Great selection, knowledgeable staff. Prices are high. Parking is a tad tricky, free and available.

People walk in, take stuff off the rack, walk back out the front door and no one stops them. Why is this allowed? I realize REI has a great write off, corporately, but still? read more

This another store that opened in the area being developed near Union Market. It is a large store full of outdoor activity equipment and clothing. I wasn't able to spend much time on this visit. I will return when I have more time to look around. Very convenient to the NoMa Metro Station read more

This review is long overdue, but I am so happy that this flagship store exists in DC. The staff are always friendly and happy to help with answering questions, offering advice, and never pushy with sales. Today Spencer helped me with some biking accessories questions and I learned a lot from his advice. The courtyard is also a nice space for their store events! If you ever need to stop by the restrooms, I give them kudos for installing the step pull at the bottom of the door so that after you dry your hands, you don't need a paper towel to hold the door open when you exit. Just another detail that shows their dedication to helping the planet. read more

I purchased a bike from REI in March. It began skipping gears without my touching the shifters in June. I took it to be repaired (under the 1-year repair warranty) and was told by the mechanic "there's nothing I can do; the gear-jumping won't hurt the bike." This is an unacceptable and completely inane answer. I took it to Conte's Bike Shop, and while I'm out $30 (which REI should reimburse me) I have a bike that rides beautifully. Avoid the bike department AT ALL COSTS! The employees are incompetent. read more

This place is a disaster. No staff, staff that is there has no idea what they are doing. Clearly, changes in the labor market are affecting places like REI, as they are unable to afford the type of talent and expertise that they were once able to, especially to work in urban areas. Online pickups can take 20+ minutes due to inefficient processes and staff shortages. While the store cannot man enough checkout lines to avoid 30+ minute waits to buy their overpriced outdoor gear, they seem to have plenty of time to plaster the walls with woke, virtue-signaling posters about who even knows what. (Remember, though, that the same quality of gear that REI sells can be bought at Walmart for 1/4 the price. Which organization truly does more to make the outdoors accessible?) read more

It REI... duh. There really isn't much to say. They rock. Their staff cares... they know the product. It's like chick filet (spelled?). Just done right. read more

I'm pretty obsessed with this store and come here a couple times a month. The customer service is excellent and the space is awesome. My only pet peeve is I don't seem to get cell service in the store (all that concrete?) so meeting up with people / finding them when you're in and out of dressing rooms can be tricky. It's also nice that there is a La Colombe coffee shop in the store. It means you can really make a morning of it on the weekends. I came here recently to buy a hiking backpack and the guy helping me (Bob?) spent a solid 45 minutes helping me find the perfect pack. He was super patient and I ended up with an fantastic bag that fits perfectly and was great for a recent backpacking trip. Can't recommend this store enough. Love REI! read more

REI - Huge modern airy space. - Sporting Goods Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Pretty stupid to build a REI as large as a Walmart and not have validated parking. It's in the middle of a city neighborhood. It's a slap in the face to buy $200-$1200 in gear and have to pay for parking. Selection is sparse. I went through 5 clothes racks looking for small and mediums. Nada. Very few places to try on clothes. Layout is challenging. Throw up done signage. The prices are not competitive. I prefer REI Bailey's Crossroads. Parking lot is dangerous, but the store has great sales. Very disappointed with their so called corporate governance lately. Stay tuned. read more

REI - Lots of unused space - Sporting Goods Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

This review is for the bike shop at the REI Co-op, though to be honest, the themes run through the rest of the store as well. The folks that work at the bike shop aren't so much evil as they are ineffectual. They could care less and it shows. No problem making you wait for an hour in a pandemic line while they chat it up. No problem telling you that they are having trouble building your 12 inch kid's bike when you wait for another 45 minutes (but you spotted them grab the ones that are pre-made). I've gotten tune ups that came "free" with a $2,000 bike purchase, only to see that the didn't touch the brakes or the gears. They'd get three stars in most places that are surrounded by the other bike shop archetype (the too-cool-for-you-yet-we-still-dress-in-lycra-for-social-events gear shop). But the co-op gets just one, because not six blocks away is a five-starer. The Daily Rider. Everything REI's bike shop is not. Their review coming shortly... read more

