REI

I love REI and have been a member for years.
What is great about REI is that they sell gear and the REI branded gear is often the product of feedback and really does get updated from year to year. The member coupon is a great deal and usually happens twice a year. Clearance items are often steals, sometimes deals. Know your prices.
Salespeople are surprisingly knowledgeable and cordial.
Cons:
The retail priced items are often very overpriced. The lifetime guarantee no longer exists.

I love this place! It’s definitely one of the best outdoor gear shops in New York. and its huge.
Plus if you are a member you get 10% back on everything you buy. Also the return policy is amazing if you don’t like it you can return it. You have a year to do that

If I lived in an outdoor atmosphere, like Vermont or British Columbia, I would think about REI differently. In NYC, there aren’t very many outdoor gear stores at all. This is a huge, beautiful, multi-​floor, multi-​sport store. For where we live, there are very few stores that can compete with REI. Aside from Paragon and Tents & Trails (specialty for backpackers and climbers), there are the brand name stores like Patagonia and North Face.
ENVIRONMENT:
It’s big, spacious and open. It’s also very attractive. They create an outdoor atmosphere.
GOODS:
It has lots of equipment but it’s mostly clothing and accessories. In the soft goods, they carry good inventory of brands, styles and sizes. Kuhl, Arcterix, Prana, Patagonia, Marmot, North Face, etc can all be found here.
There’s an entire room devoted to camping and hiking. If you need a tent but don’t want to buy one, REI will rent one to you for a reasonable price. I don’t know of another outdoor gear shop that does that.
SERVICE:
If you can find help, they will answer your questions. You may need to seek them out.

Originally I would buy my outdoor gears at Wallmart, but somebody told me not to go cheap on my first camping trip and recommended me to go to REI. I like the fact that this store caters to adventureres. This will be my go to spot whenever I need something for my next journey.

One of a handful of NYC businesses that I frequent several times a month. Whether I come in for a new Klean Kanteen to Asolo hiking shoes, or Snow Peak titanium cutlery to Leki trekking pole accessories, etc., each and every time that I come here, I am always warmly greeted with a smile by a green-​vested REI staff member. The level of knowledge and expertise from department-​to-​department is superb; every sales person I’ve dealt with, simply know their stuff. I’ve come here so often this year and have enjoyed every single visit that it’s convinced me to opt-​in and purchase a lifetime membership [the cost is $ 20.00]. REI and its Soho staff rock!

I walked in here the afternoon after the dance parade earlier in the year, looking for a waterproof-​ish backpack to carry my laptop in preparation for rainy days. Not expecting to find anything but was blown away by the large number of options. It was fairly organized despite there being a sale and a good number of customers pawing through merchandise. There were quite a few backpacks geared for ladies, which was great because I was looking for a smaller size. I chose an American manufactured backpack — Osprey FlapJill — in plum. It wasn’t just laptop bags, there were plenty of camping and multi-​day large backpacks available too. Many colors and all neatly organized and grouped by brands and use.
Spent several days before researching backpack options but it turns out going into the store and trying on the bags on my shoulders, and comparing them side by side was more helpful!
The checkout line had a wait since there were many customers that day (Saturday evening) and in the middle of a huge sale for camping supplies at the beginning of camping season; but it moved fast as the cashiers were efficient and there were a lot of them open. The staff was great; patient, helpful and knowledgeable. I was educated on the rewards program and return policy, both are generous options.
It started drizzling as I stepped out of the store, but the Broadway/​Lafayette subway station was steps away, right around the corner and I could hop in.
Note I’m writing this review 6 months after the purchase and am still happy with the backpack and would definitely go back to browse on a future shopping mission.

This place has pretty much everything you may possibly need for outdoor activities: hiking, mountain climbing, biking, camping, cave diving, kayaking, zombie apocalypse, skiing, snowboarding… the works. As an avid hiker, needless to say, this is one of my favorite stores in the city. loll I could probably stay here for half the day. if not longer.
Unlike SOME people who don’t do their research online before they go to an actual store… ahem…I pretty much know exactly what I’m getting already, cuz lets face it. In a store this size, with so much merchandise, it’s safe to say customer service is sketchy at best. Of course, there’s the occasional, amazing sales associate who loves what he/​she does and has a limitless memory of what there is in the store. Then there’s the other 99% of sales associates who hate their job, hate their life and are absolutely clueless. So I can’t say much for the customer service at REI, cuz I’ve never actually requested help from anyone. Though, on occasion, a sales associate will come over and ask if I need some help, so they get some brownie points for actually showing they care.
As for prices… well…according to Marie W’s review. she says that «REI not only had a huge selection, but super inexpensive.» Meh. I disagree. REI’s prices are up there. along with Eddie Bauer. REI is definitely NOT inexpensive.
For example, take a waterproof hiking jacket with Gore-​Tex coating. A good quality jacket would run you anywhere from $ 100-​$ 200 at REI or Eddie Bauer. I could go to TJ Maxx and Marshall’s, do a little digging and find a similar jacket with the same quality and capabilities for a fraction of the price!
Overall, REI is a great store for all the activities I mentioned above. and more… IF of course, you don’t mind paying the higher prices. But with the higher price tag, you’re definitely paying for excellent quality merchandise and accessories.

