REI

My husband purchased me a coat and I wanted to exchange it for another color but they didn’t have it. Had to order online but it’s free shipping home to members although the member fee is a one time fee of something like $ 15.

I love REI in general, but not the biggest fan of this particular location. It’s the closest one to me, but when I need gear in a pinch, it is usually the only REI in the Greater Los Angeles area where the item is unavailable in-​store. This means I frequently find myself driving out to Santa Monica, Northridge, or Rancho Cucamonga (or just going to a different store all-​together). In addition, on at least a couple occasions I’ve gone in when an item was supposedly in stock, only to find that it wasn’t.
That said, the workers are all quite friendly (and more than willing to scour the store for some obscure inventory item that I’m trying to hunt down) and knowledgeable, but that’s mostly true of all REIs I’ve been to.

Everything you need for all your adventures activities. Awesome staff and great quality stuff. Check out the list of cheap or free classes. I can usually go here and walk around for a couple of hours just looking at all the unique stuff. Check or call for dates on all the sale dates if you are a member, great deals!

This review is for customer service. The staff here are AMAZING. I was approached by 4 different staff members during my visit and asked if I needed help or had any questions. They managed to answer all my questions about my upcoming trip to Yosemite. Thank you!

Rei has no way of looking up pass purchases that need warranty unless you purchase there membership, beware, no ability to look up credit card purchases, they were so happy to boast about warranty at time of purchase but when you need help they are no no no, especially at the Arcadia store.

This store is my go to spot for anything and everything outdoorsy. From the moment you walk into the front doors, you feel welcomed. The staff will go above and beyond in helping you with whatever tickles your fancy. The specialists in each department are very helpful in fitting or sizing you depending on your activity.
They offer many free activities for the month and some with a modest fee, but all great for the spirit and the soul. Whether hiking is your thing or prefer kayaking or rock climbing… REI is the place for you.
The selection is superb with high quality name brands as well as REI’s own brand which is a great contender.
Consider a membership (a one time fee of approx 20.00) and it will get you yearly dividends depending on how much you spend in a year, as well as 20% off coupons from time to time.
REI also offers Parking Passes to local parks.
If you can’t find what you are looking for in the store, head to
or the outlet on line… shipping is usually free to your local store and free to your home if over 50.00 in merchandise.

REI is the best place to buy all of the outdoor gear you need. I have never been steered wrong by one of their employees. The bike guy at the Arcadia store gladly turned my son’s bike into a balance bike by removing the chain and pedals (I’ll have them put back on when he is ready for them). The REI brand gear is also really well made and worth a look.

I came in to REI to purchase some orthotics for my athletic shoes. Instead of being left to find them on my own, I was assisted by not one, but two sales associates, Brooke and Julie. Both were very friendly and very knowledgeable about the product I wanted. While helping me try on various brands, I was given a quick course on how to properly choose and use them correctly. I was not used to such personal assistance. I walked out with a little more knowledge and renewed faith in customer assistance. There are places where it still happens. I will be a returning customer at REI. Thanks again Brooke and Julie!

Not impressed with the customer service at all, at this store. At the Huntington beach store, I had at LEAST one person come ask me if I needed help, in each of the sections I browsed thru. I’ve been here 20 minutes and these rugged looking dudes look at me and turn and walk the other way. Not one asked if I had any questions. I’ll be going to the Huntington beach location from now on.

REI, you are the reason shopping in person trumps online shopping. You make life easier. You rock. Thank you.
To be honest, I love on online shopping. I get it. Uncomparable deals, free shipping, free returns, etc… not to mention the satisfaction of receiving a package in the mail. It’s an addiction. However, some things are best bought in person… especially if you have no idea what you’re buying or what the difference is between a «hiking» boot or a «backpacking» boot. But have no fear, an REI employee will come to the rescue.
I was on the hunt for some hiking boots for a long trip I’m planning. Two lovely employees led me to a pair of shoes that I ended up purchasing!
Let me tell you reasons why this purchase was best in person:
1. they measured my feet to find the right fit. can’t do that online…
2. I tested the shoes out on their mini rock. Yes, a tiny little boulder with a metal handle that you climb. take that, virtual boulder!
3. I was in and out of the store in 30mins… when I browse sites online, I go ape shit. I’ll literally stare at my screen for hours researching the best deal, best brand, perfect color, etc.
4. I get to take it home with me. Right after I purchased it. No waiting.
I became an REI member. $ 20 for a lifetime membership. I didn’t even question it.

