prefer this store to something like Sports Authority. SA to me is a meat market and REI is Dean and Deluca! The staff is super knowledgeable of the stuff they sell and they all look happy to be here! Most of the staff I have spoken with are avid hikers, bikers, etc. and its second nature for them to be selling the stuff! Makes buying experience that much easier. I like their sales and also like the fact that being a part of the cooperative gives me cash back at the end of the year! read more

Really great customer service. Lots of things available. This one is always busy. -1 star for not having the color of shoes we wanted in stock read more

This is THE place for outdoor gear, They have a nice selection of hiking shoes, packs and survival gear. read more

This is a true his and hers shopping spot. Enjoy it, they are rare. Women - go straight for clothes, men turn right for camping, biking, climbing, kayaks, hiking blah blah back to the clothes...they have a great selection here including prana (which is hard to find other than online) as well as under armour, royals robbins, marmot etc. Great sales too. Don't get me wrong, I like this place for the 'activity' aspect as well, but it only takes me a minute or two to find what I need in those areas, the women's section here gives me plenty to do while the man carefully considers the intricate details of things like...cycling socks. If you shop here often, be sure to sign up as a member, it's actually worth it. read more

REI - Outdoor Gear Near Me - Fairfax, Virginia

I had a great experience. I bought a bike trainer that didn't meet my expectations. The bike shop was able to look at it the very next day. The staff looked everything over and we had discussion about what my expectations were when I purchased it. I let them know I wished to return the item. In particular a gentleman by the name of Chris politely gave my his thoughts and immediately okayed the return. I will have nothing but high praise for the staff and store based on this experience. I've bought 2 bikes from REI in the past but I've never had to return anything before. Everyone I spoke to from the initial phone call, bike shop technicians, manager, to the person at the register when I returned it were so nice and polite. Nothing but good people and high quality service at the Fairfax store. I highly recommend them. read more

REI saved my butt! I lost my Yakima keys for the bike hitch and had no idea what key number went with my lock. After an extensive panic search, I looked online and people mentioned REI carries a master set of keys. I called up and sure enough its true! So I stopped by and everyone there was very helpful and friendly. Within a minute, an employee was outside in the bitter freezing cold, trying out all the different keys (of about 50!) to figure out which one worked for mine. Fortunately, within about 4 keys in, he found the right one and helped me take off the bike hitch. So very thankful and this service cost me nothing. Now I know which key I needed to order. Yakima was out of stock of the key I needed but I was able to find the one I needed from https://cracksandracks.com (in case anyone reading this winds up in the same dilemma as me). While I was in the REI store briefly, in the very back they have a large rack of clearance/sale items at better prices including hiking boots. I totally recommend coming here. read more

The customer service at this location is very good. I like buying my shoes here because of the large variety. A month ago, I purchased a pair of Merrill hiking shoes. Just last week one of the straps fell off, obviously a defective shoe. I couldn't find my receipt but went to the same location to exchange it. Because I was a rewards member they were able to look up my purchase. The exchange took me less than 10 minutes. Parking was easy on a Friday night. The staff was attentive. read more

I was in their about two weeks a go Monday and I had this girl help me find a winter jacket. She was so sweet, helpful and funny, it made my day. Usually it takes time to find someone to help when Im in REI, but looked like she was working their, didn't have a green west on, but when she realized I needed help she took her time and helped me the best way. She was telling me how her families in Turkey and I had visited Turkey before as well. It was nice talking about a place I have been that many people haven't been. Plus she gave me great advice on Norway and Iceland for traveling. Super sweet girl. I hope to find her again when Im in their shopping. Thanks for making my shopping experience wonderful. read more