REI

Thank you Robert and Dane for the outstanding customer service and for helping me with my cycling shoes. They both took time to answer questions and advise me on shoes, it was crazy busy but these gentleman still gave me undivided attention.

This is the first time I’ve ever had a negative experience with an REI. I’m biking across country and brought my bike in to simply have some air added to the tires and lube put on the chain. They couldn’t do it that night so I decided to leave it. I was taking rest days anyway. For unknown reasons they decided to switch out a tire and chain that DIDNT need changed at all. The chain was replaced in Sioux Falls, 340 miles back, and, although the tire had 12,000 miles on it, was still in immaculate condition. I’m pretty sure you could bring in a brand new bike and they’d replace parts on it.

I wish I could give this place negative stars. I love everything REI and have been to so many stores. The service here is the worst and maybe because it’s Minnesota, but the staff here is rude and. I’m glad there are other good REI stores with good people because this one sucks.

Holy mother fucking shit! This place has prices that are ridiculous. I used to shop at Saks in Downtown, and I always wear a Rolex or Omega beater watch, but I still think this place is a joke. $ 250 for a fucking rain jacket? I don’t care if you say it’s breathable. That a fucking joke. This was the first time I’ve been at REI for almost 20 years, and I bet it will take another 20 years for me to bother coming here again. The prices here are nothing when compared to Amazon. One of their rain jackets was priced at $ 180, and it was about $ 80 on Amazon. Gee, should I think about it some more? These prices are what I would expect at a Savile Row suit shop, except minus the quality. $ 250 for a Patagonia jacket made in China. Me thinks not.

If you like REI and you’re already inclined to shop there, then you’ll love this store and you’ll want to go out of your way for it. This is a one-​visit review. That means you can take this rating with a word of caution. Who knows how what shopping here is like over the course of months or years. One visit was enough to determine that it could be excellent. The store is cavernous. It contains enough merchandise, thoughtfully displayed, to inspire and excite enthusiasts and spark serendipity.
TIP — membership delivers an effective 10 – 20 percent credit annually; you should consider joining if you believe you’ll shop here over the years because it’s a one-​time fee

This is an awesome REI because of the selection. Like everyone here seems to agree, this is one of the larger stores. I’ve been to the Seattle store and my impression of this one is that it was bigger. But I am likely wrong.
I came to check out some La Sportiva trail running shoes. No where carries them and you have to order them online but that’s near impossible because of the European sizes so you have to go into a brick and mortar and try them on (plus, I hear they fit small). Anyway, this store had all sizes and styles in stock and so I just laid down an incredible sum of money because I respect that they stocked them. It’s near impossible to order shoes online with faith they’ll fit and are comfortable.
As for the store being disorganized or set up with a flow or the staff pestering folks to get memberships: The store is organized just fine. It’s a big outdoor and adventure sporting goods store. I moved back and forth all over the store with ease. I did have trouble finding the cashiers but when I did, I didn’t have to wait for long. I think since REI’s CEO was on a Reddit «Ask Me Anything» just before their big Black Friday «Opt Out» campaign, and had to defend REIs membership pestering, they’ve eased up on it and I haven’t been asked if I was a member until well into me questioning the associate about the shoe’s warranty. That was appropriate. I’ve been to REI at least twice since the Reddit AMA. But that’s not to say there isn’t some selection bias. I work outdoors and don’t own much cotton or casual street wear so the associate probably knows I know what’s up when I come in with my snug Patagonia technical hoody or my Montbell fast and light down jacket?
Anyway, in 2015 where I can buy anything online for less, you standout by having what it is I want in stock. That’s the only way REI earned my dollars of $ 155 shoes at full MSRP. And they pulled it off. Kudos. I even have a prodeal on La Sportiva and STILL purchased these shoes for full price.