I bought a cooler, tent, lantern and sleeping bags from them
The staff were really helpful, I did my study on Internet the night before but after talking to them I realized that I didn’t had all the informations, make sure to ask them to help you, they will tell you all the cons and pros and help you to make your decision.

Today was the monthly garage sale! Before going, I would recommend making a list of what you want and know your sizes for clothes/​boots/​backpacks, etc. anything with sizes so you can just see it and grab it. No bags allowed at the sale. Whatever you can carry on your hands and arms is what you can take.
Like I said in my last review, every month on a Saturday, REI has a member only garage sale where they sale super discounted items from hiking boots to clothing to trekking poles, flashlights, backpacks, tents, etc. I got there around 6am and there was already a long time of people. Kim wasn’t kidding when she said people get really into it. I saw sleeping bags, chairs and even tents set up. I guess the first few people slept over o. o Around 6:30am, someone started passing out numbers and I was #91. You can bring one more person with you. You can’t park in the first two sections of the parking lot since that is where they set up the garage sale. After you get your number, you can leave and come back around 9:15am to scout the area and start getting in line. Remember to get a number before you get in line, even when you arrive later. While we were waiting till 9:15am, my friend and I got breakfast and drove to chantry flatts to chill.
When we arrived back at REI, we scouted the area and looked for things we wanted. This was a pretty big garage sale and it varies from month to month. Items ranges from fairly used to damaged. Each item has a tag where you can read why it was returned, what was wrong with it and the before/​after price. Some tags had colored dots: green means barely used/​almost new; blue means slightly worn and damaged but still functional; and yellow means product is damaged and doesnr function 100%/may be missing parts. There were red dots on some of them but I’m not sure what that meant… Anyways make sure you read the tag before buying it. Everything is final sale.
When they started letting people in around 10am, we got in pretty quickly even though we were #91. I didn’t like how the line was a bit disorganized and they didn’t really facilitate how many people were going in with each number. I felt like I could’ve brought more people and as long as someone had a number, they could get in. Regardless, we got in and I went straight for the backpacks and the many tables that had a bunch of little things. There were lots of hiking shoes and people were just grabbing things left and right. There were still things I wanted but people already grabbed them :(Next time!
In the end, I got a solar powered lantern and two backpacks for approximately $ 100. Those three items would have been like $ 250 total without the discounts. Overall, it was a fun experience. I didn’t encounter any fights or pushing or anyone being disrespectful so that’s good. Can’t wait for the next one!

I love REI. Quality products, knowledgeable sales staff, great customer service.
Or is it?
Well it depends on when you go. I went there one day for new trail hiking shoes. Wonderful saleswoman who knew her stuff and steered me towards a great pair of Merrell shoes. Everyone was very friendly and helpful.
I went back today prepared to spend some cash on some biking gear. For starters I needed new bike shoes with cleats. The sales guy who looked hungover barely glanced at me, literally waved his hand at a display and said «This is what we have for women» and continued telling his friend (co-​worker?) how he is soooooooooo ready for a weekend. That’s the last I saw of him. After 20 minutes I walked out of the store, and no one stopped me. Or acknowledged me. Or thanked me for coming. Or said have a nice day. The things you do if you want people to come to your store.
So to the nice women yesterday, 5 stars. To the guy today, minus 1. I averaged it out to 3.

Love REI! Been picking up my backpacking gear here and there from this location and always get the proper help I need. The staff is very welcoming and friendly. They’ll answer any questions you have and are very informative!
They carry camping gear, rock climbing gear, mountain bike riding gear, backpacking gear… All your outdoor needs will be met here.
Renting backpacks, tents and trek poles is very affordable and the staff is very helpful when it comes to getting advice. Always rent in advance!
Remember to get your pack sized to your body for a comfortable fitting!
They also hold various classes at this location such as map reading and photography. Just an FYI

