REI

Since OR offers «tax free» shopping, I had my purchase sent to OR. Although products are good (and pricey), the sizing isn’t always quite right. For example, my purchase included a men’s large Pearl Ozumi vest and it fit more like a medium.
Not only did I wait in a slow customer service line to pick up my merch, I had to wait in the same line to return the item that didn’t fit.
Additionally, street parking costs $ 2/​hr and can be paid by credit card. Yea, no scrambling for quarters.
The personnel at REI are super helpful and courteous.
Overall, you’re better off trying on items in person.

I like their gear and return policy but rarely experience good or better customer service. Many times I order online and have delivered to store to not pay taxes or shipping but the only downside is the lack of customer service support. I’m using sample data from at least 5 online orders and in store pickup. The lines are always insanely long, understaffed and often times poor employee interactions because they’re stressed.

Excellent staff –they were all knowledgeable and very helpful, especially the people in the bicycle department.
These guys have much better pricing on entry level bicycles, compared to some of the other shops in the area.

REI is a great place to pick up all your outdoor needs. From camping gear and hiking shoes to a new bike they have it all. It usually isn’t the cheapest place but the quality is excellent. if your a member then you get a small kick back at the end of the year (about 10% back usually).
This is a big location in the Pearl, it has a climbing column in the front door and a parking garage behind it. Oh and the staff is always friendly and knowledgeable!
Tip: the link above will take you to there events page. Lots of classes and outings, some are even free!

I know absolutely nothing about backpacking. How I got convinced to go on not one, but TWO backpacking trips within the next month. I don’t even know.
Thankfully, I came across this REI while in Portland (gotta take advantage of no sales tax), and met Ada, my backpacking angel.
I was so clueless yet intrigued by everything there, I’m surprised how Ada even put up with me. I must have been so annoying. She was so so SO extremely helpful when answering all of my questions, which basically sum up to: «I’m going backpacking for the first time, don’t have anything and didn’t do any research prior to stepping in here. Please tell me everything I need to know and what to buy.»
Fast forward a few hours later (yes, hours), I’m walking out with a shit ton of stuff (thank god for Southwest and free checked baggage) a crying wallet, and a REI membership (10% dividend haaay). Also feeling like I lost a little bit of my soul, but so ready to conquer my next adventure.
In summary: best retail customer service I’ve ever experienced.

This is a two floor building. Fully equipped with almost all the climbing stuff you need or is looking for. Plus its close to the famous Planet Granite (walking distance). So you can pick up any last minute things.
Staff are very friendly and helpful. Great place to shop and best of all no tax.

Yay! I’m a fan! Except of the prices but that’s because I’m the cheapest human being in the world!
It’s really true, but as I’ve become older, I’m definitely understanding that price = quality when it comes to outdoor gear. I FINALLY GET IT (except I’m still holding onto my 8-​year-​old $ 19.99 Fred Meyer tent with a tight grip). I decided to seek out some winter boots, something I haven’t properly owned since last time my parents bought some for me (middle school), instead, relying on non-​snow boots to slip ‘n’ slide around.
I walked into REI and thought «eff». I want to look at EVERYTHING. I quickly found a fantastic pair of snow boots on clearance, a Columbia jacket massively marked down and some nice bicycle gloves for the cold. I kicked myself out before I could do more damages. I didn’t seek out help, but there’s plenty of very knowledgeable staff for just about any question you need. And as I replace my crappy other stuff, I know that’ll be just what I need.
Oh, and become a member. It’s worth it. If only for the street cred…

I would say I’m bias because I’m coming from California and everytime I shop here, it’s like getting 10% off (sans sales tax). The last time I was here it was super busy with people but their staff was still really patient and helpful.

I stopped by this REI after having bad luck at a few of their other locations. I was relieved to finally find such helpful and knowledgeable people. I came in looking for snowboard goggles and the guy who helped me was very patient as I tried on multiple pairs and asked probably a million questions. It’s also convenient that they have a parking garage as street parking in the area is really a toss up. Their return policy is great as well. I was slightly hesitant about the pair that I chose due to how they fit my face and he told me to see how they feel at the mountain and if I don’t love them then I can return them.

Great shop. Super friendly employees. Great selection of outdoor clothing, shoes and gear. My favorite REI store for all of these reasons. Plus there’s free parking in the lot behind them. Maybe I shouldn’t give away that little secret…

I really want to like REI. I’m even a member and have spent thousands of dollars there. The store is nice enough and the staff is occasionally helpful.
However, the pricing. Dear god, the pricing. I wanted a new winter coat so I went to REI. Then I went to Mountain Hardwear and bought the exact same coat for $ 55 less. I wanted a new pair of shoes, so I went to REI. Then I checked on Amazon and discovered that the exact same shoe costs half (half!) what it does at REI. They’ll be going back.
I don’t mind paying a little more for the benefit of being able to try out a product in the store and have it immediately, but REI goes too far. On a good day, they’re probably 20−25% more expensive than other stores, and as I’ve recently discovered with the shoe purchase, in some cases they charge literally double (actually 2.04x) what the same item costs on Amazon.
Also the parking is horrific. They have a parking garage that was apparently designed by someone who didn’t realize that doors need to open or that cars do not have zero turning radius.

