Do not recommend going to this store. The store associates (with exception of one that we have encountered) are extremely rude and not helpful. The only reason for one star is because of the amazing gentleman who helped us the first time we came to this store (we shop here frequently)- since that initial visit, customer service went drastically downhill. First of all, it is nearly impossible to get anyone to help you and when you do finally get help, most of the associates seem to know very little and clearly find helping members to be a nuisance. We had the misfortune of being 'helped' by a younger blonde woman (I wish I caught her name- I just know it's cashier #146339 from the receipt) who was extremely rude and not helpful at all. We received multiple EXTREMELY damaged packages from REI and tried to exchange at this store. Not only did we have to go track down the replacement items in the store ourselves (what happened to the store associates doing that for the customer?), we never once received an apology, had to pay additional sales tax because we were exchanging in store, and when we shared our feedback with the associate, she proceeded to bicker with me and finally say we would need to submit our feedback online?! Evidently ringing up items is the only thing the associates at the front counter are empowered to do. It seems to me this store forgot that this is a Co-op and the member's are the owners- they are there FOR the members. Extremely disappointed in this REI location. read more

We bought expensive bikes and accessories at REI. We are members and come here shopping. The guy who helped us was knowledgeable and helpful. One of the bikes was clearly dirty with someone who used it for dirt bike riding while testing. We asked the person who was helping us to make sure that the bike was clean when we got back from grocery shopping. We came back from groceries 40 minutes later and the bike was not ready. When we pointed them out, they just shrugged and said that they will get it done. I understand REI's allure is the casual and relaxed nature of the staff there but not doing what they promised would be done is not acceptable. We have choices to go places and we chose to come here. Wish the staff here would treat customers like other stores treat customers. Needless to say, the ice cream we bought for the kids was melted by the time we got home... One addition- they were very helpful in teaching us how to secure our bike's to the Thule holder on the back of our truck. And, one guy did apologize to us for the bikes not being ready. Increased the stars from two to three and updated the comments. read more

Today we went to REI in Northbrook to look for a winter coat for our son. If it weren't for service member Rose, our experience at REI would have received a 0 for service. Rose as an individual customer service provider was top notch. The two guys we interacted with beforehand were a) cold, and b) unhelpful. I'm sorry I didn't catch their names, because management should know they have employees who interact poorly with the public. We waited 10+ minutes for assistance--two employees made a call over the store loudspeaker, but, amazingly, NO ONE showed up to help us. Um, aren't we in a recession? Doesn't REI want to attract customers, not alienate them? And aren't jobs hard to come by, so if you have a job, you should work your ass off to keep it? In any case, our primary objection is with the male customer service provider who, when asked, first stated he had "little knowledge of men's outdoor wear. We asked if there was someone else with more knowledge of the products could actually assist us. Then he stated he had worked at REI for 7 years so he knew a lot. What? So, what's the story then? Do you know the products or not? It was clear this customer service guy was NOT wanting to assist us. Fortunately, the check out lady was polite and pleasant. However, if I were to choose a store to provide our sportswear needs, it would NOT be at this REI. They have to improve their customer service or risk losing more customers. read more

New location has made the store even better. I have been shopping at REI since they first came to their Four Flaggs Niles store back in 1991ish. I am glad for the company that they "upgraded" to this new site in between Glenview and Northbrook. I am sure their sales will go through the roof. Make sure you take advantage of REI.com and their Free shipping to store. I have used that feature twice already for things that were not available at this location. Order online and in about a week you can pick up your item at the store....great feature. read more

Today, I went in to go shopping for hiking backpacks and sleeping bags and received the best customer service I have ever gotten at a retail store from Jim! He was knowledgeable with a response to every question I had! I will definitely go back to the store to make all future hiking/outdoor purchases. Thank you so much! read more

The best camping store in the world hands down. This place is great because the customer service is wonderful. You never have to worry about not being assisted here. there's always a friendly face around the corner to assist you with all of your needs and if that person in particular can't help you out he or she will get someone that is more knowledgeable in the certain area that you're looking at. They have a variety of brands and equipment. They also have the REI lifetime membership for $20 which allows you to get 20% off on all merchandise that is not on sale at four different points throughout the year. This is pretty awesome because I know of a lot of stores that make it to have Brand exclusions on their coupons, not REI though. They also have the garage sales that allow you as a member to take advantage of buying used gear that is usually in great working condition but cannot be replaced back on the floor since it is open. I've saved 80% on certain items by shopping at the garage sale. Just make sure you get in line early if you want first dibs on unavailable items. They also have classes some free and some that are reasonably priced. Ive gone to a backpacking light course, a backpacking food course, a compass course, and a bike repair course. Sometimes the courses are about basic knowledge that you might already know about but other times you can learn a thing or two. They also have lectures, for instance like the one I last attended involving a person that completed the Appalachian Trail. If you're into the outdoors definitely check this place out it blows Dick's sporting goods, Sports authority, moose jaw, erehwon, uncle ben's, and grander all out of the water with their large selection and customer service. Oh and I forgot to mention you have a year to make returns on equipment that malfunctions or that does not meet your expectations. That is a very kind return policy in my opinion. read more

Staff good as always. I just feel REI is going downhill in terms of quality, availability, affordability, and variety of gear. You used to be able to get almost anything outdoor related from them or order online for store delivery. Hard to get top of the line and cutting edge gloves, hats, or boots. Seems like backcountry and moosejaw are taking over the higher end climbing/mountaineering/backpacking market, and REI is diversifying and trying to appeal to the mainstream, maybe weekend adventurer. And in Chicago, they are more into the biking and cold weather gear for winter commuters. Some ski stuff too. Free parking at this place is great. I just find I can't get what I need through REI anymore, but they do have a lot of good stuff. Just depends what you're into doing. read more

Very friendly retalor. Very helpful in finding the items I need. and as a memeber I got 20% off on all items. 90% of my outdoor purchase are through REI, a truely excellent customer service from this store and this company. Thank you! read more

Slow service, rude staff, and an awful experience preceding my first and only Yelp review ever. I tried to buy a bike a few weeks ago and after a series of frustrating events stemming from an inept staff I eventually just walked out of the store. The shift manager was a goof. Weeks later I'm still aggravated at the hour of my life I wasted trying to buy a bike, saying "please, here, take my money and let me go on my way" only to be told by the shift manager that only members can buy used items. I used my experience as a showrooming and made a bike purchase elsewhere. read more