REI

This was my first time visiting an REI, so I was excited. I wanted to try on some Merrell hiking boots, but was looking for something non-​leather since I am vegan (Merrell has a couple they offer). A saleswoman helped me and brought two sizes for me to try on. I told her they fit great but that I would probably be buying a different type of Merrell hiking boot online since the store didn’t carry any of the non-​leather type. I simply wanted to get a feel for sizing. Her demeanor instantly changed as she told me she didn’t receive many requests for a vegan shoe, in fact, not at all in her three years at this store. When I tried telling her about the vegan boots Merrell offered online, she completely cut me off, saying «I know.» It’s as if she only cared about getting the commission, rather than offering any type of genuine help or engaging in conversation. Had she at least been nice, I might return to the store to buy something else. Needless to say, I was very disappointed in my first experience here and most likely won’t return.

MORE SHOES PLEASE!
I love REI for all of the cool things that they carry for outdoor enthusiast. If you enjoy camping, biking, rafting, rock climbing etc. and need any type of gear this is your store. It is always well staffed and never over crowded.
However, I do wish that they would expand their shoe department and offer more athletic/​hiking options. Most stores only carry items according to the season but I would love a store to carry athletic sandals on a year round basis so that if you are traveling to a warmer climate, you have options.

They can fulfill all of your outdoor needs. Lots of cool stuff and very helpful and knowledgeable staff. Too helpful? Maybe sometimes. Too knowledgeable? NO! I was looking for a backpacking stove and rather than talk me into the most expensive one, ($ 130), they explained why the $ 35 dollar model was almost as good. Awesome!

We keep coming back for the odd and ends of travel and outdoor adventures… Most recently a mouthpiece for my nalgene water bottle.
Lots of great camping gear and we’ve been eyeing some sleeping pads that are lightweight and hiker-​friendly but the epic prices stop us… so otherwise we like this store and location. Look out for their «yard sales»!

I have shopped at many REI’s across the country. I am into cycling and this one just doesn’t carry a large selection of cycling ware. So I go to Performance which is nearby. I bought a Mountain Bike there early in 2014 and because of injury did not ride it much. I finally thought I should take it in for the free, first time tune up. Did that in early January. Okay, weather was cold so I didn’t ride it until today. Terrible job of adjusting the gears. Kept slipping as I was climbing. I won’t be taking the bike back there.

This REI goes above and beyond with every experience. They go out of their way to check on you and are very knowledgeable. The staff genuinely cares about helping you get the gear that best suits you. The store is always clean and tidy and very organized. I love love love this REI and its great service has made me a regular here. Also– Angela is awesome!!!

Undecided on whether to buy a mountain bike or a road bike. I headed to this REI location as I was told that September is the month to buy bikes as REI has a huge end of the year clearance sale.
2 visits here and helped by 3 great, knowledgeable, patient sales persons in the bike section and 3 hours later I end up with the Scott Speedster S30 road bike. On the first week I was leaning towards the Marin Bobcat 29er mountain bike as I did not know where I was going to ride the bike.
Waited a week… realized it was going to be more of road trips. so went directly to the road bike sections. It was a tough decision between the Cannondale and the Scott. Anyways went with the Scott for the higher price and a level higher on the shimano gears as they did not have the Cannondale in stock locally in store.
Definitely will be visiting this location again…

Came in with my mom, my sister, her husband, her daughter & her son to buy equipment for a hike along the Appalachian Trail. The whole place was clean (even the parking lot!), the staff was very friendly & helpful except for the one overbearing shoe salesman who is apparently more accustomed to people NOT knowing what they want… he was loud, confused that we didn’t need nor did we consider him to be «an expert», he was insistent & rambling, even AFTER the sale, esp as we selected something OTHER than his recommendation… after weeks of walking, nobody was sorry that they picked their own shoes! The lady in the backpack dept took measurements and brought out 3 packs to pick from, never once giving the impression that she favored one above the others; we ended up needing a higher gauge, which was not in stock, but she happily placed the order for delivery either to the store or home; she also took other items we had selected to the counter so we could continue to shop. The lady in the clothing dept started to get carried away talking, apparently trying to make us her best friends, realized we weren’t playing and stopped herself before she lost any sales. Prices here for hiking/​camping on par with Dicks for sports gear… not cheap, but good quality & lightweight… recommend for serious shoppers only… if you don’t know what you want, research first or go elsewhere!

For over 20 years REI has been my provider and outfitter for all things done outdoors. I used to have to mail order … then came the internet and the Atlanta store … now a store in Buford! That’s practically my back yard! HOWEVER … REI is not cheap … and that’s a good thing. It’s better to spend a little more, and get a quality product … than it is to buy more than one of a cheaper product. Go for lasting value.
Recently we kitted out several family members for a thru-​hike on the AT. The staff were attentive, knowledgeable, and had experience in the outdoors. If they said that something would work … or wouldn’t … you could trust their answer totally. One shining star? Patrick with his AT experience as a thru-​hiker. Knowledgeable, personable, and friendly … willing to share his experience and help you make the right choices … for you. Add this to the famous REI refund policy … and you have a winner … and I have been voting there with my dollars for over 20 years.

This place is great for getting ready for a big outdoor trip! We found everything we were looking for — the price was good on somethings and I was shocked by the price on other items. What are you gonna do though? We don’t have any outdoor stores like this near us so we have to stock up when we are in town with relatives.