Parking is located at an adjacent lot, currently you have to enter from the front entrance only. Store is nice, i went to get Patagonia clothing, so know that it's a bit spread out, not all in one area. Everyone appears welcoming, however they make it obvious they are watching you, i overheard one of the guys, say i was walking towards the entrance, which made me feel uncomfortable. I gave two stars one for the nice female cashier and young man on the floor. Though, Ill be avoiding this store in the future. read more

Had a negative experience at REI in DC Today. I was picking up an online order and waited for 30 minutes in the checkout line (store was understaffed) only to be told that order pickup was in the back of the store. There are no signs indicating this--and every other REI has online pickup and checkout in the same location. Please address this in the future. read more

This place is great. The staff is very helpful. I was helped by a lady at checkout named Kat. I purchased a phone bike mount and a RX Bar. She checked me out but then took me back to the nutrition bars to show me a few others she thought I might like since I enjoy peanut butter and chocolate flavored snacks. The customer service here is exceptional. They really care about their customers and it shows. 10 out of 10 for sure. read more

This REI just opened. It is clean, spacious, and very welcoming. Someone greeted us upon entering the store. They seem to have tons of stuff in all categories from kayaks to bikes. The place smelled new. There are several drawbacks, though. 1. It's understaffed (fitting rooms are locked and no one is there to help customers); 2. choices and sizes are limited (at least in women's clothing section); 3. some items such as women's hiking boots and women's hiking pants are overpriced (compared to what's available online). There seemed to be only about 2 associates on the main floor (and 1 associate on the second floor where the shoes are). This REI is not easy to reach by public transportation, and is next to Amtrak tracks (15 minutes by foot behind the Union Station). read more

I always get ignored at the bicycle desk! Got here early and took a number. Techs hanging out and chatting, it's a really disheartening scene. read more

This is a nice store but unfortunately their customer service is dreadful. I've tried going in to get some information about a few of their bikes, do a test ride, and make a purchase but regardless of if I came in on a busy weekend or at 2pm on a Monday it was impossible to get adequate service. Despite giving them information and asking that they follow up with me I never got a call back. It's as if they don't want my money or too incompetent to get it. I might go to another location or find another dealer entirely. Do better REI. Do better. read more

The D.C. REI flagship store is now OPEN! This is REI's 5th flagship store to date, as well as the largest one on the East Coast. It's a whopping 51,000 square foot space in the NoMa neighborhood, filled with all the outdoor gear you need for every outdoor activity you can imagine. Aside from your clothing and outdoor supplies, there's an Adventure Station. In partnership with the National Park Service, REI uses this station to offer advice to visitors on where to go and how to really make the most of an outdoor vacay. It's stocked with guide books, brochures, and maps. You're able to consult with staff (both REI experts and National Park rangers), who will help you choose the best place for you based on any criteria you give them. There's also a community space with in-store classes for everything from trying out new GORE-TEX products to backpacking basics to learning how to survive a zombie apocalypse. Many of these classes are free. If you're a cyclist, you'll love this place. It was designed for DC's cycling community. Immediately to the right when you walk in, there's a gigantic bike area where you can buy a bike or bike gear, as well as a repair shop where the best techs can get right to work on your precious two-wheeler. Additionally, there's a courtyard with murals and a fireplace for guests to enjoy. It's open year-round and has history baked in. The store is the building that was formally the Washington Coliseum and Uline Arena, the site of one of the earliest U.S. concerts by The Beatles in 1964 (in fact, you'll see Beatles and other memorabilia throughout the store to commemorate the history of this retail space through design). The arena's original concrete archways sit right in the middle of the courtyard. It's really neat how they were able to incorporate brand new and original historical, architectural elements into this space. But my favorite has to be their La Colombe cafe. I'm a big fan of La Colombe, and I'm so happy to see them grow so rapidly in D.C. Visitors can grab a cup of Joe or tea while perusing the store or sit in one of the high chairs and enjoy. La Colombe even has a separate entrance and can be open even when REI isn't. Conveniently located across from the NoMa-Gallaudet metro stop, there's also plenty of bike parking outside the store. The staff are all friendly and helpful. if you're looking to plan your next outdoorsy adventure, D.C. REI flagship store is the place to go! read more

