This review is strictly for the garage sale which I attended today and was a ridiculous zoo. The staff said they never seen anything like it, but you would think they could've anticipated that many people might be showing up for bargains and that maybe they would want to move the gear outside as opposed to shoving it all in a 25' x 25' room. Customers had no room to move or breathe let alone shop. This was l not too far off from the YouTube videos you see from Walmart on Black Friday. Please REI: come up with a better way to display your used gear -- put it outside in the parking lot or get a bigger room. read more

Most of the people are super nice when I go in there once a year. I went to check out and the guy (skinny guy with glasses) asked me if I was a REI member and if I wanted to join. I said no and he asked y. I said cuz its costs money. He hasseled me telling me that if I was the type to save money I would do it. DUDE am only in there once a year spending about $20 (the cost of this dumb membership) Anyway I left feeling cheap when I am far far from it! read more

I am in the middle of prepping for a late summer trip to Mt. Kilimanjaro. I've done tons of research and have purchased some initial gear online. However, when it came to picking boots, I knew i needed to a store to at least try a few pairs on. I am so glad I picked this REI location. The salesman running the shoe department was FANTASTIC! We started with a couple of pair that I'd read about, then he walked me through the process of picking the RIGHT pair! When I left the store with my purchase, I left with the confidence that they were the right pair for me. It was an educational process, and I can't say enough about the salesman. I will be back to seek guidance and purchase more items for my trip. Highly recommended! read more

Incredible store, it had been years since I had been here almost 20, since I was a kid with my dad. Went there recently and within spending under a grand roughly bought a great headlamp, lightest season sleeping bag, a tent, Camelbak backpack, an Eno hammock, Atlas chrome straps, a collapsible folding chair, camping sleeping mat, & the accessories etc. I also received great assistance from an older gentleman who worked there, which ultimately saved and prevented me from buying something I ultimately would have had to return. Thanks REI! You always have my return service, gratitude, and sales! read more

The products are still terrific, but unfortunately, those bored, uninterested employees mentioned in another review now seem to work at REI Framingham. My husband and i went there last night, around 7 pm to pick up a jacket for him. We could have left with a jacket for him, a bike, and/or a jacket for me. After trying on the jacket he had ordered and finding that it didn't fit, my husband searched through regular and sale racks to find his size. It was pretty empty in the store--just one other guy trying on jackets. After about 10 minutes, the other guy takes off the jacket he'd been trying and asks, "Can I help you?" Hey, it's great to like the products--it makes them easier to sell, but the whole idea is to sell a few to people who come in from the street. While he was looking for a jacket, I looked at bikes. As I looked, for about 5 minutes or more, three employees chatted at the desk adjacent to the bikes. I looked towards them periodically to see if anyone would help--but no, not until I stood right there for a minute or so. No interest to sell anything in that part of the store. So, on to a jacket for me. I found a few things and wanted to try them on. I waited outside the dressing rooms a few minutes--still very quiet in store except the employees walking by but not offering to help. I ended up trying everything on outside the dressing rooms, which was okay but sort of dark. It seems as if the work ethic has really changed. People want their paycheck but don't even pretend to do what they were hired to do. It is frightening in this economy that people don't understand what it is that makes their jobs go away-and so many have. For example, when people want to spend their money at your store, $100's of it, to facilitate that helps to keep your place of employment there. read more

Nothing short of a genius establishment. Great service, great employees, great gear! I go here for everything I need before every expedition, and even when I just want to browse all the amazing equipment. Would recommend REI to all! read more

REI usually has great gear and an unbeatable sales return policy. Their prices however are generally on the higher end. If you need help selecting gear and have limited knowledge, this is where you go. Or if you're not sure you'll enjoy a sport (aside from rock-climbing), get your gear here. Otherwise, if you know what you want and want it cheap, buy online. read more

I love REI, but this store isn't quite as big and well stocked as I'd like. If you're from Seattle or somewhere else that has gigantic REIs don't expect this one to have everything you're looking for. read more

Beware of "reduced" prices for damaged items at the Garage Sale. I've got dented REI Doppio mug for $9.43 at the Garage Sale on 12/31/2016 in the Framingham store. Later in the day I found that Doppio's sale price is $7.93. There is very little money involved and caveat emptor and all that but it feels like being cheated nevertheless. read more

Contrary to many reviews that I read, I found all of the employees to be willing to go above and beyond expectations, and I never felt pushed at all. Multiple employees approached me and helped me to find exactly what I needed. Great experience at REI to match their great quality products. read more

Great place to get all the camping gear you need. I do a lot of out door activities and hiking up in the White Mountains. This place has all the right gear you need. Once or twice a year they will have a major blow out where they sell all of last years merchandise and all returned goods for a fraction of the price, so if you don't mind buying last years models that might have a few scratches on it for a super low price, I highly recommend coming here and checking out what they have. You can check their website to see when they have the backyard blow out. read more

