09/11/09

REI San Diego

by Pee Dee

REI is no longer a store we shop at after 20 years.

I wanted to buy a canoe at the San Diego store and was asked to not come in with my small Laos Aapso

NO DOGS ALOWED!!!

I asked do you server food?

No!

No Dogs Allowed the kid at the door said.

Okay see you.

We will not be back ever.

• Pros: None
• Cons: No Dogs

09/27/08

Great all-round sporting goods store

by henryisland

I have been an REI customer for 30 years, and have shopped at sporting goods stores all over the planet.

True, if you are looking for cheap, army-surplus type goods here, you won't find 'em, and true if you are a gearhead looking for only the rarest and most esoteric specialty equipment, you won't find it here.

They do have very good, well-tested equipment, outdoor clothing and supplies. On busy weekends you will have to wait for service, esp. where you need a fit like boots or skis.

The staff is generally friendly and knowlegable and willing to refer you to another store in town if they don't have what you need. Overall, a first-class operation.

The Shangri-la of gear for those who spend their time rock-climbing, backpacking, cycling and finding other ways to conquer nature.

by Contributor

In Short
The largest co-op in the nation, REI sells everything needed to survive in the outdoors to members and non-members alike: sleeping bags for below-zero temperatures, GPS units, climbing gear, rations and more. For the more casual outdoor enthusiast, the store also sells tents, kayaks, bicycles, snowboards, skis, luggage, footwear and outdoors-oriented clothing for men, women and children.

The Shangri-la of gear for those who spend their time rock-climbing, backpacking, cycling and finding other ways to conquer nature.

by Contributor

In Short
The largest co-op in the nation, REI sells everything needed to survive in the outdoors to members and non-members alike: sleeping bags for below-zero temperatures, GPS units, climbing gear, rations and more. For the more casual outdoor enthusiast, the store also sells tents, kayaks, bicycles, snowboards, skis, luggage, footwear and outdoors-oriented clothing for men, women and children.

The Shangri-la of gear for those who spend their time rock-climbing, backpacking, cycling and finding other ways to conquer nature.

by Contributor

In Short
The largest co-op in the nation, REI sells everything needed to survive in the outdoors to members and non-members alike: sleeping bags for below-zero temperatures, GPS units, climbing gear, rations and more. For the more casual outdoor enthusiast, the store also sells tents, kayaks, bicycles, snowboards, skis, luggage, footwear and outdoors-oriented clothing for men, women and children.

12/02/06

Looking for Raingear? This is the place

by nestotr

This is a store I keep going back to for shoes, coats, rain jackets, camping stuff, and gifts. Can always find a knickknack of some sort for anyone of any age.

• Pros: Very cool store, love going inside, service
• Cons: None

11/02/06

a fun place to browse

by binman69

they have a great selection and friendly staff---lots to see and a great room for maps! they also have a little food cafe that works out well.

04/16/06

Consumerist Banality

by kurts

Once upon a time, REI was a useful source for gear that helped us enjoy the outdoors. Nowadays, I find REI a real pain to shop at. What is it about the place that is so mediocre? Maybe it's the huge amount of floor space devoted to marginal, overpriced clothing? Or perhaps it's that cold, corporate tone that permeates their stores? Or it could be the trend in ridiculously overpriced "gear" that does little more than complicating my outings? What do I get for the REI surcharge--a generous return policy. Sure, they have that. But, why do I have such a hard time finding equipment that's useful to me, awash in all that useless junk. I'm tired of the prices, those constant, annoying pitches for membership, and the bland uninspiring selection of gear. I'll buy anywhere else first if I can. Goodbye REI.

• Pros: Good return Policy, Lots of clothes, Seminars
• Cons: Overpriced, Annoying staff, Poor selection

11/11/05

Too many overpriced goods, no more dogs

by cascademiles

Discovered (as of 11/05) that dogs are no longer allowed. When you want to find good value in something basic (day pack, gaiters) you'll find plenty of overpriced options but nothing affordable. REI clearly has grown out of its co-op roots and into a retail monster. Blah.

• Pros: usually good quality
• Cons: no dogs allowed, overpriced, long checkout lines

05/27/03

Endless Disappointment

by ndwilderness

Man, is this place a disappointment. I'd heard much about REI, but had never been. I wish I hadn't bothered. I'm willing to wait for expert service, but I waited thirty minutes and was finally served by a guy who would've been better suited to working the floor at the Gap for all he knew about boots and feet. I left, and am ordering my gear from my old shop. When the prices are this high (someone said REI was inexpensive) and the service is this bad, there's just no reason to go back. Forget REI. Like the other guy said, they're Old Navy for people who want to look like they do more outside than they really do.

• Pros: Not my only choice
• Cons: Awful service, High prices, Parking is dangerous