See all

Not worth the trip to DC management is lackluster to say the least. Good luck with an i store pick-up. There are a bunch of really polite mostly clueless people that work there. This store offered no more than the surrounding smaller stores, if anything they offer less in the way of customer service read more

EXCEPTIONAL bike repair service from Andrew! Despite spring being the worst time for bike repairs (none of the shops on the Hill were scheduling tune ups), my bike received rigorous attention and works 1000% better now with new chain and several other adjustments. Andrew also took time to teach me a few helpful maintenance tricks and highlighted some things to keep an eye on which may need replacement in the future. And repairs done while I was able to shop for a new helmet (on sale!), bike shorts and phone holder . Much more time efficient than going to the Trek store in Virginia and terrific on the spot service. Also the repairs were VERY reasonably priced. Highly recommend. Thank you REI! read more

Waiting in line for the grand opening and I have to say the staff have been super gracious, cheery, and informative! Also have to say the store looks amazing and is super well stocked. Edit: Now that I've been in, I have to say I am even more glad I decided to wait in line and go through the experience. Being one of the first 40 people in line, I was able to have the Ballou band and REI employees greet me with lots of enthusiasm. As I was walking in, people cheered and danced, and live music played. As I walked inside, REI employees from across the country flanked both sides of the staircase and offered high fives and cowbell greetings. It was the nicest, warmest welcome I have ever received. For every "yay!" or "woo!" I yelled, I got at least a handful of responses back, louder and more upbeat. There's been so much coverage in the press and social media but I will echo some common themes: it's a big flagship with special DC products although not a lot made in the area. There is some cool Beatles memorabilia and a stunning courtyard area with an awesome mural. Speaking of mural, I thought there was an interesting one in the women's room. Also, bike racks. Yes, there are a lot, and they are rubber padded. The store also has a bike and ski shop to fix your gear, and like many Washingtonians and visitors might gleam, there is a lot of bikers in the city, and this REI totally caters to the bike community. Bikes galore. Heck, ski equipment, camp gear, apparel, and shoes galore. There was so much stuff, and some brands I had never noticed in other REI stores. La Colombe sits up front by the entrance, and there is a smaller second half floor for shoes primarily. There's an adventure station with guide books, brochures, and maps of national parks, forests, and other destinations. I am already planning on returning when the store isn't packed with hundreds of people at a time, but what a cool grand opening experience. read more

See all

The DC flagship store is fantastic! With its outdoor courtyard and La Columbe coffee shop, this REI location is a head above others. At 51,000 square-feet, I could see myself spending a lot of time here (maybe too much time!). Best of all, there's a new parking garage just around the corner on L. It appears to be free for now, but once the garage is up and running, it will be $12 an hour. Get it while it's good! On the main floor, there's a dedicated bike service area to your right as you enter. Immediately after, you'll find a ramp that flows down seamlessly with the general layout of the store. On your right is La Columbe cafe, which sells everything from your not-so-basic cup of Joe to their delicious cold brew coffee. (Wow, is it good!) There's plenty of seating throughout the store, but I would recommend stepping out and relaxing in the outdoor courtyard. Surrounded by mural-painted walls, newly planted greenery, and a fireplace, you might even forget you're in a store. Towards the back is a community room for in-store classes and events, bathrooms, elevators, and fitting rooms. Just above, overlooking the expansive sales floor, is a dedicated shoe area. (It's also a great spot to get a bird's eye view of of the floor.) There's plenty of benches, seats, stools, and sofas scattered throughout if you're with less enthusiastic shoppers. I did have a problem getting signal on my cell phone, but being inside an older building like this, I wasn't all that surprised. You can always just step out to the little courtyard or to the front of the store. The employees were really friendly and eager to help on opening day, and I'm very much looking forward to coming back again soon! Lastly, if you find yourself shopping at REI regularly, join the co-op. I joined several years back when I was gearing up for a backpacking trip through Europe, and I find myself still using it on a regular basis. For just $20, you'll be a lifetime member. Benefits include: - 10% member dividend on full-price purchases - access to their garage sales (amazing deals on used or overstocked items!) - special coupons - specials for REI classes and trips read more

