I love REI. I tread lightly with purchases, though, cuz everything is so pricey. I didn't say it wasn't worth it, but still, pricey. Today was just some small items - blister kit and energy chews. When I need hiking boots, THIS is where I come. When I need serious hiking equipment, THIS is my go-to. They will help fit you with the right shoes and backpacks, for certain. So, today, REI was my end goal walking the GAP trail from Homestead Waterfront to here in the Southside. Shopped here, ate sushi lunch nearby at Kura. Now, ready to trek back in hiking boots bought here, of course. read more

REI - Necessities, just-in-casities for a trek back from here at the Southside to The Waterfront. - Bikes Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Placed an online order for a belt using the same size I have worn for years. The size was at least two inches short. Made arrangements to exchange at regional store which went well. The salesman in that department was very helpful as was the checkout person. Don't understand how a belt can be misrepresented as to its size. REI really needs to monitor their suppliers more closely. read more

It was nearly impossible to get waited on for cycling shoes. When I finally had some assistance, she gave me a pair of shoes and never came back to check on me. She knew that the shoes were the wrong size and color. I kept walking through the store, trying to get help. Thank you to the bike repair person that finally gave me some assistance with the shoes and clips. I could have been in and out of there in 20 minutes, but because I could not get waited on, my parking cost $15 for 1 hour and 6 minutes in the expensive garage. I will not be back to that store. read more

REI stocks so many specialty outdoors items. It's like a candy store for me. We went in to buy waterproof hiking shoes and a rain jacket for an upcoming trip to Europe and received excellent personalized service. We had a stack of shoe boxes stacked six high from all of our "do you have these in a size 7.5?" requests. The two sales women were just excellent and answered all of our 50 questions. It was quite busy on a Saturday morning but they kept stopping back to help us. We also got incredible help in the women's clothing department with finding our sizes in base layer wool shirts and a perfect rain jacket. She was so helpful at every turn. We also returned an item and received excellent service and no hassle. We have been REI members for years. They provided an excellent experience on this shopping trip. read more

REI has always been my "go to" for any and all outdoor and attire. The store never disappoints, no matter being the flagship, or a smaller location. Great gear, great prices, awesome sales and the garage sale is a must visit. read more

Hadn't been in an REI for years, but now twice recently. The staff is super helpful. Can't see myself returning shoes after nearly a year (seriously, how long does it take to figure out if they're a good fit), but I definitely appreciate the sentiment of "put a few miles on them to make sure these are the best choice for you." As far as footwear, prices comparable to other shopping options. Can't speak for the rest of the gear. read more

REI - My aching feet are looking forward to this REI "garage sale" find. Got it for about a third of the original price. - Bikes Near Me - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

We were riding the Great Allegheny Passage trail to Washington DC. 2 miles into the ride, I braked suddenly and I heard a snap from my front wheel. The hub had failed and the wheel was no longer operable. We pulled into the REI just as it opened up. The team in the bicycle shop attended to us first thing even though they had many other customers. One of my riding companions had a rear wheel that was really unstable because of loose bearings in the hub. Within an hour, I had a new front wheel on my bike and his rear wheel was good to go. Without their help, our 380 MI cycling journey would have been cut short too early. read more

Most everything sold at this chain is at prices that can be expected if not more. Very expensive gear and supplies made for only the serious outdoors person; which I am not. Stopped in to do comparison shopping on winter jackets for upcoming trip to Iceland. I will say the staff are knowledgeable, advise of perks and sales and are not at all pushy. read more

Love REI in general and this is my favorite store (Robinson store is 2nd fave). Staff is super friendly and helpful. One major complaint (idk if it's like this in other locations too) is the bathroom. Bathroom is clean and well stocked so nothing like that. They have these weird.... water saving faucets? Which sounds great but literally is like washing your hands with spit Obviously they don't serve food but I got really grossed out by how long it took me to wash my hands and how ineffective/inefficient it was and how most people probably don't even do it!!!! Then I started thinking about people not washing hands and touching all the stuff I wash my hands like 13 times a day BUT honestly this was the longest most difficult task of hand washing I've ever had it took me like 2 mins to get all the soap off my hands THAT is how little water the sink gives you. It's like 1/8th of a teaspoon each time. Like 5 drops. FIX YR SINKS IT IS FLU SEASON!!! Some poor soul added a dispenser of hand sanitizer there as if that will clean your hands. I will tell you what; the LAST thing anyone wants is to change a diaper and then try to wash their hands with a half teaspoon of water read more

