REI

I’ve been going to REI in Brentwood for years for biking, hiking, camping needs and more. The employees have always been super helpful. Today was no exception. I don’t wear hats, but my dermatologist told me recently I should start to always wear a hat to avoid too much sun exposure when doing outside activities.
My dermatologist is a smart guy so off I go to my favorite outdoor store to see what hats they have. They have a good selection. I try some on and find one I like (the REI Wombat). Problem is, they have medium and XL but no large. Medium felt like it fit okay, but as I got to the register I was wondering how a large would feel. I asked the cashier what she thought. She was super helpful and said «that looks a little tight, lets see if we can find you a large». She looks it up in their system and it shows they have a couple in inventory. She goes to the back and a few minutes later comes out with a large and it fits perfect! Super helpful!
I should’ve gotten her name so I could thank her here, but I didn’t think of it at the time. My email receipt says «Employee #: 145 041». So thank you employee #145 041, you rock!!!
One other thing about REI: You can of course drop serious amounts of $$$ there. I mean they have some of the best of the best outdoor equipment, mountaineering equipment, etc, etc that is pro quality. And that’s cool — there’s a place for that type of high end quality — yes, a pro cyclist does need a 10 lb bike to get whatever edge they can possibly get when the average enthusiast doesn’t. But don’t think you’re always going to have to pay insane amounts for things. For example, the REI line is *very* reasonably priced in my opinion and in my experience has always been high quality.
Example: Looking at their website right now I see you can get a 2 person REI brand dome tent for $ 100 normal price (keep in mind, they frequently have 20% coupons and if you’re a member you get a purchase percent back so you’re never paying retail). Looking at Walmart’s website you can get a 2 person dome tent for $ 32. I *guarantee* you the quality between the two will be a day and night difference. Say you use that REI tent 20 times. At the end of those 20 times you’ll still have a quality tent in *very* good condition that will continue to serve you well dozens more times. I doubt you’ll be able to say the same thing about the cheap Walmart tent.
Just sayin’…

Always have a great experience in this store. Most of the associates are really knowledgable and able to offer guidance towards a smart purchase. Upon my last visit Aaron (i think was his name… taller guy w/​a big red beard!) and Andrea were both extremely helpful in fitting me with a new hiking pack and a couple of other goodies. Sometimes it gets so busy it’s hard to find someone to speak with, but that’s not really anyone’s fault. Become a co-​op member and take advantage of sales to ease the burden on your wallet, as many items can get pricey, but that’s just the name of the game in this category.

I have really mixed feelings for REI.
Their stuff is quality stuff… so I don’t mind paying premium price for it… most of the time. Sometimes I cheat and stand there with my phone to see if I can get it cheaper somewhere else. But you know, when you’re outdoors away from civilization and cell phone service, you don’t want your gear to fail on you (I’m not talking about being at Castlewood). So I pony up the dollars to make sure that my gear is not going to be my cause of death.
However, their sales force is just so hit and miss, which makes me subtract that other star. I’ve never been asked if I needed help, but when I’ve asked for it, it’s friendly, but not always knowledgeable. Good thing I am best friends with Dr. Google; he answers everything for me. And the employees do like to chat with each other more than work the floor. Last time I was there shopping for Christmas, three of them were talking to each other about handicaps, and I overheard the girl say to the two guys: «I’d love to have a wheelchair. It’d be easier than walking.». There are so many things wrong with that comment… I am still trying to get over it! In REI no less! Even more ironically, when I approached the trio about finding some pants in a different size, she was the only one who was enthused about helping me while the two guys studied the floor intensely.
REI also does classes, some of them free; it’s worth checking out. New to me are their local hikes which is very neat!
.

Great store. Nice selection of items. Very helpful staff. A little pricey however. But be warned. The parking lot is always a night mare as there are about 6 stores in the plaza.