See all

I made an appointment for the complimentary bike check up that comes with a purchase. Upon arrival, the tech tried to sell me replacement parts on a bike I've only owned for a few months, After telling her twice that I was just there for the complimentary check up, I was told that I could pick my bike up after a few days. I asked if I could make an appointment to get the check up done since it should only take a few minutes/hours but was told it needs to be dropped off for at least 1 night. Really disappointing process. Please don't waste your time making an appointment as it's just an opportunity to up-sell you. read more

I was preparing for a trip to BC and wanted to invest in a nice pair of binoculars. I had a wonderful conversation with a gentleman in that section who knew SO much about the different lenses and types. I had no idea how many options were available. I couldn't be happier with my purchase. I've been back countless times since them and am always treated with respect. And if they can't find an item for you, they'll figure out how to get it for you. read more

Terrible service and very unhelpful. I was talked into getting a membership with a promo gift card. I came back 2 weeks later to find that the gift card expired. They offered no flexibility and appeared to be amused that it happened a lot. As for the store employees they all seem to be incompetent and not eager to help. Avoid this dying brick and mortar and go online read more

I had the absolute best experience purchasing a roof rack system and bike racks for my Prius using their telephone tech support. Then, more truly exceptional service getting it installed by Nick At this REI location. It was tricky to make sure I ordered the correct system and it was only $36 to have it professionally installed, which took about an hour. Installation is half price with The purchase of one of their roof rack systems. Thank you, Nick! So happy to finally have a functional THULE system for my roof. The cargo box is next! Great that the Prius has room for both bike racks and a cargo box. read more

I come here once in a while because this is the flagship store. It is a bigger store that has stuff in stock that my local store (Tyson's Corner) does not. That bigness is also the store's biggest drawback. The staff here is helpful, friendly, and knowledgeable, much like the staff in every REI . . . once you find them. That can be hard to do. With that said, the store itself is gorgeous and well laid out. Finding things is usually not too hard at all. And the variety of outdoor gear in the store is impressive. read more

Not happy with the customer service at this location. My husband, our children and I went seeking a bike at our local REÍ sporting goods store but after a few days of venturing to this local store we realized the busy store wasn't the issue. Long story short, we initially thought since it was a busy day, staff associates couldn't handle the crowd. So we decided to return back over the weekend. Day 2, no one available to help us although plenty of staff helping customers. No one asked if they could help us. Not jumping to any conclusions we left again without a bike and answering questions about not getting a bike. We decided to head back again on Sunday, Day 3 - One employee did ask, if we needed help and my husband said, yes! I would like to purchase a bike. We were then told someone would help us. After waiting over an hour the same associate asked, "if we were REALLY PURCHASING A BIKE TODAY?".... My husband and I got it at this point - then decided it was time to go. My children unhappy and we were furious. There's a lot I could say about this experience. But anyway there's plenty of bike stores. My point for writing this is for awareness hopefully management at the top can help to change the behavior at this location. I own a boutique and every customer is treated with respect! A city built on inclusiveness is a much better city. Thank you REÍ - I'll now have to explain to my kids why we didn't receive any help. read more