I went here because this is one of the few places that carries psi bands without preordering them. I was actually very surprised by this store as I had never been in an REI before. They have a whole lot more than just "camping supplies". Prices are more affordable than I originally thought. And you don't have to be a member to shop here (only online). However, the associate made the co-op membership sound real enticing. Things to consider... This particular location is decently sized for it to be located in South Side. Parking can be a hassle dependent on when you go. But you're also conveniently surrounded by multiple parking garages and restaurants. read more

The most professional staff, everyone from people on the sales floor to the people at the register were so incredibly nice too, I was in awe. They are so customer forward. The lifetime membership is so worth it. Buying anything from there is worth it even if it may be more money, but it's on sale and usually cheaper than the competition. Their return policy is second to no one. REI for life. read more

Love it. Live it. REI is awesome, no matter where you go - Yes, they can be pricey, but with some luck and patience, you can find lots of great deals on outdoor wares and clothes. You can't beat a brick and mortar store where you can check out items you want for your next camping or fishing trip, and the salespeople are definitely knowledgeable about their products. Always a fun place to shop! read more

What an amazing experience. We went looking just for climbing rope and left with hiking boots, hiking/travel pants hiking socks, a tarp, and a utility knife. Excellent knowledge shared by those who worked there. The climbing rope will be a future purchase, perhaps. :) read more

Didn't have what I needed but store was well stocked, clean, navigable Staff was great, knowledgeable, and a pleasure to chat with First time in an REI, will return at home read more

More specifically my problem is with the online shopping. Website lies to you, I filtered items based on what was in stock and available for pick up at this store. After purchasing, it told me the items I bought wouldn't be available for another week...so I wait a week, no calls, no emails or updates, had to call in to customer service to get an update, then they say it's next week. It wouldn't matter if they were shopping it to my house but since it said the items were available for pickup I had no options for shipping because it didn't say it was being shipped. REI, clearly does not listen or care when a customer complains. I Wouldn't have bought the $2k+ worth of gear had I known they'd give me the run around and do nothing in attempt to right their wrongs aside from offer a $30 gift card for my troubles. I live 25 miles from the store I bought everything planning for only one in store visit, at this point I've had to go 3 seperate times to get parts of my order. When the 4th time actually comes I'll have driven 200 miles round trip to pickup items, granted that was my choice, I guess I could've waited for everything to be in but when I initially went I thought everything would be there and they had just made a mistake regarding the other items and I'd be able to get them as I was led to believe before purchasing. After this last item, im never shopping at REI again, shame because they've got some pretty cool stuff. From now on if I buy anything paddlesport related, I'll be shopping at NRS. I ordered a spray skirt on Monday, was supposed to be here today (Friday) got here Thursday, they actually follow through with what they promise their customers unlike Really Extremely Incompetent aka REI. Boom roasted read more

I love the staff here everyone is so friendly and helpful. On top of that the membership program they have is amazing. For 20 bucks your a member for life and can get amazing deals and discounts plus have a year to try out there products and if you don't like it you can return it. I always come here for bicycle gear or clothing cause they have the best deals in town plus will order you anything if it's not in stock. They always run amazing deals. Plus they have a rock wall that you can climb for free on the weekend if your member! read more

REI in general: In brief, we're huge fans. In fact, we're REI members which means that we get a 5% discount on our purchases via the dividends program. If you end up loving REI as much as we do, check into this great program. They treat their members right! They have great brands, both designer and own-brand, the staff is very knowledgeable, and they don't push sales. The sporting goods competitors simply cannot "compete" with this store--unless you're talking purely price. This store: they have a climbing wall along the large window so you can get a view of the Mon if you climb up. My daughter tried it at age 2.5. That was a little young. :) Maybe this year! The biggest downside for anything in this area is parking. Ugh. I usually find a meter in the middle of the week, but on the weekends, it's parking garage city. If you're okay with a little walking, try the side streets adjacent to the shopping area and walk. read more

Recently purchased a bike from REI and was super happy with the level of service provided. I don't with two or three separate employees and all of them are great. I've been out this location before and had the same type of service. Thanks for the Help!!! read more

Oh, how I love REI. This is the only REI I have ever been to, so I don't have anything to compare it to. But I love it! Their selection is great. I've purchased everything hear from running clothing, a fitbit, yeti, sports nutrition, water bottles, headphones... They have it all. And what I love is that their selection is good but not overwhelming - they carry the best of the best so it's easy to digest and make a decision. Plus their staff is super helpful, friendly, and knowledgeable. I'm also a member of REI and a great perk is access to their garage sales. They have a great return policy and will take back almost anything - so then they have garage sales to sell all the returned stuff at super low prices. You have to get there early but you can find some awesome deals. The only reason I didn't give this place 5 stars is the parking, which is a general problem in the Southside Works. However - there is a parking garage nearby that has free parking on weekends as long as you're there for an hour or less. So that's a huge help! read more

