REI

Reviews 16

JE

Jeremy L

Waited almost an hour for a bike to be prepped for a test ride - but they forgot about me standing there! Nobody approached me, despite reps walking around. This lack of service wasnt due to one person, it required #teamwork I had already sat on the bike - it just needed tweaks. They took my ID, asked me to wait. I finally asked after almost an hour, and they had no idea I was waiting. They also didnt have the bike ready. They were nice, and said "sorry for the wait", so 2 stars instead of 1. They should have at least offered some expedited service, given the situation, and maybe I would have stayed. I didnt feel like scheduling a test drive for later. fault 1: They dropped the ball. fault 2: Staff never approached me to ask. I was within eyesight of the front checkout as well as the bike desk as I waited in the aisle. fault 3: When they found out, they didnt even try to find a way to make things better.

---

PA

Paul Volk

I came here to buy some hiking boots for a trek. Looking confused in the shoe section, I was quickly approached by a staff member who asked me a bunch of questions about my trek and specifics about my feet. He took measurements and we seriously went through about 10 different pairs of shoes to narrow down which brand and fit worked best. Each round of shoes got better and better until we found the absolute perfect Vasque boots. Yes, REI is overpriced, especially when it comes to shoes. But honestly Im completely OK paying extra for the service. They worked to find me the right shoe, not to up-sell me to something to make higher commission, like other stores. Ive since become a member and am coming back here for all my outdoors needs!

---

BU

Bunnell Elena

50/50. First staffer seemed more interested in his cell phone than in my needs. Found another assistant and she was great, knowledgeable, helpful and not reluctant to search the store and also help me adjust a daypack. Same with customer service, first clerk said she would be right back and went off with the customer ahead of me. She never returned and became involved with another customer. The clerk who remained at the counter eventually was available and served me well. Never was assistance offered when I was trying to select hiking poles, nor was anyone visible to assist during the 10 to 15 minutes I spent at the rack. I still like REI and San Carlos is so much less chaotic than my local Berkeley store! Thanks, Elena

---

MA

Mary Baker

The staff helping us get boots for my sons backpacking trip were incredibly knowledgeable and helpful. We learned a lot from them. The 1-year return policy for boots is pretty amazing and takes the fear out of such a purchase. A couple of the clothing items we wanted werent in stock in his size, but they ordered them for us with free shipping to our home address. This branch of REI (San Carlos) seems better run than the Mountain View one where I had trouble getting any help and the staff didnt seem to know anything about choosing boots.

---

AV

Avery Krieger

It sucks because I love the concept of this store and the staff are super knowledgeable and helpful. They helped cater the gear that I needed to finish my backpacking and hiking kits. From stoves to sleeping pads, these employees knew their stuff. However, I finally found the perfect sleeping bag, called in to a store that had it, and had them hold it. When we arrived, the store couldnt find the bag, and no locations within 30 miles had it in stock. Very upsetting, but they price matched a more expensive bag to make up for it.

---

KA

Karim Younes

REI is an amazing place to go for all sorts of camping, sporting and just fun equipment. It has so many interesting things that even my kids enjoy shopping there. The staff is always friendly and helpful, many of them are quite knowledgeable and can help select the right sleeping bag, tent, etc. Prices are a bit higher than other places, but the quality of the products and the expertise of the staff are well worth the added premium. And with membership, its possible to get some of that back every year...

---

JU

Julie Simmons

I love going to REI for my expedition necessities, however I find it frustrating that everytime I step foot into the store, there is never an employee to help me find what I need or answer my questions. This always ends up leading me to just settle for something (which is also frustrating because with such high prices, settling is a risk for the wallet) or leave the store empty handed; feeling like I wasted my time.

---

JO

Jojo Xinyi Li

Great place to get your outdoor gears. I was there looking for hiking shoes. The employees there were very friendly and helpful. I got helped by this gentleman called Walker, who knew exactly what he was talking about, and he gave me many helpful tips. Also helped me to pick the right shoes for me. So thank you! You can pay $20 to get a yearly membership card.

---

TE

Terry Lang

Went for camping equipment in early June late on a thurs afternoon. They had most of what I needed in stock. However, a lot of things were put away in the wrong spot so it took a while to find what I needed. Customer service was SUPER helpful both in helping me find things and in helping me with my large items.

---

FE

Fernando Padilla

All the associates are extremely helpful and seem to be extremely knowledgeable. I personally came to look for parts for my fixed gear bicycle which they (at no fault of their own) didnt have. Seems more geared towards road/mtb. Decent place to grab generic things for your bicycle (tubes, locks, tools, etc.)

---

DO

Don Le

Went here to get a pair of shoes and i had one of the staff through with me several different options. I had originally thought that a certain brand did not fit me but the staff person told me that there was an option of wide sizing which may have been the problem and low and behold! It fitike a glove!

---

PA

Patrick Au-Yeung

Definitely get the REI membership if you want to purchase anything. Lots of discounts, and you are able to make exchanges and refunds if you change your mind about any items. Staff here are super nice and helpful. No need to say anything about their product selections - high quality and durable stuff.

---

IA

Iain Russell

If you need outdoor gear REI is a great place to start. The store is well laid out and the employees generally well versed in the products. However, if you are looking for a specialty item you likely have to look elsewhere. Lines to check out can be long particularly duri the holidays.

---

RO

Roc Chic

Always love REI, as its my go to place for everything outdoors. Bought my first climbing shoes, harness, climbing rope, and tent from REI. The staff are knowledgeable of their products and outdoor activities. Member garage sales are adventures in themselves.

---

JO

Johnny Randle

Bought my bicycle helmet here. Selection of gear is a bit overwhelming but definitely not a problem. Well lit and clean display of everything. The checkout line could be better displayed / organized for easier access, but not a major pain. Overall great place

---

JE

Jean McCormack

What is the point in having a great store with great products and not enough staff on the floor to help customers, and not enough staff to restock the shelves. ..Iwourapurpurpescadero I may as well just buy online

---

---