I've been here on a few occasions. When I know what I am looking for it's great - I go in and find what I need and leave. The convenience of having a DC REI is realized. However, when I've needed assistance from staff for things locked, shoes, or any "education" on the best product for me, it has left a lot to be desired. Yesterday, I went to buy a pair of sunglasses. In total, I spent about 40 minutes waiting to be helped and the associate knew no information about the selection. When I arrived, there was only one customer being helped and they were finishing up - but they were delayed due to an issue with inventory. While the associate was helping me (but really guarding the cabinet) she stopped to help someone else (with my permission) but that turned into me waiting another 30 minutes due to complications (so much for being nice). My observation was that these complications weren't so complicated after all - but that the rep was not experienced and quick on her feet. I ended up using my idle time googling tints and other features that I (and she) was unfamiliar with, so it ended up working out in the long run. What struck me as odd, to begin with, is that all of the display shades are under lock and key - and there is no system for helping more than one customer at a time. I get loss prevention and being in the city - but there is a guard up front and cameras. You've got deterrents. Why not have your rep multitask - at least juggle two at a time or one cabinet at a time? There is a better way to handle that department aside from having people stand in line and wait like they are getting a haircut. Besides, It's not a good experience for the customer to have the rep tapping their foot and the pressure of a line building up behind them while they go through the subtleties of trying on and deciding. This should be kinda fun, right? Another thing I noticed yesterday: none of the people I encountered or that helped me were actually engaging or friendly - except the greeter who turned out to be the manager to whom I gave feedback after making my purchase. It really is a shame they've got that great space and all the opportunity that comes with being the first of its kind in DC - and it's squandered by not adopting some smart, guest-focused, best practices. These days when you can do your shopping online, hunt for the best deal that's then delivered to your door for free, brick and mortars should not take their guests for granted. I would think REI would realize this considering their coop brand and public image. This really challenges their brand authenticity for me. read more

1) My 'bronze' bicycle tune-up, which is billed at $65 for members, wound up actually costing $125 when they added in new break pads and a chain. That's an extra $60 for break pads and a chain..? OK, whatever. 2) After waiting a week to bring my bike in for the tune-up, I drop it off at the store. The next day, right before I go to pick it up, I decide to call to make sure it's ready. It isn't - bike tech took the day off and nobody called me. Saved myself a trip, but lost a beautiful day of riding. 3) The next day I pick my bike up from the store. Within 1 mile of leaving the shop, I had a flat tire (no glass found, most likely overinflated and I noticed the dust cap was missing on the tire that popped). For the price I paid, and level of service I received, I feel like I got ripped off. From now on I'll be going somewhere else for future tune-ups and recommend you do the same. read more

I've been a faithful REI customer for many years. It's fun to wander thru the store and see all the cool outdoors stuff, gadgets, equipment, etc. I've shopped at several area stores and online; staff have always been pleasant, helpful, and knowledgeable. If a sales person doesn't know the answer to my question, s/he will quickly hook me up with a salesperson with in-depth knowledge of the topic. Sadly, I've never found that they have shirts to fit my 6' 5" frame. That's a common lack that's not unique to REI. I have had difficulty finding shirts that fit me throughout my adult life. It's just that I like the style and quality of clothing at REI so I wish their manufacturers made stuff to fit me read more