1. Every sales person I encounter here asks me «are you a member?» They must get a bonus. One time 10 employees asked me that and I was only in there 30minutes. And yes I am a member.
2. The dressing rooms are right by a very noisy playground area. If you want to concentrate on your choices, it is very difficult with all the screaming kids.
3. The sales people don’t know their products (except the awesome footwear staff).
I don’t shop here anymore. I go to other shops for kayaks, clothes, gear like Midwest Mountaineering in Minneapolis and 45Degrees in Stillwater.
Update: I went in again yesterday to pick up a gift. There were 5 customers in line waiting patiently while two cashiers lectured customers on why they should become members. OMG!!! Finally got my turn with the cashier. I said I was no longer a member and she said «May I ask why?» and tried to resell me on it. I kept saying no thank you and finally she gave up. Please ask once and close the transaction.

5 stars for robin at rei!!! She was simply amazing!!! So sweet & soooooo helpful! Thanks for all your help. And of course this location is nothing less of AWSOME!!! 3 thumbs up

This has been one of the worst customer service experiences I have ever had. First, I had to chase down a sales representative to help. When I located someone they ran off to help someone else, passed me along to three different employees and came back every time to ask if the other employee had helped, which they had done nothing. After, one of the employees tried to convince me that the wrong item was the one that I really wanted. she told me that she located the item finally but it was in a box. She left it at that as if there was nothing they could do about an item in a box. We left baffled without anything. I wouldn’t recommend it.

Love this place. Went here to rent two stand up paddle boards and the two guys helping us were terrific. $ 60 a piece to rent, and It’s a 2 day rental. They help you setup a makeshift rack and tie down the boards and teach you how to do it as well. The process was as smooth as anything. When we got back, they helped us unload as well.
Make sure to check their hours as they don’t open until 10am. Also the deposit on the boards together we’re about $ 3,000 so just be aware.

Knowledgable and very approachable staff. Brought bikes in from an unfortunate crash, Nick walked out to my car for initial inspection, and helped bring in bikes. (Wish I remembered everyones names, all were great!) Repair tech, came out of service area for a look and talked with us for a bit. Other staff members helped us pick out bike parts, in an polite instructive way, that I did not feel pathetically ignorant. Awesome staff, my kind of customer service!

20% Member sale going on right now… I’d recommend to hurry up and get over there soon!
This is one of the larger REI’s in the country — i’m fairly certain it’s the largest one in the Twin Cities area. And surprising to me when I visited a few days ago, it’s the 2^nd highest volume REI location (currently). 2^nd only to Seattle. #shocker
But as expected, this REI has a little of everything on display and then some. Rock climbing wall when you walk in… currently there is a YURT in the front door area. Cool!
TONs of tent, sleeping bag options, large travel section… and even more apparel available on the floor.
My visit the other day was to pick up a GPS for geocaching. Unfortunately… they don’t qualify for the 20% sale; but the floor associate who helped me (sorry forgot his name!) was super rad and helpful. It was really helpful for me to go into the store and hold the devices, so that I could then go home and make my $ 550 purchase online. (Apparently they didn’t have the model that I wanted in-store.)Ugghh. (sad face)
If you’re not an REI member, (and have been under a rock) — — sign up! You basically get 10% for all the full-​priced items that you purchase in a calendar year. It’s one way to not feel so bad for spending full MSRP.

I love this REI. It’s great to come to for a great selection of outdoor gear, but one of my favorite parts is if you pay $ 20 ONE TIME, you are a member for lifetime! And that means FREE rockclimbing for life!

I love REI in general. However, this particular location has totally rude employees and general lack of knowledge of product especially in the winter rec division. They will strong arm you into buying something that is not right for you, and then when you exchange it they screw up and only give you half of what you paid. I’ve been back three times and had terrible customer service each and every time.
Total bummer I had to go out of my way to write my first bad review ever.
If you are looking for good winter ski stuff, go to Tonka bike and ski, or Hoigaards.

Took 45 minutes to find my internet order one visit. Another visit after telling an employee four times I don’t need help he still wouldn’t leave me alone.