I have been continually impressed with this location’s customer service. Every time I walk in, I am greeted warmly and not bothered too much as I shop. However, there are always friendly sales people around to ask questions and they have perfected the art of timing when they approach me to ask if I need help to be precisely when I run into a question. Don’t know how they do it.
Recently, I went to buy something I saw that they had online. Their inventory wasn’t correct so they weren’t able to find exactly what I wanted in the color I wanted even though their inventory devices said there was one in the store. Understandable. My customer service rep was super helpful though. After looking throughout all of the store and having his manager help look and check in the back and all around, we concluded that it wasn’t in-​store so they ordered it online for me.
Pick up in store from an online order is free so I did that. They send you three emails and in-​store pickup option doesn’t get you tracking, but the estimated arrival date was correct, and the final third email notified me correctly when it arrived in store. So overall, I had a great experience shopping there.

I’m very new to the outdoors /​hiking culture and was excited to visit this REI. Being a novice, I really don’t know what I’m talking about and it seems the folks at REI don’t either. This is evident due to their intense sales tactic of trying to convince you to become a «member» vs. lending a kind hand for what you’re searching for. The pressure and badgering was so horrendous, I felt sick to my stomach during my time at REI. However, I’m happy with my purchase; and that’s the big obstacle here. I love their stuff, but can’t take the sales pressure regarding this damn membership. They claim you become «part owner» of the company… whatever. If it didn’t generate massive revenue for them, they wouldn’t badger you about it.

I shop online and at the store, and the employees are so friendly and helpful. I love their rewards program and the free classes they offer. They don’t always have the best prices (for example, some of their clearance items are on Amazon for the same price) but you get the benefit of being able to see, touch, and try the items before you buy. I’m not into hiking but I have heard they have a lifetime guarantee on their boots.

I was very impressed with the friendliness of the staff at REI. My friend was searching for a compass and the salesperson went above and beyond helping him find the right product for him, he learned more about compass that he ever needy to know. I wondered around the store. I could not believe all of the choices for hiking, I feel like I could survive years in the woods with all of the dehydrated food packages. I checked out the paddleboards. Not many to choose from but all fun options. I am in need of a new bike helmet, they only had two helmets. I did find one that I liked but it was $ 70, yes I would like to keep my brain intact, but I thought that was a little steep. Luckily, when my friend checked out he got a $ 20 off coupon and passed it along to me… I will be back to get the helmet. Thank you REI.

I’m not a typical customer of REI but whenever I need something outdoorsy then this store is one of my first stops. It’s really fun to browse through all of the aisles and see all the unique and very interesting things that they sell. This store is insanely expensive though so I don’t really end up buying a lot of items here. Most of the time if it’s a good deal then I purchase something but if not then I usually just scope it out, do a test, check out sizes etc then look for a cheaper price online. I have noticed that the things I buy here are very quality so you definitely get what you pay for. Other than that, quality of service is exceptional, the place is littered with staff members who are always willing to help and answer questions.

I have to would say i never really wrote a bad review. But, i been to a few REI in other cities… huntington, CA, NY, NY in the past. Im not a regular customer either but usually the associates are very laid back and always willing to help to the point where you get enough infor and leave with product. But, i must say, it was very hard to get any real help at the Brentwood, MO… associates just seem like they were more involved in conversation then helping a customer. Netherless, i walked out and did my own reseach online on vibram shoes… and bought a product from a online vendor. Im glad i did, was 60 percent cheaper. Sorry Brentwood REI. You have alot of competition and at your price. You need to pay attention to your customer.

Firstly, this Rei sucks if you’ve been to other metropolitan areas. Prices are the same, high, as others note, but selection and organization is crap. In 3 years, I’ve yet to find a truly helpful associate, from shoes, to backpacking, biking and beyond.
Secondly, Rei in general has started a larger movement toward private brands (welcome to america) and this hurts, IMO as it hits across all departments. Even outdoor stores in small towns easily out class this place.
Lastly the location sucks and Brentwood parking jobs are the worst in already terrible St Louis. I wish I could find another brick and mortar solution for this place but it just doesn’t exist here. Cabelas and Bass Pro just aren’t it. I use this place for showrooming, the once a year purchase, and the 20pct coupons for members.