Typical REI store with all the outdoor goods however we were really disappointed with their very small children's shoe dept. Other REI locations in other states have much larger departments but not here.. also very frustrating waiting for a salesperson to make themselves available. Won't be returning anytime soon. read more

I love REI for all it has to offer. Over the years, I have bought countless things from them ranging from trekking poles to headlamps to snowshoes and apparel. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, the atmosphere is relaxing, and the sales are great! read more

Great store with a nice selection and a friendly staff. I found everything's I was looking for and more. Being a larger person I never feel out of place and I am always treated respectfully. read more

Bought goggles with cash returned them due to not fitting properly, all they offer is store credit. I feel this is inappropriate. Had the goggles for less than an hour. read more

Purchased a casual shirt at this store about 6 months ago -- getting ready for hot weather. After about 4 washings, the shoulder seam started coming apart. I brought the shirt in with no receipt -- but knowing they could look up my previous purchases. They found the purchase, apologized for the hassle, and credited my purchasing debit card -- all within 10 minutes. Great service. Will be back... read more

I was shopping for back to school with my two grandsons. Had to climb two flights of stairs to get to the clothing. In 45 minutes, I didn't see a single salesperson. I needed help with sizes, colors, styles but had to rifle through racks of clothing unaided. With a big stack of clothing, I had to take the elevator down, then wait in line for a single cashier. What a frustrating experience. read more

First of all, I have to say this is a great store if you're a fan of the outdoors. Their selection is great, and the return policy can't really be beat. However, you really need to do your research before buying anything here. I've found the same items for much cheaper online, and it really pays off to shop out of season. Backpacking gear is insanely cheap during the winter, for example. I've always enjoyed browsing at the REI, but my last experience there was a little different. I just went in for a warm winter hat, which I found. After that, I wanted to walk around and look at the rest of the store. The staff there has always appeared helpful in the past, asking if I needed help whenever they happened to walk past. However, on this day, one employee there just followed me around the store. At first, he just seemed to be there every time I turned around, again and again asking me if I needed help. Eventually, he decided to just stand about five feet away from me, staring at me until I just decided to leave. Is the staff there trained to assume everyone is just there to steal? Is it just me? Do I look like a thief? This was unpleasant, and if I decide to buy from REI in the future, I may just do it online, rather than going to this particular location. read more

It looks like the selection is good, and it's clean and whatever. But I waited 20 minutes for some help with the backpacks. I finally got sick of it and split. I looked the manager in the face and he just let me walk on by. So they probably have what you want, but you'd better know what that is. I see a lot of raving on the service, but they completely dropped the ball, and a sale, as far as I'm concerned. read more

Today, July 19th I received a UPS package from the REI store in Framingham. It contained the missing cleats noted in my earlier review and all the paperwork such as manuals and warranty card. It had a note on the enclosed Bicycle Purchase Agreement dated 7/15 that the Paperwork was not given to customer @ time of P/U. Another note card said "Customer Bought Cleats & Pedals. Pedals on Bike Cleats in Folder. As a FYI, I did inquire when I picked up the bike if there was anything else other than just picking up the bicycle. Russ read more

I stopped by today planning on dropping a few hundred bucks on ski equipment I needed for my first skiing trip. I go to places like REI for staff expertise, but when I asked for help here, I was told someone would be right with me, and never heard from anyone again. I walked out of the store after 10 minutes. read more

The only time I really see this place crowded is when there is a big sale. Other times, it is sporadic. On this visit, first for this location, there was a big sale and the place was especially crowded. Two floor of outdoor stuff comparable to an Eastern Mountain Sports of which I prefer but the downtown location near Fenway is usually pretty good although smaller. This location is usually out of every size and has no idea when they will get it in. The staff is also exceptionally rude and act like they had better things to do than to cater to the masses flocking to this particular sale. The two shoe department guys need to learn some new customer service skills since these two played off each others rudeness. Heres a little advice, you're working a sales job at an outdoor retail store, I would expect a bit more friendly attitude toward your job. Since this in incident I think I will take my business elsewhere, return to EMS or better yet LL Bean. At least they both know how to treat a customer. read more

I was interested in switching over from Alpine to Nordic skiing. I considered myself well versed in Alpine (downhill) but knew little or nothing about Nordic (cross country). I tied a few stores in the area but no one seemed to know more than what size ski I should buy. Most employees seemed bored, uninterested, or not well informed. REI was heads & shoulders above them all. The guy that helped me was knowledgeable, not in any hurry to sell me, and took care to tell me what my options were and what he thought I should do. I wound up buying a good top level beginner setup that will surly do the trick and suit my needs for a few years. I left knowing that I did not make a mistake. I also joined their co-op and was pleased to learn that they pay a decent wage and offer benefits to all employees. Everyone at this store was friendly and seemed happy. I guess that's why. After I got home, I went "on line" and saw that I might have saved $20 on the whole package, but that's hardly enough to make a difference, considering the level of service that REI provides. Besides, if we really want good stores to shop in and live in neighborhoods where people are well paid and happy with their jobs, we really should support places like REI. read more