I really can’t figure out if this store is all about outfitting serious outdoorsmen (and women) with high quality gear, or just making affluent city folk look stylish on their timeshare trips to Mammoth.
Ok, so you sell legit carabiners… And then you also sell a Marmot sleeveless teal vest that looks like Marty McFly’s «life preserver» mated with a Miami Marlins catcher’s chest protector. The top stitching really accentuates the «smart wool» lining, too.
I like coming here, because instead of finding what I walked in to purchase (spoiler alert: they don’t got it…), I usually find something else to at least consider buying. «I look good in a salmon colored compression shirt, right?» asked the rodeo clown with a penchant for flair…
REI is like several small marginally-​stocked stores under one roof. The cycling department has some simply adorable outfits, and two (count em!) two different types of pedal clips. If they’re in stock.
Good luck finding anything water sports related here… Except some stylish board shorts.
This is a great store for a gift card… Because really, if I’m going to spend my money, I’m going to Cabela’s or BassPro or Dick’s or online. It’s not that I don’t like REI… It’s a fun place. It just doesn’t have enough selection, and I don’t need a $ 200 Yeti insulated tote bag to keep my lunch cool on a 4 mile commute to work each morning.

I can’t say enough about the excellent customer service provided by Mike in the footwear department where he knew precisely where I would be using the hiking shoes and for what type of terrain. Mike was also kind enough to point out the specific socks to use with the shoes later he referred me to some rock climbing classes and outdoor classes at his REI store

This review is for the bike department at this particular location.
I went into the store with my new road bike shoes today to purchase a set of cleats. The first sales associate that I came across was very knowledgeable and friendly. He helped me pick out some cleats and reassured that they can put it on for me at the bike department.
After paying for the cleats I went to the bike department, where I was informed by another associate that since I did not purchase the shoes there, the cleats are not worth his time and effort to put them on for me free of charge.
there are several things that irk me about this situation:
1. They were not busy. (there was not another customer in sight)
2. $ 20 of merchandise obviously did not qualify me as a worthy customer.
3. The poor attitude of the associate at the bike department.
Needless to say, I will not be a returning customer and will not be recommending this location to others.

It’s REI!
The parking lot is oddly shaped, but there’s plenty of parking! If you cannot find parking still (probably because it’s the annual sale and you’ve arrived on the last day), you can always park across the street. There’s a cul de sac, but there are «no parking» signs posted there. The service is PHENOMENAL.
You’ll never walk out feeling unsure, but if you happen to (and you’re a coop member — sign up! it’s so worth it) there’s a 100% money back guarantee!
My indoor climbing game just got upped because a wonderful associate helped me find the right size and fit for shoes and a sweet harness.
Totes happy.

I love REI! As an avid runner, hiker, and surfer, I feel that REI has everything I need to live outdoors life and survive!
I come here often to browse for what I need (or want just in case). Recently, I bought my first hiking shoes, Merrells. I’ve been hiking with my running shoes so that was a big no no. The associate who helped was very knowledgeable of their products. She didn’t bother or push me to purchase right away, so I took my time walking around the store testing out different pairs of hiking shoes. 30 minutes later, I made the purchase.
On my way out, got to meet Terry Crews so that was a plus.
I think the location is also perfect since the mountains are north of this store. So for those who likes the outdoors, you’ll appreciate this store just like many of us do.
I’m pretty sure I’ll be coming back here some more for camping gear! Just think of REI as a toy store for adults with more and better selections of gear, clothing, and also more informed and friendly associates. Don’t forget that if you’re a member of REI, you get 10% dividend back from your purchases at the end of the year! That’s like putting away small amount of money so that you can spend it to get more toys for yourself or for others!

Great for camping and outdoor needs! Kind of expensive, but there are deals often enough, also they send out coupons! Truth be told, there aren’t many outdoor stores, maybe you’ll find something at Sports Chalet at the Santa Anita Mall or Big 5 on Colorado and Rosemead… that’s all I can think of for this immediate vicinity.
Quality of gear is always fantastic and what I do is order from
and check their overstock section, then whatever deal I find I can have it shipped to this location for free pick-​up! I’ve gotten an awesome deal on a sleeping-​bag this way.
Another time for deals is their monthly «garage sales» of used, returned or damaged gear in their parking lot outside. REI just dumps piles of gear, clothing, shoes… you name it and shoppers just go at it. You have to be part of their membership to shop though. Do go early since it’s first come first served and good stuff gets snapped up quickly. From various shopping excursions I found a Jetboil for cheap, a really nice jacket, pants and my favorite backpacking pack that all were practically new but just returned for some random reason.
Fantastic customer service every time I come here!