Very disappointed in the change of the return policy. Had a defective North Face jacket and SOTO pocket torch and was told to contact the manufacturer. Even worse was the condescending attitude I received when I was told that. Looks like I have to start shopping at Dick's, great. read more

The two stars are for having what I was looking for in stock. This was the worst customer service I've had buying a pair of shoes. We actually thought the worker in the shoe section was a mannequin before we realized he was working. I asked for a pair of shoes and he got them for me. He never said one word to me. I went to the check out and the only words spoken by that person were, "member?" And my total purchase price. That was it. I guess I'll be purchasing the shoes from Amazon from now on, same price as REI but I will have more interaction with the delivery person from Amazon than I did with two people at REI. Disappointed! read more

So I love REI. I am a member, so I get rebates n'at. It's still overpriced compared to EMS or other outfitters, but they always have some cool gear and fun things to check out in the store. This location also has a climbing wall which seems extra popular with the kids, and they run workshops pretty frequently on basic outdoor-skill things. The bike shop guys are efficient and really knowledgeable, too. I've brought my bike in for anything from a new wheel to a total replacement of my brake lines. Side note: this location seems to have some interesting/friendly employees. Every time I go in, I end up talking to someone about something strange that I don't necessarily have time for, but they kinda follow you around the store - such as, how it must be nice that I can buy kids clothes or how I should be taking shark fin supplements (you have to be kidding me) for my joints. On the plus side, they aren't pushy from a sales perspective as one other reviewer has said and you can feel comfortable coming in and poking around without spending money. If you have never been in an REI or EMS or similar store, definitely stop in. read more

Highly recommend another retailer plenty of them out there. They don't really care about you or your health and exposing you and everyone you come in contact with covid. I ordered a jacket online the week of thanksgiving it came and didn't fit right so like most companies called to exchange for the correct size. It would have been easy if I didn't use a gift card but since I used a gift card really didn't have any choices except go to the store and do an exchange to get it before Christmas and not just lose the money on the gift card. You can tell the companies that care about customer this is not one. (No price matching. Spent hours on the phone trying to get the right size, had to call back to get a return label) Never use a gift card unless you want a hassle better off giving your business to retailer that cares and understands we are in a world wide pandemic maybe REI doesn't believe this is real. read more

This is the place to go for massive selection and honest service! In an era of disappearing retail and needing to order tricky items like shoes online, I'll be here much more often! We are planning an international trip and intend to use packs in lieu of traditional luggage to make our way around. After checking with friends we had a few pack models to try as we made our way around, and the rep to see is B-Man for solid service. He was fast to put weights in different packs, show us where each would ride well on our frames, discuss pros/cons, and had no reservations with showing us less expensive packs. Coincidentally, the members 20% off sale was starting the next weekend and he had no hesitation with letting us know that and recommending that we make our purchases a week later. As far as selection, my feet are wide and while other stores like Dicks or Field&Stream would need to special order, REI has all sizes of Merrells (among others) right on hand. read more

