REI

REI, 1466 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60642, USA,

Category:	Camping Store
Address:	1466 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60642, USA
Phone:	+1 312-951-6020
Site:	rei.com
Rating:	4.4
Working:	10AM–9PM 10AM–9PM 10AM–9PM 10AM–9PM 10AM–9PM 9AM–9PM 10AM–7PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 10

Nancy Hirsch

Joined my daughter to buy trail shoes yesterday around 3. At the time there was one other customer so we checked out the selection picked out 3 different Merrells and waited. The salesperson was an older man. We waited a full five minutes to even be acknowledged. I told him the size and styles and he came back with two of the three correct. I asked for the one in the wrong color and he said something about this style being waterproof. That wasnt what I had asked for. This process happened three times over the course of an hour. Either he is colorblind or obtuse. I would have been okay with ordering the correct style/model through REI, which I guess is an option he provided for other customers there. I work in retail and know how customer service works. 1. Acknowledge a customer when they arrive, even if you are busy with another. 2. Listen to what they wanted. 3. If the option isnt there, offer a solution. 3. Remember that a smile and courtesy goes a long way. I was so upset by this salesmans attitude, that I opted to purchase from Zappos and get the correct shoes delivered.

Stephen Huff

Pros: The staff is friendly, location is great Cons: Staff is not as knowledgeable about the products as other locations Example: I had REIs cycling department perform a Gold Tune on my 2010 Salsa Chili Con Crosso. They inspected it and all parts were worn, but it was a functioning bike. During the tune up my front brake was broken and multiple spokes snapped during the wheel truing process because they over-tensioned it (confirmed by separate bike shop I had to go to afterwards). REI told me I needed to buy a new fork, new Avid Shorty 4 front brake, spokes, and recommended a new wheel set. All in all it wouldve cost me $350+ and I had been waiting for 10 days to get my bike. Instead I took my inoperable/broken bike home, ordered new spokes and a brake. I was up and running within 3 days with the help of my bike enthusiast friend. Long story short REIs bike shop prices are cheap for a reason; pay the money and go to a real bike mechanic who wont up-charge you.

Anthony Calek

REI has been regressing as of the late. The staff are mostly great, but the selection and overall quality, especially in the clothing department has become rather depressing. They have become a second tier department store, the products are a shadow of what they used to be and this location is amazingly, just as limited in selection as their Oakbrook location. You would expect their Chicago location to have the best outdoor products available on the market, no. Instead you will experience the same, dulling and diluted product lines you will find anywhere else. Full disclosure, they did have the bicycle helmet I was looking for as a second choice, which was sufficient and I purchased it there, along with a water bottle. What I want to see though is local, regional, national and international products that represent the best the market has to offer, not REI brand and other medium quality clothing packed in as far as the eye can see.

Brooke Hutchison

I shopped here for a while before I realized that it was just silly for me to not be a member. I advise you not to make the same mistake as me. Join today. :) The lifetime membership is $20, and it comes with a chance to get 10% back on most of their products. I know how that sounds... they never asked me to say that, I just love this store, their products, and their incredibly helpful & knowledgable staff. I love the great outdoors, and I have been able to find shoes, clothing, and equipment for all my running, hiking, camping needs. The staff will tell you everything you never thought you wanted to know about their products, but if you want to be left alone, theyre cool with that, too. And if you have any issues with your products, theyll exchange or replace them up to a year from the purchase date!

Samuel Tan

This is the place to go for all your outdoor needs. Running, climbing, biking and hiking. You name it, they have it. I went there looking for a water bottle and a winter coat. I was greeted with excellent service in my search for these items. The lady patiently explained to me the various types of coats there were, the layering technique and all other questions, related or unrelated that I had. Even though I did not buy a winter coat there and then, because she said that more models would be coming soon, I left with a great deal of knowledge of what I was looking for. They have a great variety of brands and gear that you could ever need. My only slight gripe is that the prices are not as competitive but as it is a cooperative, I guess you do get some returns of he company does make money.

Mira Serrill-Robins

Its standard REI, but that means 4 stars easily. REI is so easy to work with, and on average has the best prices, and the customer service makes it a good bet for most purchases. Great return policy so I can buy online or in the store knowing that Ill be happy, or be able to return things. They frequently have sales, if you can wait, and if not, you pay your 20 bucks or so once and get 10% back for life as a member. The store is abig and comfortable and nice for browsing. The staff is friendly and knowledgable, and seem decently happy to be there. You can park in the lot behind the store and get 90 minutes free with REI validation.

A Private User

I went to this store looking for a backpack. All three employees with whom I interacted were very friendly, and the gentleman who helped me seemed to know everything there was to know about camping backpacks. He spent what must have been 30 minutes with me talking about different options and showing me the features of each. He even weighted each bag and helped me adjust them to my size so I could try them out. He showed me less expensive alternatives without me even asking, and openly discussed the drawbacks of some of the more expensive models. This was really great service, and I will definitely be back.

Miguel Meneses

I have bought many items at this store including my bicycle Novara Strada 5D last year, this year, Ive bought my backpack, sleeping bags, hiking gear and a lot of other things, a good tip if you want to save money, become a member and go to their garage sales, they have an excellent return policy, and I really enjoy shopping here. I usually shop here during the week since on the weekend can be a bit crowded and you dont get the same service. during the week some of the guys are very helpful and willing to be patient with you. Will stop by again.

A Private User

Sales Associates Rock! I think I come here once a week to be completely honest with you! Im prepping for an upcoming backpacking trip to the Grand Canyon and have recieved awesome advice from multiple associates. I was most impressed tonight by an REI member that I suprisingly have not already met, Brandon. He not only went above and beyond with advice, tips, and ideas for my trip but also gave me recommendations on some destinations within reach of chicagoland! Youd be amazed at all of the wonderful things REI Team Members know...

Lara Poeppelmeier

I have been in this store several times. It has a lot to offer regardless of your outdoor activity. The store is rather large and spans 2 stories. I went to find a cold winter coat and I had a huge selection to choose from. They sell all the top brands in gear and the staff are really nice and willing to help. Im giving it only 4 stars because the prices are steep. I feel like I could have gotten a better deal elsewhere but I was there and found something I liked that was on sale so I went for it.