Horrible customer service. The times I’ve been in here the sales associates are useless over worked and over stressed and they just want to get you in and out.
But worse, Alex the store manager refuses to abide by REI’s own policy of honoring the return policy so long as the item was purchased before the policy changed. I even called corporate was told my item was covered and Alex still refused to honor his own company’s policy.
Seriously the worst REI I’ve ever been to.

Gary is the man. If you come here, ask for him. Super knowledgeable, friendly and accommodating.

Well… I’m camping and hiking crazed so of course I’d like this store. It’s in an easily accessible location and housed inside of an old historic building with tall ceilings (main floor) and a basement area that’s very long and sort of narrow. Lots of corners to turn, that’s for sure. What staff I did encounter seemed to be friendly enough and it was very well stocked. That said, I think from my experiences in NYC that Paragon or Tents & Trails are preferred for my shopping dollars. Still, hard to argue the might of REI and what they stand for. I’m a fan of this location and would recommend it if you’re into outdoor activities.

REI’s based out of the Northwest and they do a much better job in that region.
This location’s the only one in the city, making it packed and raising expectations. You’d hope a SoHo location would function as a flagship and show the best of the brand.
It’s not terribly large; they span two floors, with a moderate footprint. Why not another floor up or down? The Seattle flagship’s got three floors, and a much longer footprint. This location actually wastes their bottom floor for stock. Yes, the entire thing is boxes of inventory, and apparently a lounge for employees.
Selection is limited as a result. They’ve got only certain sizes of certain styles in certain colors. I was looking for a Marmot Minimalist shell, alongside a Marmot inner.
The first guy I talked to in men’s jackets was delightful. He explained the different components of a jacket (even though I already knew), as well as the models with their different properties. He noted the difference in water resistance between the proprietary coating on Marmot and TNF jackets, and the Gore-​Tex coating. Upselling for sure, but at least he admitted that the proprietary coatings will be leaky in a rain storm. So he was great, and I continued to browse.
I was interested in the Minimalist shell I mentioned, but they didn’t have my size and I wasn’t sold on the style of a rain jacket anyways. I’ve been upping my fashion game and a Teflon coating don’t help. I walked out of the store to look for a more fashionable jacket along Broadway, but came back when I felt increasingly desperate for rain protection.
This time I asked a staff member (different guy this time) for my size. I was looking for a small to try on, since the medium had such long sleeves. He left me waiting for at least five minutes. It doesn’t take that long to find stock in a wall-​managed store. He meandered up the stairs and told me without infection that they didn’t have it. This is NYC, and they need to speed it up.
I needed to catch a train so I hopped out. Not planning to come back here for jackets. I’ll use an umbrella and stay fashionable, like the rest of the city.

It’s a chain, but what a great chain store this is in NYC! Spacious, with helpful employees, there’s a bike store and bike shop on the top level, and more downstairs, including camping, footwear, men’s and women’s hiking and workout wear, and great clearance finds.
I was able to score a great running shirt on clearance, and enjoyed checking out the camping and physical therapy section, with foot massages, foam rollers. Oh, and there’s a clean bathroom– always a boon when you’re a tourist traipsing around a big city. Love REI, and love this big store.

As a sportwear store, they do carry a lot of unique items, especially outdoor sport wear.
My TWO STARS RATING is toward the customer service.
Bought a Camelbak Hydration Pack as a gift for my friend, I came back to RETURN it within 2 days. The street level cashier looked at me with an unfriendly gesture and told me «If you want to do a RETURN, it is downstairs». The item was not touched/​opened, so it was not like I am trying to abuse the return policy by using the item and claiming it «unsatisfactory». The employee seem very upset; I’ve worked in retail, so I guess my return is going to be under his/​her name and he/​she may not meet his/​her quota for the month.
While majority of the employees are very welcoming, the management team might need to loosen up on their employees, especially on doing returns.
Now I will not feel comfortable making a purchase here, at least think twice and be 100% positive that I won’t return the item.

