REI

I love Rei they have always been great. Until I wanted to return a jacket and Dean the customer service guy made me feel so weird, horrible and awkward about returning something even though it was within the year. You shouldn’t get a lecture about returning something if it’s within the year.

I love this place! A large, nice store with a great number of
selections. They have everything you need to enjoy the great outdoors,
not to mention that their stuff is of high quality, too (accepts
returns and has money back guarantees). You also earn points as a
member. The staffs are very friendly and knowledgeable of their
products. Whether you’re an athlete or not, I’m sure you’ll enjoy
visiting this top notch store.

This has been awhile back, REI just never disappoints, where else would you buy gear to go enjoy the outdoors? This place. First time visiting Alaska? Stuck in Anchorage and you’re not prepared for the weather? Go here.
Walking in, there’s a chance that you might or already feel like a «hipster» not because of what’s inside, it’s just the vibe being on there. The staff, they’ll help you and give you space, really nice people and can be entertaining.

It’s funny to see how many people are mad because a POPULAR item in Alaska was sold out or nearly sold out. It just means they’ve been doing good at supplying everyone with exactly what they’ll need. They always offer other options and if you need it in a hurry and are set on one, they can offer up other good places to buy it. It’s a company that cares about their customers and puts a lot of trust in them. The staff is friendly and they definitely know their stuff, if they’re ever in doubt they ask around, look it up, or will even try the items/​adventures out for themselves on their days off so that can relate to the customer and understand their needs. It’s the only place I recommend for all of your outdoor needs.

Almost always, definitely maybe, a guaranteed hit or miss. If you need expert help this place is really iffy. Half the employees are awesome, half are worthless. Half give insight, half blow smoke, make things up, and do anything to avoid work.
They screw stuff up a lot in the service shop, wether it is skis or bikes the communication from the front counter to the person in back doing work is never full circle. I have had numerous purchases where the tech left parts, like the key for adjusting xc ski bindings or the spacer for bike disc brakes when the front tire is removed, out of what was returned to me with my purchase. Other times bikes were poorly adjusted. Other times repairs were done wrong, maintenance was not performed, adjustments were insufficient…
Prices are just average and it is the sales and clearance that are worth shopping, online is often best.
They are convenient for small outdoors purchases. It’s nice they have a decent selection and don’t have the ridiculous boutique prices other outdoor shops try in anchorage.
It is mostly the return policy that keeps me coming back. Speaking of which I need to wrap this up so I can go return something.

Who doesn’t love rei??? And it’s so convenient? Nice parking lot. Big store. Not hard to find.
As you go in, there are thing to the right and left. The educational room which is like a classroom is to the right. The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable. It was a very pleasant experience. They have everything you would need to go into the Alaskan wilderness… Even bear spray and mosquito netting… So stop by if you’ve forgotten something… I did.

Not the best REI I’ve been in. Decent service, but their supply of rain pants and stuff sacks is terrible. Everything else is fine though. Pretty average.

Most of the staff are great but for some reason whenever I go to look at backpacks there is never anyone to help me or there is one person and they spend all their time with one customer. I was in the shop today for probably an hour trying to pick a backpack for a month long trip and not one staff member asked if I needed help. I then went up to clothing and shoes and was helped immediately. Maybe they need more staff down in camping gear.

REI Anchorage is a phenomenal place. Many of the store employees are extremely knowledgeable. Not everyone is an expert in every area. Look at the picture wall to the right of the entrance and really soak in what all these employees do. Some are competitive mountain bikers, big peak climbers, hikers, paddlers, rock climbers etc. If you expect any given employee to have all the answers, you’re a bonehead.
Their selection is great, the member rewards and prices on rentals are outstanding. The level of customer service you get after your purchase is what keeps me coming back to REI.
There are several outstanding gear shops in the area, and I frequent them all. Shopping at REI does not preclude me from being a strong supporter of smaller, more local businesses. Overall, this store is fantastic. It’s a great way to get exposure to products. Right now they have a North Face Mountain 25 tent set up in the store. It’s so awesome to touch and feel a tent I’d love to own.
REI is cheap if you hit clearance items, and it’s cheap when you factor in the dividend.

We shop in REIs all over the country. I am a member as well. This was my first time to Anchorage and in prepping for a trip up to Fairbanks, Chris was extremely patient and helpful. He helped me find the best gear for the scheduled temperature. He was responsible and really sweet. Thank you, Anchorage REI.

My wife and I visited the REI in Anchorage, Alaska and had a great experience. Their prices are high but they carry good quality products. We purchased all of our outdoor gear for winter here and they had a wide variety of different clothing lines to choose from. We became REI members and will definitely be doing business here again in the near future. Thanks for the great experience.

My fiancé used my card to shop here last year during a sale, so I had some dividend that I wanted to spend, otherwise I wouldn’t have gone.
Some staff are knowledgeable, some are not, like the dude I had to interact with today, who said he had no input on the product I asked about, and when he asked 5 minutes later if I needed help and I told him no as he had no input on the product, he became argumentative. I should have just smiled and shook my head but if you can’t answer my questions, don’t keep asking if I need help. It’s frustrating especially when you’re spending a lot of cash. I also loved the face he made as he walked away. Like I said, I should have just smiled and said «no thanks». In all fairness I’m sure he loved me as much as I loved him, but I’m the customer, so suck it up buttercup.
You have a ⁵⁰⁄₅₀ chance of getting a decent salesperson. When I was new to nordic skiing I received REALLY bad advice at REI regarding equipment and waxing (ski instructor was totally baffled). Other people I know also get major attitude from staff (and they are not people who will be direct like myself). At this point I will only shop there if it is absolutely not available elsewhere. Otherwise go to Barney’s, AMH, Mountain View Sports, or other local retailers who actually care about the customer, know what they are talking about, and carry great product.