To whom it may concern, My name is Nicco. I worked inside the cafe of your ULINE REI flagship store in DC for 4 years. I had my bike serviced only at your bike shop for the past 2 years. The bike I have is the brand Super 73. I came in yesterday to get my back brakes replaced because they were completely worn out. My bike was accepted and taken behind the counter to be serviced. Then while I was waiting a employee came up to me and told me they would actually not be able to replace my brakes because they are no longer allowed to work on the brand Super 73 because some have the ability to turn the limiter off. So instead of fixing my brakes you guys decided it was a safe option to send me on my way with bad brakes on the back. This is unacceptable, my bike was accepted and should have at the least been worked on then been told this would be the last time they would be able to work on it. Furthermore, this doesn't make any sense why you can't work on my bike. The bike shop has worked on my bike for years now fine. For the record I do not have the limiter taken off but even if I did or anyone else did that would not effect the state of the bike when it is in off mode. To turn the limiter off you have to do it in the app. The bike is classified as a Class 2 bike which is what your bike shop claims to be allowed to work on. When the bike is off it is technically a regular bike. There is nothing more complex on my bike than the electrical bikes you sell in your store. Also they have used my bike countless times to teach new bike shop employees how to work on ebikes. Go ahead and ask Tim, who by the way is the best bike mechanic I have met and truly only trust him to work on my bike (or someone he has trained). I really think this is unacceptable. When a ebike is turned off it makes it no different than a regular bike. And you would never be working on an ebike while it is turned on. So honestly that whole policy doesn't make any sense. Especially when the bike shop employees know how to work on my bike because the components are no different than a ebike you sell in your own store. I always referred people to your bike shop because you have good trustworthy service but I can no longer do that after being sent back into the streets with an unsafe bike. Honestly if I had got into an accident due to my brakes it would have been on y'all for accepting my bike and then turning around and telling me you can't work on it anymore. I will be leaving a google review also about how you discriminate against certain bikes and brands. read more

Not sure what happened to the old REI, but customer service and retaining good people is no longer a priority at this store. Go to Fairfax if you want good service read more

I've been in REIs all over the country. This is one of the better ones, though still not perfect, which I think says more about the company's philosophies on certain things than the individual store. Pluses: -Like other REIs, the staff here are friendly and knowledgeable. -This store has a lot of great free events, especially compared to other REIs. -The community room where they have events is a nice space, as is the courtyard when it's nice out (seriously, a couple has already gotten married there). -I like the format of this REI's Garage Sale; I've been to others with timed entry or that were held in the warehouse part of the store, but this one they just let people come in and the goods are scattered throughout the different departments. -The Adventure Station is a nice asset for planning trips in the area. -It's also nice that there's a coffee shop inside. Nitpicks: -Signage. There is basically none in the store, even basic stuff like "Womens" or "Footwear." Apparently this is a directive from Corporate so you have to interact with the staff, but not everyone likes shopping that way and they're not the easiest to find. -The backpack area is basically set up so you have to get the salesperson's help to look at/try on packs. Kind of a bummer if you already know what you're doing/what you want. -It's a big store and staff aren't always the easiest to find, especially with the smaller crew during the day on weekdays. Some of those call buttons might be helpful for summoning a green vest to your location. -Selection. For such a huge space and with it being a Flagship store, their selection is surprisingly limited, especially when it comes to clothing (for once, it actually seems like there is more women's clothing than men's, but maybe that's just my perception). read more

REI - Part of the mural in the men's restroom - Sporting Goods Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Giant and beautiful space, but less selection and worse organization than the College Park store had. The store apes Urban Outfitters style and layout, and it reflects a lack of understanding or use of the products. For example, the tent rack inexplicably hides the ground cloths in a mixed pile behind the display, for you to sort through like in a Marshall's. In shoes, the actually-helpful faux rock from the College Park store is gone, forcing you to guess how a shoe will feel. Wood floors are nothing like uneven rock surfaces but there is no way to test a shoe's grip or protection against hard edges. Not a problem in a fashion store but a serious issue here. Simply buying a water bottle is confusing and annoying (they are on several spinner displays throughout the store instead of simply hanging on a wall like the College Park store). In many areas, choice seems to be limited in order to highlight or exclusively carry solutions from one manufacturer. For a "flagship" store, the selection is terrible. I usually don't complain about parking situations and am very supportive of reducing car dependence, but REI supports sports that inherently require a vehicle. Putting a tent and skis on a bike is not a realistic solution for most people. Not coming up with an easy parking solution is completely foolish and seriously diminishes the customer experience. Finally, my interactions with the staff were pleasant, but I hardly get the sense that many of them use the equipment in a serious way. I want to know my equipment is reliable, not simply something chosen for its profit margin. I can't trust their opinions, and the design of this store reduces my trust in REI as a whole. 2/5 because the whole endeavor is remarkably counterproductive. **Edit: I will mention that they are one of the few retailers to actually stock mountain bikes within the District. However I suggest traveling to Proteus (for Kona bikes) or Germantown Cycles for expertise, quality of shopping experience, and selection. If you're mountain biking you're probably using a car anyway.** read more