One of my favorite stores in NYC. Very friendly employees. Big fitting rooms. Hugh varieties of stuff needed for outdoor activities.
Skiing, snowboarding trekking,. for all outdoor activities you find there the needed stuff. Good quality. Not only designer labels also own labels from Rei can be found there. But most impressive is the friendlyness of the employees.
If you buy there more often please have a thought about the member card.

Recent west coast transplant and am glad to find one of my favorite playgrounds in NYC.
Like many other REIs I’ve been to, the staff at the NYC location is beyond nice.
I’ve noticed REI staff tend to reflect the local flavor eg: a store close to the coast will totally rock Kayak and SUP gear selection and staff who know the specs…
But what is the flavor of NYC? I didn’t explore every department but camping didn’t feel like one.
One of the associates I spoke with, fellow CA transplant, was amazing. While the one who I ended up working with was not able to give a well argued justification of why I should buy one brand vs the next. I know, I know it is probably negligible differences but this is why I come to buy from a speciality store vs online, y’know?
Prices for REI will likely be more expensive, however you look at it, but I do love the community development, conservation and coop aspects of their business.
Great place for inspiration and last minute purchases.

REI is awesome. I’ve been to many locations in various states. They all have one thing in common: superb customer service!
I know that if I need advice from someone who actively participates in a sport re: apparel, gear, etc., I know that I’ll find that someone at REI. Granted — sometimes you have to ask specifically for a person who does xyz sport, but you will certainly be guided to that person.
This location is no exception. I dropped off my board to get service for the season. They delivered it within a few days. Members get a discount on service.
As I was leaving, I needed a boot strap/​clip. Someone came over to help me and he noticed that my mountings were not built properly on my board. I got them mounted elsewhere (not at REI). He was nice enough to adjust them for me, gave me a brief lesson on what he was doing, and set them up so that I can better ride switch. He also adjusted the bindings properly for my most comfortable stance. Basically, he’s a super nice snowboarding genius! His name was Kyle.
Anyway — people sometimes bi-​tch about the $ 20 LIFETIME membership fee — LIFETIME! Honestly, I’ve gotten the money back, multiplied. Not just by the cash bonus they send each year you can spend in the store, but in the benefits of membership, such as super knowledgeable and helpful Kyle.
REI is not the mecca for snow sports gear, etc., but they have the basics.

Even though REI is a chain store, this location is a great addition to NYC, which also needs its outdoor/​active get-​up fix!
The interior is large and allows for the crowds on days when it’s packed. There’s a pretty comprehensive clothing section in the basement. The (better-​priced) clearance items are also on the bottom floor.
Tom was super helpful and knowledgable when I came. I’ve only had good service when I’ve been here!

After hibernating for so many winters, I woke up and realized that I wanted to ski again. Thanks to REI at SoHo I was re-​acquainted with the latest ski outfits and gear.
The three story superstore carries all sports and outdoor outfits, equipment and gear for all seasonal activities. From winter outfits to summer outdoor activities such as climbing gear, camping equipment, skate board, bicycle etc.
They also have an end of season sale at the lower basement area. Ideal if you’re not mindful of the latest fashion trends. The rewards card is also recommended if you and your family members are frequently upgrading outfits and gear.
I was impressed how knowledgeable the staff were. they recommended to me the best and latest stuff (goggles, ski pants, water proof jackets) and he really took some time explaining different items with me. I will definitely coming back here soon.

A great huge flagship sorta store full of stuff for camping, hiking, trekking, skiing, running, and all sorts of other active ings.
If you know EMS, then this is very similar, except it is or it feels a bit bigger. They have about the same stuff as far as I can tell, but they also have way more people on staff so you may be more quickly helped here.

Large store. Lots of merchandise. Brightly lit, clean. Subway convenient. Friendly, knowledgeable staff.
However I didn’t come here for outdoors, hiking, camping, etc. gear.
Came specifically for outdoor running gear, realized that was a mistake fairly immediately. I found the selection of men’s winter running gear limited. Oddly the section was placed far away from footwear and sneakers which felt odd. I expected better merchandise and layout. Whoever is buying for this section is doing a pretty job at best. Prices also seemed fairly steep for brick n mortar retail especially since it was all run of the mill running eq. I thought they’d have a deep offering of Nike Combat, CWX, etc. Also I thought they’d have a white label offering but don’t.
This is very much probably an excellent outdoor, hiking etc. store with a mediocre pricey running section. I get Northface is a leading brand in inclement weather outdoor wear, but this store is so overly indexed on NF product that is really overpriced versus other outdoor brands. On a positive note I found some running gloves with screen touch fingers that weren’t completely overpriced.