To be perfectly clear about this review, the reason that I gave REI two stars is not because it sucks, or they don't have an awesome selection of the latest technical clothing and gear, or that it's not a fun place to hang out from time to time and just browse or even climb the rock wall. The reason I'm writing this review is -- really, as another reviewer wrote before me -- due to one main reason which undermines essentially everything else that this store stands for: selective customer service. What is selective customer service? Selective customer service is about giving the appearance of helping a customer while in reality only caring enough to see if the customer is willing to shell out the big bucks. It's about testing the waters to see if there is the potential for a big sale at hand here or not; it's about answering questions with a product suggestion and appearing as if you are really being so helpful by knowing your stuff that you didn't even bother to stop and listen to what the customer was asking for in the first place. Yes, REI caters to the inexperienced or first-time outdoors person, and yes, these people are perhaps more likely to buy from employee product suggestions than other groups. And that's ok; if someone is genuinely lost or baffled as to what type of fabric or what brand of daypack that he or she should buy, and he or she also is willing to spend a large amount of money, then of course any product suggestion is going to help them more than from where they started from. But as we move towards the other end of the spectrum, there are going to be more experienced users and long-time customers, including myself, which have come to see REI as not just a warehouse packed to the brim with the latest Gore-Tex whatevers that have come out for the year. Yes, there are cool things within REI and I like to geek out at those things as well, but I also come to REI because there are useful and practical things being sold here, and things which have most definitely play a huge role in my outdoor experiences and impacted me in a meaningful way; make a good purchase here and it'll last you at least a few years if not more -- not months. So when I come to REI, I come here not because I'm expecting to drop a s--tload of cash down for a $200 coat or $400 backpack that I can buy for 30% off or more elsewhere, I come here because if I have decided to venture into the Almighty sacrificial altar of my real life cash money known as REI, then I better know exactly why I have come here, and exactly what I expect to get out of it -- sure, the membership helps, and knowing that I can usually get myself a return if I need it (and if I am persistent enough) helps as well, but the real deal is coming into this place and being able to talk to someone else (maybe even a real life outdoor enthusiast just like yourself!) who might be able to offer not only guidance but a second set of brains to help you really delve deep into your particular conundrum and offer an ::optimal:: solution. Note that I said ::optimal::, and not least expensive (lol), or "best" solution. Yes, I like saving money, in fact, I love saving money. But to me, the difference between "optimal" solution and "best" solution comes down essentially to the same meaning as the world "value". And let's not get caught up in the "retail definition" of value; I'm not talking cheap, I'm talking about the obtaining the maximum amount of effectiveness from a product for the lowest amount of money, given a particular set of choices. In other words, to optimize the situation. And this is where I often find that selective customer service decides to jam its god-awful, offensive-ass foot into the situation and completely rips apart any opportunity to, god forbid, actually help a customer solve a problem. I don't know if this is due to management, or if some employees just suck at relating to people on a non-I-want-you-to-buy-this-shit-now basis when they are dressed up as a salesperson and on the clock and all forms of empathy go out the window, or if some people really do think that helping someone is the same thing as spouting off a list of super-expensive products that don't even necessarily do the things that you were looking for in the first place (which, incidentally, is something that google or any other online, computer, robot, internet device, machine thing or person-who-doesn't-work-in-retail-and-thus-is-not-expected-to-know-or-uphold-standards-of-customer-service can do). Whatever it may be, apart from garage sales, in which there are actually EXTREMELY good deals, and times when I need the safety net of a 1-year return policy, I feel as if REI has just turned into a giant toy store. Cool, yes. Neat, yes. But helpful people with real experience AND real advice? Might as well stick to my online forums then. TL;DR - REI cool. Customer service shitty unless spend big bucks. Do research before and trust no one. Except ur mom. DO NOT TRUST BEARDS read more

Everything you can get at a number of outdoor fitters but with a much higher mark up. The prices are not worth the quality (clothes wise) that they charge. The do have very good prices on some camping equipment and supplies and the staff seems knowledgable but couldn't tell me if a backpack had a place for me to secure a rifle during a hike/hunt. read more

Went in to look at bikes and accessories yesterday and received zero assistance. I have been to numerous different REI stores and received great service...am not sure what is up with this one. It seems like the staff and/or management don't want my or your business. Not going back any time soon as I have found a better place for biked not far from here. read more

We really like the local REI store. The employees are very knowledgeable and helpful. Also exchanges and returns are super easy for things ordered online. They also have now a garage sale area on the second floor. Great idea. They were fantastic over the past year with protecting all customers and employees from what I could see. read more

Very nice store. This was my first trip here, unplanned, and I was pleasantly surprised. I usually go to a chain store for the types of items sold here, but now that I know about REI, I will come a little further to support this store. read more

I like REI I don't love REI because they only offer top priced brands and tippy top prices. But my like teeters on the brink of an iceberg of love... why? They have some good perks. And there are perks to be had here my friends especially if you join their 20$ membership thing. Perks: Everything is returnable break it , get sick of it, hate it return it. Member only sales on these items a few times years, the sales can be hit and miss. It turns into a mad house but you might make some great finds at great prices. SALE sale SALE!! and coupons in the mail. This week I bought 1 pair of columbia hiking shorts originally priced at 40$ marked down to 19$, an Osprey day backpack for my hydration bladder at 35$ priced at 60$ originally. Plus some socks and a couple of those gross gel packs ( I know but I am doing a 30 mile in one day hike hoping they will help me through mile 29 when my knees begin to buckle). After I threw in my 20.00$ off coupon for being a member I got all that for a little over 50$. So if you play your cards right the prices come down. As for larger items many can be found at cheaper outfitters, used on CL, or other online outfitters. for example I bought a brand new older model Kelty coyote large Pack for about 100$ less then any newer model I would find at REI. I might review that outdoor outfitter later. Shoes are another thing you can purchase cheaper elsewhere. So its worth shopping around if you see something you want here. I did buy my backpack stove, water filter (which again was on sale 20$ off), and some cook ware here. Sometimes I need these items flash fast on payday and buying online isn't an option. Only one time were they out of stock of an item I wanted at this store location I thin it was running shoes. Tip if you need a dressing room go to the shoe department and ask for help if nobody responds after the first bell ring. You'll know what I mean when you get there. read more

