REI

REI, 750 American Blvd W, Bloomington, MN 55420, USA,

Category:	Camping Store
Address:	750 American Blvd W, Bloomington, MN 55420, USA
Phone:	+1 952-884-4315
Site:	rei.com
Rating:	4.4
Working:	10AM–9PM 10AM–9PM 10AM–9PM 10AM–9PM 10AM–9PM 9AM–9PM 10AM–6PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 6

John Brost

Spotty customer service, poor quality of in-house brands, no replacement part service.....all at a premium price.....what more could I ask for???? Perhaps I should either buy discounted items from on-line retailers with no expectation of service OR purchase premium items at full retail from full service boutiques. I have been a member for twenty years. Example #1: I have purchased roughly $2,000 worth of yakima rooftop equipment over the past 10 years from REI. I need a couple small replacement parts as the tower pads are worn and or lost. REIs answer....call manufacturer. Perhaps I will call the manufacturer, but as long as I am doing so, going forward...why not buy direct? Example #2: Dry pack fails during first back pack outing to BWCA. Granted...it was 6 years old. It had been used 6 times prior. Light use...no portaging. During first portage the harness fails. The pack was full but loaded light with clothes, sleeping backs, thermarests, and 96 ounces of scotch ; ). I return the item to REI Bloomington. This is my first return in nearly 20 years as a customer. Under the terms of the return policy I am entitled to a refund less my dividend. My expectation is that the item would be repaired or replaced with one of equal quality and value. I am not pleased with the gap between policy and practice. Were it Orvis or another premium retailed, they would stand behind it. Nevertheless, the customer service agent then takes a snarky attitude, implying that I am being dishonest. That the problem is most likely wear and tear. I speak with the manager. He is more belligerent. My expectation is not that I pay rock bottom prices. I expect to pay a fair price for quality goods that wont fail when I am miles from no where. I expect that a premium retailer will not shirk at a $50 loss to replace an item for a 20 year customer who has spent approximately $5,0000. Good bye REI....unless I am buying a fleece off the clearance rack. Hello Amazon and Backcountry when I am price sensitive....and Midwest Mountaneering when I need service and or I need high quality because conditions require it.

Julia Kading

Greg is the best guy to see if you need anything related to skiing! I needed some ski boots so my husband and I went to REI to see what they had late in the season (scoping out the deals!) My husband is an excellent skier and has spend significant time out west in the mountains. Greg is the guy who helped us and he was extremely helpful, kind, insightful, and honest throughout the whole process of finding boots. Finding the ski boot that is right for your feet is a long and difficult process. As a very experienced skier himself, Greg understood this and explained that if you want to find the right thing, it can take 45 minutes of trying on an array of boots. He asked a lot of questions about how different boots felt on my foot. He was very patient in the process and encouraged us to really feel comfortable with what we are buying. Greg explained that even a little bit of pain in the boot after wearing it for 10 minutes in the store is a whole lot more consequential after 3 hours on the slopes. After Greg brought out what must have been 10+ different boots, we found the right pair. After finding them, he gave us further insight on how to pick poles (I needed those, too). If you need skis, ski boots, or poles, ask if Greg is around!

Keri Erickson

Online research indicated that the product I was shopping for was in store. Note, I am not in an athletic shape, but a discerning shopper, and will go where I need to, to get what I want. I walk in with my umbrella, bad storm outside, flash light I need parts for and am walking around amilessly. I am passed by no less than 6 employees, a couple more than once, most never even look at me actually do their best to avoid eye contact. Finally a lady, chewing on an object comes around the corner and I politely ask if she isnt available could she call someone to assist me ... She audidably sighs and asks what am I looking for, because at this point I have my phone out and on Google to the item Im looking for .... She points to the other side of the store,"by the other fitting rooms," I state Ive never been in this store ... More sighs .... Over there! ... I said Thank you and found my item, because they dont carry mag lite parts ... They get two stars because of their products only, one they carried it the other because it was in stock like the web site said it was!

Carly Carbert

I went into the Bloomington MN store convinced I was never going to find a pair of hiking boots that fit. I had been to several other stores trying on at least 20-30 hiking boots. I was greeted by Cindy. It was an hour before closing and she worked with me even after the store had closed. She went back and forth checking for different sizes. She gave me several suggestions on which she would think would work best for my feet. Even when I started to get discouraged and disappointed she kept me motivated to find a pair of boots to fall in love with. She offered the Oboz in mids that worked out perfectly. Unfortunately the store didnt have my size and I was leaving the following day so I had to purchase them through another retailer. She was not one bit upset I had to go somewhere else to purchase them. Cindy is the definition of a great worker who went above and beyond. She made my life so much easier and I had a very comfortable trip because of her help and dedication.

Rachel Kuzma

Every time I go into this REI I always walk out disappointed. Sure, theyve got a huge selection, but their customer service is basically non-existent. Im currently a sales associate at The North Face, and I am surprised at how little regard REI gives its customers, especially when I think about the customer service that is expected of me at TNF. I feel as though I have to jump up and down and shout to get anyones attention, and sales associates are a rare sight. Not only that, but the layout of the store is a bit chaotic, and difficult to get your bearings. They also refuse to price match, which I find ridiculous, especially if the manufacturer has the product marked for a lower price. After my most recent experience at REI I will probably only ever come in to try on clothing or see products before ordering them online from the manufacturer.

Mick Pearson

Top notch camping/equipment store, may even be the best in the whole mid-western portion of the United States. REI is one of the premier outdoor/camping outfitters today, and because this is one of the few flagship stores in the U.S, you can literally get everything you need here. Staff is very courteous and very knowledgeable, and any questions you ask them can be answered. Store is very organized and clean, and it is very easy to find your way around the store, whether you are staying for 15 minutes or 2 hours. They offer all of the most popular gear, and usually have great prices. Because it is one of the flagship stores, the store comes with the "Scratch and Dent" section, where you can by used equipment for cheaper than normal prices. This is the go-to place if youre a serious outdoors-man.