I joined last year and have shopped and bought at REI 8 or 9 times since. Their prices are not discounted, but you do a 10% «dividend» check back at the end of the year so their net prices are reasonable. We all have things that we are willing to pay full price for and things that we don’t care that much about.
Why do I give REI 5 stars? The store associates are very knowledgeable about the products and they are not just trained, they relate their personal experiences and reasons why they are advising for or against certain products. Genuine enthusiasm and use is not something most retailers can offer.
My second reason is that they don’t sell junk, it’s all good quality (and some top of the line). Go to Dicks or Sports Authority type stores and while there is some high quality product there is also lots of junk that will fail you in the field. Cheaper yes, but cheap is cheap and if you are camping out or running or paddling a product failure is lot more frustrating than when it happens at home or in the office.
So, their curated selection of only offering good products along with staff that knows and uses the products make it a good value to me even though I spend a bit more than I might online. I value their people.
The only downside is that the parking lot can be very busy, especially with self-​absorbed crunchy/​yuppy customers from Whole Foods seeking the best gluten-​free, organic, free-​range kale chips to fuel their energy so that they can carry all their Apple devices to their Prius.

REI is a great catch-​all spot when you’re lookin’ for some outdoorsy/​athletic stuff.
I actually popped by this one just to look around and what they had and see if I could find a gift for a friend. I ended up settling on a gift card (the best gift, right?) but the customer service was great!
The staff were super helpful and answered any questions I had. Not too shabby!

It’s a big box store which specializes in outdoor goods. It may make you feel better to shop at REI rather than Bass Pro or Cabellas, but I have to think they are all about the same speed. The prices are high but the gear is more specialized. The staff truly does look the part but Im not sure about experts there. The place has guest speakers and claases available to the public which is great. The rewards club does pay off at the end of each year. For those more inclined, they offer REI vacations. The indoor rock climbing wall looks cool but I’ve never seen anyone climb it.
Nice community events wall on the second floor.

When I am in the market for gear this is one of my go-​to places. They may not have everything I need but they are extremely helpful when I have questions.
I spent a of time going over energy sources for a bike ride. Another time on bike pumps, and other times with shoes, clothing, and camping gear.
They seem to hire people who know and use the products. I always enjoy going to this store.

Yeah, I’m gonna need you to pay a lot extra at this place. Unfortunately, that is the solid truth. BUT… you are paying for what you get, which is high quality, unique, outdoorsy fun things. After all, It is in that somewhat snooty shopping center… next to Arhaus, Whole Foods, and other random stores I could care less about. I like Whole Foods… at times.
I go here for specific things that are hard to come by without ordering online… not that ordering online is bad. Ordering from REI outlet online = GOOD! They have a lot of neat toys that cater to your every outdoor needs — cycling, running, hiking, kayaking, camping, etc, etc, etc. I go mostly for cycling but love looking at all the other items.
It’s a fun place to browse and dream. I found some super deals on bike gear via REI Outlet online too so be sure to check that out from time to time. They also have a cool member deal that actually pays you back depending on your purchase amounts… not to mention access to deals and coupons!
If you have money to spend — then have a field day here. If not, then focus on the specifics and look for clearance and outlet deals. I am a fan but also chose to only utilize REI as needed primarily because of cost.

Mixed feelings on this place. First, it is indeed pricey but watch for clearance deals online or special sales in shop. Membership is totally worth it; you pay a 1-​time up-​front fee and just make a purchase annually and you get killer discounts and access to special sales as well as getting money back based on how much you spend. Those discounts also apply to trips. I haven’t taken one yet but we’re talking like $ 1800 off sometimes so check it out.
Now that I’ve talked up the chain, let’s talk about the Brentwood store. First, can I say anymore about how I hate all Brentwood parking lots? Apparently I can because this one is still horrible. Next, first floor staff is distant but helpful if they see you. Second floor staff needs to get it together. The shoe area is really what I have to mention. Twice now I’ve gone in and looked at shoes in that «I’m super serious about this pair, let’s get it done» kind of way, attempted to talk to a clerk only to be ignored or to literally have one walk past me and help another guy who kept insisting he was just looking. He went and grabbed that guy 4 pairs that he didn’t even try on while I tried to wait patiently.
The minute my husband tries to flag him down, he immediately wants to help… then he learns it is for me. I get it, my husband wears flannel and has a lumberjack beard and I made the mistake of showering that day but do not give me attitude when I ask to try on 2 pairs I have researched. Yes, I do indeed know how boots are sized. Yes, I have indeed hiked before and plan to again if only I can get a new pair of shoes since I wore my last pair out. When I needed socks, the clerk in that area immediately spoke to me, assessed my skill level and goals for the next 6 months and helped me select a new liner to try. She said if I liked them I should come back just after Christmas as they are usually part of their sale then. Helpful and treated me like a person. If only the shoe section could get it together like that.