Love this REI. I enjoy the selection, friendly customer service and the unique brands they carry like the Canadian brand LOLE and other unique brands like Kuhl, Horneytoad and NAU. To me, this makes all the difference, since I don’t go to REI to buy camping clothes. I go there to buy cute, urban active wear, and serious grade outerwear that is also fashionable.
I will caution you not to go there on a Saturday since the place is a total zoo. I feel like every person brings at least 3 kids with them on Saturdays. However, that being said, they have an indoor play area for kids, which does make it manageable.
I love that REI will always take back any product I’m not happy with– more companies should deliver such high levels of brand promise.

I’ve been at REI for about 30 minutes looking at tents. So far nobody has asked if I need help. However several other people who arrived after me have been helped. The customer service here is really bad.

Let’s be clear. This is not a review for REI, Inc. We love REI. We are members. We shop online all the time. This is a review for this particular REI location. And this particular REI is really weird.
From the highway, it looks awesome — with the big giant glass window structure thing obviously evoking thoughts of a mountain, it seems to fit the whole REI vibe. When you get closer and realize the rock climbing wall is inside the big glass window thing, you’re all like, «Wow REI! That’s freaking awesome!» I also really love the nature-​laden walkway into the store and the nod to the BWCA and Gunflint Trail as you walk in from the parking lot. But that’s pretty much where the awesomeness stops for me.
This is one of the biggest REI stores I’ve ever seen, but it’s also one of the most disorganized and poorly laid out. I just find it really hard to know what’s where or get from one section of the store to another. If you accidentally forget an item and have to go back, it’s kind of like IKEA, where all the traffic moves one way and you have to really wind your way back if you are going upstream. The cash register area is poorly marked and hard to find. And, also like IKEA, you have to get to the end of the maze to check out. I think they would really benefit from putting some registers near the front of the store (or where you come in anyway, is that the front?) for people who just need to come in and out quickly.
Employees seem both scarce and overwhelmed at the same time.
I just really feel like this store had the potential to be awesome but got a little lost along the way. Better signage and a logical layout would sure be an improvement.

This is a great REI store. Probably one of the best I have been in due to its size, and of course the climbing wall right in front. Leave it to Minnesotans to build a ‘Mall of America’esque’ REI.
Some people do gripe about the «high price» of REI, but you have to face facts, their stuff has a fantastic money back guarantee (what Costco used to have on electronics until people abused the hell out of it).
I can honestly say that all my REI purchases (from sunglasses, to hiking boots) have lasted and lasted. I buy items here that I hold on to for awhile, and I feel like I typically get my moneys worth. Sure some jackets are expensive, but they are time tested brands that deserve the price tag for the higher quality.
If you don’t like something, just return it, the friendly staff will help you out and get you happy again :)

REI is expansive and amazingly thorough in its offerings. This can be good and bad. For one, it’s like walking into China. Everything is everywhere. The sheer size is overwhelming…
BUT, the stores are typically well-​staffed with extremely knowledgeable and helpful people. Finding assistance is generally not an issue.
Be mindful of REI member sales/​coupons/​events. The store traffic will be ridiculously high, but the deals are worth it. Just be prepared to enter the gauntlet if you stroll in on a Saturday afternoon.
A big benefit of being an REI member (a 1-​time, $ 20 fee) is your purchases are eligible for a dividend. This percentage of the purchase price is low, but sometimes, I’ll get a surprising $ 15 – 40 dividend alert, and this dividend never expires. It can just be a welcomed surprise when checking out too.
Aside from the dividend, the other big positive I’ve experienced being a member is the return policy. It’s basically applicable on everything, anytime (but please, have some integrity). I had a pair of Keen sandals and the seam blew out on the heel 2 years later. Returned. Another jacked that’s zipper was totally F’d, returned. The stories and testimonials of what people have returned is ridiculous. Again, the integrity piece is key for me, but it’s also a balance – I consider the premium price to have this return policy in mind. I’m throwing down some serious coin on this gear, and I expect it to perform. If it doesn’t, REI is comfortable with taking it back.
Swing in to REI sometime. It’ll be an experience, and a pretty good way to get inspired to do all things rugged and outdoors.