So hot!!! Why is the heater on so high? It’s sweaty and uncomfortable to try on winter wear when it feels like a tropical island.
I guess this is a regular REI but I couldn’t spent more than 15 minutes there enjoying the elevator.
Please change your environment.

FIRST STOP IN PORTLAND! everyone i talked to back in California raved about this REI as this is one that allows you to rock climb and try out a whole bunch of stuff. The boyfriend and I found our way to downtown Portland as it took us multiple of detours on the bridges due to construction. We finally found the street and parking (which we had to pay — downtown, duh). when we walked in it wasn’t all that exciting to me. it reminded me of any other REI except there were different floors. i was looking forward to the weather room so i can try out the coats but i couldn’t find it! oh well.

Amazing service, Steve J. is genuine and full of knowledge. He is a great reminder of what customer service should be, as well as integrity.
I went in on a last minute procrastination visit to REI in NW to get a backpack for a hike. I was pointed to the area for back packs, and as I stood overwhelmed, I contemplated grabbing one that looked pretty and leaving. After a few minutes Steve J. came up and asked what I was looking for in a back pack. He was amazing. He gave me options, explained each feature to me, and made sure I understood. How hard can buying a back pack be? Pretty hard when you’re conquering the 3^rd tallest mountain in Oregon! Using Google can only get you so far…
He measured me, explained where the pack should sit effectively, and what I should be carrying on my day trip. Steve J. put weight in the back packs, and had me walk around the store to fully feel the fit and comfort in each of them. When I decided both back packs were great he asked what was most important to me. With only minor differences, he went into detail about more features, including ventilation and ease of getting to my gear when needed.

Came, Conquered, Left with empty pockets but Happy with our new purchases! Service was great as well. One of the employees helped carry the bulkier items we bought to our car in the parking garage.

What keeps me coming back? My bike needed fixing. My bike needed extra stuff. My bike needed me to take the fix-​your-​tire-​yourself class. My desire to lose weight by biking more and being able to do grocery shopping on my bike contributed to my coming back here.
Besides, the employees are really helpful, knowledgeable, and friendly. They know (as in live, eat, breathe) their stuff (for real; they ALL love to exercise/​hike/​camp/​bike in their specialty department). Any (stupid) question you have they seriously consider and spend their time in answering, or asking another employee for their input.
It’s just an awesome outdoor store! Huge selection of any-​I really mean any-​thing you could need having to do with outdoor-​whatever. Dried food, helmets, backpacks, bikes, ski stuff, jackets, rain gear, you name it, REI covers it.
I love this place.

Not very good customer service at the bike station. Couple other employees were nice, but this one dude, a little masculine, with a clueless fraternity attitude, left a bad taste in my mouth when I left the store. He just doesn’t know the concept of ‘smiling.’ This is second time I got disappointed at their service. Really don’t want to spend any money there anymore.
To REI,
Please don’t bug customers with the membership card application. If you have to do it, ask politely if the customer’s interested.

If you know exactly what you want you’ll be fine. But if you don’t, especially with shoes, expect to experience some of the most rushed and elusive customer experience. It’s an all out battle trying to get their attention.
That being said the customers are pretty aggressive as well. REI needs to hire more people to staff their shoe section.
Price wise, REI is horrible, and I would reccomend using Sierra Trading Post once you figure out exactly what works for you.

I sat in a car for 12 hours just to come to this REI. Not really, but I did sit in a car for 12 hours and stopped here for some much needed supplies for an upcoming bike tour out of Portland.
This store is GIANT. We wandered around both floors (yes there are 2) looking for goodies. I was stoked because OR has no sales tax, so that was a nice change from CA.
Parking lot is under ground and quite large.
Staff was friendly and courteous in helping us find what we needed.

«GET THE GEAR.” — Portlandia
I’m a CITY GAL so I don’t know much about the great outdoors, but I’m engaged to man who happens to love OUTDOORS EVERYTHING. In an effort to convert me, his mom took me to an REI (for my first time ever) to ‘get the gear.’ Apparently my high top Chucks aren’t practical or safe for 15 mile hikes and I needed to get some appropriate shoes with better traction for trails.
This was my first time ever stepping foot into an REI – I never even heard of an REI store to be honest. Sad, I know. Upon entering, I was completely blown away with how HUGE this store was and you can find anything, and EVERYTHING, you need for sports or outdoor activities. We headed straight for the trail shoes and while I didn’t find anything that really appealed to my style, I was able to find some Merrill trail shoes that could get the job done. The shoes were expensive too! Over $ 150 for shoes that you’re going to track through mud and dirty trails?! But they work well and need very little breaking in– lightweight, waterproof, and sturdy as hell. The service was great. They guy brought me a few sizes to try on and brought me to a «mock trail/​rock» so that I can test them out on. They even had hiking wool socks for you to use when trying on trail shoes which was helpful.
I don’t know how often you’ll find me shopping in an REI without someone twisting my arm to, but if I ever need gear, I know exactly where to go!