REI

Reviews 7

BI

BIG JESSE

Recently Ive visited REI twice in the past month and regretted both visits. I live over 20 miles away from the closest REI so driving 30 minutes just to try on some boots or to look at some camping pads its not something I was looking forward to, but I wanted the advice from the experts that work in the various departments at REI prior to making a purchase. However both encounters with two different employees left me wondering if theyre experts at all or just used car salesman. My first experience was trying on boots, the Employee that was helping me did not want to offer any other boot other than the $230 boots she wears her self. Im sure shes very knowledgeable on boots as its her department, Im sure shes an expert backpacker and hiker, and I kept my personal opinions about my experience wearing boots as a US Marine in Iraq and Afghanistan to myself, to ensure I made the most of my time with this subject matter expert, and hoping I might learn something new, that 4 years in a desert and Rocky environment hasnt taught me already. Unfortunately the only thing my REI representative wanted to do was sell me a co-op membership with REI, telling me that day was the very last day I was going to be able to sign up. After explaining to her I was only there to try on boots, as I do not get paid until the first of the month, she seemed very unhappy and even visually upset that I wasted her time. She gave me her employee information should I come back and buy the boots and she not be there to take the commission off of that purchase. She then immediately walked away to help another customer, chasing that commission Im sure. After going home, I found the same pair of boots for $30 less, and I dont have to pay for a co-op membership to buy them at a discount. Fast-forward two weeks later, I was in the neighborhood of REI and went in side with the 100% intentions of buying a sleeping pad for my upcoming camping trip. When approached by a sales representative I asked for assistance in buying a large camping pad because I am a very large man and I am willing to carry an extra 2 pounds in my pack for a better nights sleep. The Salesman asked that I try out one of the more expensive if not the most expensive $220 REI co-op brand sleeping pad, with insulation. While it was a very nice product, I explained to him several times I didnt want a sleeping pad with insulation ( this is Texes it gets hot!), and I wasnt looking to spend $220 on a sleeping pad but was willing to spend upwards of $150. I asked him what the next step down was, he only wanted to focus on REI co-op brands and when we discovered that none of the REI co-op brands were of the extra large size, which is what I needed to fit my 63" tall, 300 pound frame, he continued to try to sell me the $220 sleeping pad. I told him several times it was a very nice product but its not what I was looking for. He then tried to sell me the co-op membership, explaining to me that it was the last day to sign up and I was very lucky to have come in that day just so I could sign up. I had to explain to him I wasnt interested in the REI co-op membership and I sure as hell wasnt interested in this $220 pad that seemed to be his only suggestion for my needs. I put my foot down and told him which pad I wanted to buy, but unfortunately REI no longer carried that particular size in stock. Thus ending my second trip to REI. I ended up going to Gander Mountain and buying a sleeping pad for $100, and getting $15 off of that purchase because they had a 15% discount that entire week on everything in the store. The boots I wanted to buy at the first of the month, Ive decided to buy online for $30 cheaper and free shipping. With more color options available as well. For 15 years Ive been shopping at REI, mostly in Denver Colorado, however over the years they have offered cheaper quality items made in China and all they care about is selling that REI co-op membership. Save your money, shop online, or shop somewhere the employees are not motivated solely by commission.

---

TR

Transfer Channel

I have to give all my praise to the Willowbrook store in Houston, TX. Everyone there has been so helpful every time I walk in there. I recently moved to San Antonio but I still find myself calling the Willowbrook store for advice on certain products. I specifically trust "Young" Dave with all advice and opinions. He has product knowledge and enthusiasm in his job that is second to none.His customer service is exemplary in everything he does and it is truly a pleasure speaking with him. It is employees like Dave that make me so loyal to companies like REI. I am a lifelong member and customer. Thank you so much for being the best outdoor recreational store in the world.

---

WE

Wes Foster

After doing some research of the top major brands online, I was shocked to find all of those brands at REI. I was able to try on several top rated hiking boot and packs before I made my decision. After owning one pair of hiking shoes for several years, I returned them because they never satisfied me. They gave me three options, give me a brand new pair of shoes in an updated same brand and model, give me store credit for my original purchase price or give me a cash refund with no questions asked. I was blown away by their lifetime guarantee on any and every item in the store. AMAZING!

---

RA

Rachel Gutierrez

I ran in at 9pm on the dot and was greeted friendly by all the staff on duty. I explained that my daughters medical condition required salt tabs that only they carried. They were all very helpful, compassionate, and courteous. I was amazed and thankful since Im going out of town in the morning and really needed this as an emergency. Will be coming back to this location again and again. The evening crew rocked on Friday, October 7, 2016!

---

AL

Alex Wendeborn

I stopped by here to pick up some equipment for an upcoming backpacking trip. I was disappointed by the selection compared to other REIs that I have been to, but I did come a couple days after a big sale so maybe they were just running low. I couldnt find the size items I was looking for. The staff was helpful, but maybe a little too helpful/pushy (just let me browse ya know!?).

---

ET

Ethan Anderson

I just want to compliment Bridges for being patient, and helping me try on bags with a smile on his face the whole time. Great customer service can make every bit of a difference on my peace of mind when making a purchase, and he went above and beyond. All in all this is a great REI, and its one of the best choices around for camping and hiking gear.

---

JE

Jeffrey Millirons

i walked in with a broken part for my bicycle and not even the entire part. it was 30 minutes till closing time and the technician took what was left of my part and not only matched what i needed but gave me good advice on how to install it. these guys are great!!! excellent job guys!!! extremely satisfied customer!!!

---

---