I am an avid hiker. BUT I've had a problem with my feet, fallen arches, that's made it almost impossible for me to hike. Especially downhill, my foot rolls over, with substantial pain and developing blisters. And my speed downhill was terrible. I love hiking but was thinking I might have to give up on hiking. I did major research, checking out virtually every boot on the market, emailing or talking to almost every boot company, even talking to Peter Limmer in NH who makes custom boots, MASSIVE research. It was either solve the problem or stop hiking which I love. I have always gone to EMS, I know some of the people there from outdoor activities and they are very nice and helpful as much as they can be. But I felt I needed the best and I tried REI. I asked who was their best bootfitters and was given several names including Chris. He has amazing knowlege. I spent several hours with Chris trying multiple boots. We decided on one, a leather backpacking boot that would give give my ankle more support. I took a pair home, did a short hike and the length (though my normal length) was too short. I returned the boots and without hestitation or complaint Chris took them back and I got a pair a half inch longer. Yesterday I did my first hike in them (Welch Dickey, NH) and FINALLY I was hiking without pain, without worrying my foot would cave over on me and I'd fall, finally up AND down at a fast pace. Chris is the best and I'm impressed with the knowledge of staff at REI. read more

A little pricey. But they have everything and I mean everything when it comes to outdoor gear, whether it's hiking, snow shoeing, rock climbing, camping, etc. They carry the highest quality brands, so you get what you pay for. read more

We purchased a Thule 4-bike rack last week - our first time in the store and first time ever purchasing anything from this company. I asked if a lock system came with the rack as we wanted to make sure the rack couldn't be removed from the hitch and the salesperson told us it was included. We got home and there was no locking system with the rack. We were both frustrated as we live a good distance away and weren't looking forward to driving back to return it. I contacted the store manager, Rick, and explained the situation. He immediately apologized, put me on hold and came back with a solution. He found a locking system that is used for bike racks that don't come with one and he comped the price. He also mailed it to us two-day delivery free of charge and apologized again for what happened. Now that is true customer service. Mistakes happen all of the time but because of the way Rick handled the situation - way above our expectations - we will continue to shop there! read more

I like REI, the staff generally knows what they are talking about and they have lots of selections and name brands (not REI brand). The location is a pain to get to, but worth the drive. I also love their reward card....just waiting for my awards... read more

I love REI..I have been shopping here for years now...they have supported my countless camping, cross country, and hiking trips. I even pick up ski equipment or attire once in a while. The have wonderful member rewards program and we have scored some pretty sweet deals throughout the years. My husband and i shopped in the Fenway location when we lived in Boston and loved everything about the place..that was before the place got too expensive though. Then when we lived in San Francisco we shopped at all the locations we could find out there they were all so amazing and unique out there. Now we live in central MA and the closest is Framingham. A location I used to love many years ago, but I'm afraid the customer service has taken a turn for the worst. I needed new hiking boots, and had a gift card, so after doing lots of research online I went to the store to try them on. It was almost impossible to flag someone down to get me another size or to give me their take on the boot...its a good thing I know what I'm looking for in a hiking boot because I was out on my own with this one...a problem I never faced at any other rei before. I thought perhaps it was a short staffed day and gave them another shot last weekend. Granted I went on Saturday night, a very busy time for rei apparently, I got negative service. I was actually walking upstairs looking at women's clearance when I almost pumped into two sales clerks talking, they dodged me and went in two different directions! I caught one of the clerks in the eye and he quickly hung his head and turned away...no "can I help you find something today" nothing..very strange. Unfortunately it wasn't the only bad customer service experience that night and I don't understand why..they get some of the best perks at a retail shop out there and some of them receive benefits. I think I'll be making my way to the Fenway location next time, or doing online shopping, or perhaps even asking for gift cards to LLBean next time. read more

I have only dealt with the bike shop folks at REI so far- and not the other departments there. They offer the best in customer service- it is obvious that they want you to be a satisfied customer and to enjoy your biking! I brought my bike in (it had not been purchased there) regarding concerns with my bike-and had been worried about being 'taken for a ride' (no pun intended!) :)) I was pleased that my bike was taken care of efficiently, with minimal cost! If they cannot help you find what you are looking for as far as purchases goes-they are good natured enough to refer you to someone that can! They are friendly, professional, very knowledgeable, efficient and reasonably priced. read more