My Happy Place!
REI Bloomington is one their bigger co-​ops stores in the country. Lots of friendly staff members to help members and non-​members. They have an extremely knowledgable staff when it comes to buying trail/​travel backpacks, bikes, kayaks and just about anything hiking/​camping. Expect an awesome selection of cold-​weather men’s gear and travel/​hiking clothes that are perfect for the trail, working out or spending a few weeks traveling overseas.
My favorite part of being an REI member is the 20% off sales and the 10% annual refund for every (non-​sale) dollar you spend at the store each year. Skip the North Face store and buy your cold weather gear here, plus you get a refund! Lifetime membership is only $ 20.
Hands down one of the better places to come before a big travel trip in the city, full of useful travel gear, high quality luggage and durable packs. You’ll find just about everything you need including money wallets, small containers, small packs, etc.
But why only a 3-​star review for this location? Well, it’s well overdue for a remodel. This store has seen it’s better years. During the weekends there are never enough fitting rooms, the shoe department is awkwardly laid out and it is always hard to find what you’re looking for because departments are moving around or shrinking/​growing in size. While they always are fully staffed at the registers, lines get long and returns take forever because the customer service area is built too small for this store. Staff tries hard to make this store work, but it needs some remodel and new layout love — soon I hope!

Very cool store! They have EVERYTHING you could possibly need for the outdoors!
The prices are extremely high when compared to similar on-​line retailers. I think you pay for the HUGE buildings they construct. I’d recommend going here, trying on whatever you’re looking to purchase, then go on-​line and price shop.
They are employee owned, so all the employees are knowledgeable and willing to assist. They also have a climbing wall which is very unique.

I’m torn. Two stars? Three stars? Two and a half stars? Okay’ two stars for the shoe department, four stars for the climbing department, three stars for the running clothes department, … Kinda see where I’m going with this?
I love REI. I love REI online. I’m in awe of all there is to offer whenever I go in their stores and can spend over an hour on line reading reviews of products they sell that others have tried. It’s just that the consistency as a whole is seriously lacking. It seems that the majority of the employees are just going through the motions and could really care less if you bought anything or not. Please note, I started this review about three weeks ago so the Black Friday headache wasn’t a factor. Also, this isn’t isolated to one visit.
The two stars for the shoe dept? They either need more help or a salesperson commission program. Myself and about four others were waithing waiting way too long.
Four stars for the climbing dept? That dude behind the counter was great! Helpful as well as cool. He’s the reason I became a member of REI.

I have really mixed feelings about REI but overall like their selection of outdoor goods. Snowboarding gear and equipment are the primary items I’ve purchased from here as they have an extensive snow sports section during the winter. If you’re going to be making larger purchases at REI I would suggest signing up for their co-​op membership which gives you 10% back on all of your purchases throughout the year and access to exclusive member only deals and sales. REI typically starts to mark down its snow sports items starting in February with the deepest discounts offered through mid-​March.
Although the products sold here are high quality (and high in price) I’ve had inconsistent service from the sales people. On some visits the sales people have been super friendly and helpful and other times I’ve had to basically jump in front of someone to get them to help me. I’m not sure if it’s because I don’t look old or granola enough to be shopping here but it can be irritating nonetheless.
On one occasion I accompanied my old roommate (who’s an avid runner) to REI so that he could buy a pair of Vibram shoes. When I commented to my buddy that I prefer to run in traditional shoes I got a full on lecture from the sales lady about how it was better to run «barefoot» and that human beings had been running barefoot for centuries, etc etc etc. Listen hipster sales lady, I don’t care that it’s cool/​trendy/​better for you to pretend to run barefoot in those rubber socks with toes, I don’t want to buy a pair. Oh and BTW, you both look ridiculous running in those things.
(Sigh) Maybe one day in the not to distant future I’ll learn to fully appreciate this store… and hopefully by then I won’t be driving a Subaru, wearing all weather hiking pants or running in rubber toe socks.