Oh boy... I guess a 3 star average rating leaves you wondering - what can possibly be wrong with a beautiful flagship store, filled with amazing outdoors merchandise that has just opened in the heart of an up and coming DC neighborhood? True to the REI brand the store is indeed full of everything an adventurous heart may seek out, laid out neatly in a spacious warehouse setting. The problem is the staff... If you know what you want, then you will love this place as it let's you try/touch/test anything you may have seen online. And have a cup of coffee if you are at it. But forget it if you came here with a question or want some help to compare different products. On 3 separate occasions now I came here and instantly spotted a green jacket, raising a hope of a helpful hand. But staff's attention span lasts about 10 seconds. They give you one product and then disappear, failing to tell you anything about the item or how it may work. I tried it with shoes, then a backpack and then a bike. Thank you, by this age I am literate enough to read a label, but the reason why I love REI stores is because someone usually can tell me a lot more - like customers' feedback, reviews, durability, comparisons, weight etc etc etc. The bike shopping experience was the worst - we got a chatty guy who immediately tried to sell us Co-Op, their own brand, and could care less to offer anything else. After 45 minutes and two test rides we spent another half an hour just trying to spot him and get my ID back. Everyone else seemingly ignored us and I had to interrupt not 2 but 3 employees before I got it back. The last guy I spoke to had a genius advice for me - to come back mid-week, say on Wednesday. Oh I would love that option!!! I just wish I didn't have a job and could pop in your store any second I want. Honestly, at this stage we just drove to the REI at Bailey's Crossroads and got our gear there. read more

I live in the area so I tend to make it here a couple times every month at a minimum. It's hard to beat the free classes they offer here on an almost daily basis - I highly recommend checking them out. Employees here all seem very knowledgeable, and for the most part they are all very friendly as well. The outdoor patio space was very nicely designed and makes a great spot to hang out on a nice day. The La Colombe inside the store is also an added plus. They also did a great job of incorporating the historical elements of the building, which was originally the Uline Arena where the Beatles once played back in the day. I do agree with some other reviewers who have stated that they have underutilzied the amount of space here; despite being a large flagship store, they occasionally will have a limited selection of particular items or sizes of certain items. I guess the trade-off is that the store feels more "open" this way and less cluttered. I recently visited the Denver flagship REI store, and this one doesn't even come close in terms of size and selection, but for a place right in the middle of the city in DC this is a vast improvement over any other outdoor equipment stores located within the District. However, I've found this to be a great place to stock up on running "fuel" such as Nuun energy tablets and the Honey Stinger waffle/gummy chew products (located in the front of the store close to the checkout area). read more

Neat store with friendly staff and a wide selection of items needed for recreational activities. I could stay here all day if I wanted to. They have a cafe in here as well. read more

Today I went to return an item I bought on line to this store, when a lady went straight to the cashier and jumped the line, after bringing to the cashiers attention this person said it says so on the sign and he/she proceeded to point it to me, the sign said "on line pick up". So I told this cashier that I did not appreciate that happened, and that sign did not say "you are allowed to jump the line if you are doing an on line pick up". What that tells me is ; that persons time is more important than mine, as we are all paying customers we should be treated fairly. People who needs to transact should be required to wait in line. read more

Came in one night around 8:00 for a quick bike service to fix my front brakes. Dave fixed my bike in under 10 minutes and took the time to walk me through what he was doing so I could understand the issue. He was kind, efficient, and informative-great customer service. read more

Amazing service and well kept social distancing. Staff are extremely helpful and supportive; one of the staff members was kind enough to watch my dog outside while I ran in quickly, and my dog loved him which is always a plus! I was very grateful and satisfied with my visit. Thank you to the NoMa REI team! read more