This has been the best REI I have ever been to!!! Super clean the staff was so helpful and willing to help with any thing I would stop here again for sure read more

Place was at an easy location to find. I was there to purchase a harness and possible climbing shoes. Talked to Tyson, who was more than helpful with explaining the pros and cons of the different brands. My new harness fits great! read more

Always helpful staff! Willing to fit me in for a quick bike fix between other customers on a whim.

Great store with a huge collection. They accepted an exchange on a Gerber knife even more than a year later because the bad kept slipping loose. Great service by that manager. Some of the other staff didn't really seem to know their product... a little disappointing. But still a great rei with some good sales we took advantage of They also had an indoor wall which was pretty cool and a great idea. We didn't make it in time to climb ourselves but would be a great tool trying out some new gear. read more

Rude staff. I've been to many REI locations, and the people here are falling short. I was not treated with respect. Customer service was impatient, judgemental, and disrespectful. No empathy. No kindness like you would expect from REI employees. They cannot have civil conversations. They are condescending and dismissive. I would not shop in this store or order online and have delivered to this store. This review is specifically referring to the behavior of the cashiers. I can't comment on the rest or the staff or the quality of their products. read more

Great staff, great gear and a company that values their staff and members. Excellent customer service from the bike department when arrived with a flat. Great location for cyclists along bike trail. Great climbing wall for kids! read more

Expensive and did not have what we were looking for. So bummed going there to think they would crampons for snow hiking only to find out they did not have them. Yes, we should have called first but this store notes hiking and camping and mountaineering/ climbing. Yet there were no crampons. Boooo rei! read more

I do wish the prices were lower at REI, but I must say that their products are high quality and they stand behind them with an excellent return policy. I have made some excellent sale purchases, and also some impulse buys, but I am always impressed by the durability and design of their products. Some things that I use all the time are a light weight backpack and some marvelous hiking boots. The sales personnel are never pushy and always helpful. I enjoy their climbing wall from time to time, but also it's fun to watch kids take the challenge of climbing to the top. If you are an REI Member, you get a better price, so I advise you to join, plus there is a nice rewards program. I do have one story of a wonderful experience I had with my bicycle at REI. The quick release lever had fallen off my front wheel during a ride, but because I was an REI customer, they gave me the part free. It didn't matter that I had not purchased the bike in the store. read more

To the people complaining about prices, this is a store that carries higher end brands- high prices are to be expected, it's not Walmart. In addition, if you pay the one time $20 membership fee you get at LEAST 10% off everything in the dividend or sales. On top of that 10% you get their amazing return and exchange policy, so for me and extra $5 here and there is worth it, although I've never bought anything outside of the 20% off sales (which has paid for my membership at least 5 times). Sorry. Rant over. Anyway, this is a beautiful store and I wish I had gotten to check out the climbing wall. Instead I came here to find a hiking backpack. I have done plenty of travel backpacking but have no outdoor backpacking experience. I came in here trying to keep an open mind but having a huge crush on the osprey aura ag 50. The staff member who helped me "b-man" basically sucked my preconceived notions out of my mind and really got me focused on what was important- comfort. I tried on 4 bags that I didn't really love and discussed what I did and didn't like about all of them. He said basically take a leap of faith and order one online that that didn't have in stock but he knew I'd love. And he told me to get a bigger 63 l than the 53 l I wanted because you can always synch it down. This was different than the constant feed of GO SMALLER AND LIGHTER that you get, but one look at the guy says shut up and listen to me. Well. I've got my Gregory jade 63 weighted up and on my back for the past 45 minutes and I LOVE IT. It's so much better than the other packs I tried. He also changed my mind on the sleeping pad I had intended to get and I love the new one so much better. Lovely store. Great helpful staff. Hope to be back read more

I was surprised to see the climbing wall at this location. Deffinately one of my favorite locations. I try to visit every REI that I travel near and this one seemed to have more of a selection than the Robinson location, as with every store I've been in, the staff is great, knowledgeable and always willing to help. read more