REI is one of my favorite places for outdoor gear. I first started shopping here a few years ago when I made my first serious run at getting fit. I was on the hunt for running shoes, and had heard they were carrying the Vibram Toe Shoes which were gaining popularity at the time. I was given a great amount of assistance from the staff, had lots of questions answered, and even had a few people come up and tell me their pros and cons on different types of running shoes. That experience was a great first impression.
Since that visit, I’ve been back several times for heart rate monitor watches, (lost one, bought a second one) clothing, and other stuff.
Today I stopped in to get a new watch band for my Polar watch, to no avail. These bands are a bit trickier than I had thought, and will probably need to contact the company to get mine fixed. My second intended purchase was a blu-​tooth monitor to pair with my iPhone, which they were out of. Regardless of the let down in being out of stock on this item, and not carrying the other, the staff was very helpful and gave me some options on how to get the stuff I need. They even gave me the stock info for the monitor so I could go to the website and find the exact one I need.
I will warn that REI does tend to be on the high side in price. I’ve shopped other retailers for stuff in the past, primarily my Polar watch, and found better pricing elsewhere. However, I’m a bit of a geek when it comes to rewarding retailers who employ knowledgeable people, so despite higher prices, I’ve tried to buy from REI as often as possible. I hate the idea of rewarding crappy service just to save 10%, not to mention having to drive across town just to save a few bucks.

For those of you who do not know what REI stands for it is, Real Expensive Inventory. It may be expensive, but you will get what you pay for and that is quality.
Since it is so expensive, I do not think I have ever paid full price for anything here, I patiently wait for that magical word, «CLEARANCE» to appear on top of the various racks and those are the only racks I allow myself to shop.
REI was part of our search for yoga socks, don’t know why we called a outdoor, camping and biking store for yoga stuff, but we did and to our surprise they had them.
Well at least the person who answered the phone said they did, when we got there we found out otherwise. Terminology is very important in retail, all five toe socks are not yoga socks. (We did find out later, REI only has yoga socks on line)
Explaining what we needed and wanted, the sales professional in shoes introduced us to Vibram Five Finger shoes. These are some wicked shoes, each toe has it’s very own slot to slide in, making them weird looking and not a good fashion statement. May not be fashionable, but they will help us keep that New Years Resolution of living a healthier life style.
The shoes he showed us were pricey and not on sale. Not wanting to spend the $$‘s, he suggested that we go home and check the clearance section at
and perhaps we’d find a pair there. We are so glad he did, because looking at the ones on line we discovered TheShoeMart. com and they had a pair for a ¹⁄₃ of the cost at REI was charging. REI may have lost the sale, but he offered up some good customer service.
Since I haven’t reviewed REI before, I do want to give them a couple of good shout outs. I bought my sailing jacket here and love it. It is lightweight, hooded, keeps me dry in the rain and is perfect for late in the season late night boating on the Mississippi with the family. Also, my job requires me to be outside at times and with winter winds, the silk long underwear from REI is the best I have found. Who’d have thought silk would keep you warm and toasty.
I may not be the typical REI customer, but when I need their products, I do love them and love them more when they are on sale.

I am an avid REI shopper. They have the best selection of Smart Wool socks and they usually run sales on them, which is awesome since they are a bit pricey! I have purchased coats, and boots and backpacks and gear from this REI and never had an issue. They have an unbelievable return policy and if you are part of their membership you get discounts sent to you and perks yearly.
The people at this REI are always friendly and helpful. I have experienced this type of customer service at all the REI’s I have shopped at. They value their customers and in return the customers stay loyal to shopping here. I know the prices can be a bit steep but I would buy from REI in a heart beat than any other store because of the customer service and return policy.