The reviews for this REI are hilarious! I had no idea REI was some sort of hipster hangout!
Yes, REI is not cheap. But, to call it expensive? Compared to what/​where?
Sure you can find cheaper things online, but can you take them back a couple months later because the boots are giving you blisters or the shell has lost its water-​repellency? Probably not. And if you can, you’re paying to ship it back… FROM ALASKA. OUCH.
It sounds like others have had experiences with bad employees, but they have always been nice to me. And just think of all the annoying tourists this location must have to deal with!
unrelated: Don’t tell anyone but I may or may have a crush on a girl that works at the returns/​customer service area in the back. She is very nice and has a nice smile.

I think I trust these workers more than any other REI store in the nation because of how many outdoor activities AK offers and how these workers must be participating. Anyway, I wasn’t happy buying an expensive gps unit and finding out it was actually used, but they exchanged it without flack. Standard fair, but I enjoy this place.

I really don’t know why people love this store so much. Maybe I set myself up for disappointment by visiting their website first. I decided to browse online before visiting so I would have an idea of what I wanted. When I walked into the store, I was impressed because it’s pretty big inside, 2 floors in fact. But once I actually started looking around, I realized they didn’t have ANY of the stuff I had decided on in stock. Very disappointing. And for as big as the store is, they sure have a lot of CLOTHES. It seemed more like a trendy winter fashion show. IDK, but the whole faux-​Alaskan think kinda irked me.
I did like the layout of the half of the store that sells outdoor gear. It’s well organized. I especially liked their sleeping bag display, which allows you to really get a sense of what’s what. All the cooking and camping gear is pretty interesting and they have a good selection. But some of their stuff is SO SOSO expensive. And the service? Well, I felt more like I was at Walmart… A greeter at the door but no sales people on the floor? DUMB!
I know that SOME of their gear is worth the price, but some of it is just a flat-​out rip off. I think some people shop here because it’s cool and trendy, which is just STUPID. I would suggest start being outfitted at a locally owned and operated place like BJ’s and then heading to REI or Cabela’s for odd-​ball items, since they’re so expensive.
And you want me to BUY a «membership» to get discounts. That’s just assinine. What is this, 1980???
The only thing I like about REI is their survival selection. Don’t expect to find anyone on the floor to answer your questions. Bring a smartphone with you and do a little research while you shop (that’s why I do since there’s no damn salespeople!) I have found a few items at REI that I couldn’t find anywhere else.
And they sell State Park parking passes, yay! I wish I had know sooner…

The good:
A lot of high quality stuff in one location.
Satisfaction guaranteed or your money back. (I’ve returned a watch that didn’t last six months) I’ve returned boots that I have worn indoors only (left the tags on)
The bad: I met the manager mike on the coastal trail one day. My ski boot pin broke in the boot rendering the boot worthless. He told me to return it. I told him it had been two years since I bought it. He said don’t worry about it. It was faulty.
The next day I couldn’t return it. The snoty attitude teen couldn’t find a record that I had purchased it there. Wtf!
I don’t make big purchases there anymore if someone else on town has it. (it’ll be cheaper somewhere else)
The youngsters there often think they are somehow superior in advice giving. After a lifetime of fishing hunting flying working outdoors. I find their advise clearly based on theory. (the young salespersons).
The older guys n gals are a great resource. Especially mark in climbing and Martin in camping and skis. Go see them.

I’m a big-​time knife guy, and the selection is kind of lacking, which surprised me being a store so focused on the outdoors. Their selection of outdoor-​focused watches more than made up the difference, though, in my opinion.

Yes, I am an REI fan — I’m a «member» and have got the card. Ha! So I know it’s a bit pricier than other stores — — and I’m okay with that.
I get what I expect from REI — — excellent quality items, superior & knowledgeable service, and a cute little dividend check EOY.
This was a nice, large store. Again, being an outta-​stater I appreciate the no-​sales tax.
Friendly staff — great selection.

I agree with John Z.
The staff here knows what they are talking about when it comes to gear but it is WAY over priced. I usually come here to take a look at gear and then go online and find a much better deal. If you want to pay 120 $ for a shirt by all means go for it. They should definitely change the name to CREI– Chinese Recreation Equipment Inc.

I will say there are the wannabees, the athletes, the really serious people who would rather find solace 100% of their free time rather than drink at a bar, the people who are too lazy to shop around for better deals on similar items, and the people who go just to get good advice for a sport they’re considering undertaking. I’m not sure where I fit in, but I’ve never bought a $ 400 sleeping bag. Nor did I buy a $ 800 mountain bike, thanks, I have a great friend who gave his to me.
It’s nice that they have dedicated employees who really live for sports. and you’ll get pretty good information. It’s the only place I know where to get a kayak, but for a $ 100 cycling shirt, if you have the $$ go ahead, indulge. I’ll go online.