REI

REI is a one stop shop for high quality sporting goods. This store is a 2-​story building full of equipment, shoes and clothing. The workers are friendly and helpful. On a regular day, there is ample parking spots. Though the prices are more expensive than your average sporting store, they have a generous return policy up to 1 year no matter what. Definitely get the REI membership which is a one time fee of $ 20 allowing you to return without hassle, get discounts and earn dividends back.
In regards to their «garage sales» of used and returned items they have every few months, I don’t think worth it. We got there 1 hour before and there were at least 150 people ahead of us. Most of the items on sale were only about 50−60% off, some in terrible condition (dirty, worn, broken). There wasn’t a great selection and greedy people were hoarding multiple items so you didn’t have a chance unless you came hours before. So unless you’re insane and want to camp in front of the store overnight (which some people did), the sale will be a disappointment.

This is my fav location to shop. Always well staffed with friendly & informative sales people.

I bought a bicycle at this REI. I took it in for the complementary tune up and had terrible service. It took many days because when they told me it was ready my headstock was so messed up I literally couldn’t ride it. When I told them, they said no one even touched the handlebars. Not a single person had any experience with bikes and had me wait for another mechanic to come in. I think someone was riding my bike and dropped it. It was a good idea to take a picture before I left it. Which I did. These jerks caused a major set of inconveniences because my bike is my only transportation. I was never offered any compensation for there incompetent behaviors.

I’ve been a member of REI the first month I moved to San Diego years ago and it’s so worth it! I got reward points to use up and since I’m going on a trip again in a few weeks, I decided to stop in here to get some stuff.
This location seems a bit smaller than the other location by Balboa, but there’s an upstairs just the same. Customer service is great, the lady who helped me was very knowledgeable about which brands to get for bug spray. The options for hiking shoes are great, especially the hiking boots.
The best part is, they have a wide variety of stuff for my kids too. Because kids can be active too!

If you light your Havana Cigars with $ 100 bills or think you are the next Anthony Bourdain then this place is awesome! Otherwise, it is some of the most expensive made in China junk imaginable. The minute you enter this place you can expect to be stalked by sales people that are just so excited to recommend purchasing something like a compass for $ 43 which is the same compass you can get at Big 5 for $ 9 and if you go on eBay you can get it for $ 3 and free shipping from a distributor in China. Where is the dehydrated ecologically packed Beef? One knuckle head sales person told me if I buy a day pack that I must also buy a «bear can» if I go to the Sierras. I asked him «can’t I just get one at a ranger station instead? Duhhh. Here is another tip Sports Chalet offers a lot of the same brand name products at considerably lower prices. Do your research at REI have fun toying with super highly motivated sales staff and then just buy it on eBay… unless of course you can’t wait a week for a $ 300 Blueberry Purple day pack with a plastic (yes plastic) bear box! Rant rant rant rant rant

LOVE! I could live in REI… literally… they have food, shelter, bathrooms, and clothes. I’m never disappointed in REI as they have all of my outdoor needs. The only thing I wish they had more of is clothing for plus sized women. That would bring them to 5 stars for me. They sell quality goods at a decent price. Their staff is always super friendly and willing to help with tips on gear and goodies. They have an amazing lifetime program that helps you save money. What else could you ask for? Honestly, I practically grew up in REI so there is probably some nostalgia there for me but nonetheless, it’s great.

Long waiting line waiting to give them your money. I wonder how many just walk out instead.

This is my second home. The customer service is top notice and the prices can’t be beat. They’ve got it all. Everything from travel gear to biking and camping essentials and a ton of stuff that you didn’t even know that you needed.
The merchandise is amazing: electronics, climbing basic and advance items, day hike gear, backpacking, manuals, maps, the list goes on and on and on. But they also offer more than just gear, they also routinely have special training clinics and members only events.
My favorite event is the gear sales wherein they have both used and discounted items. These are like rock concerts with folks lined up around the corner of the building. Don’t be late though, if you want any gear from these sales get here early because the deals are amazing and they items go fast.

I had a great experience at this REI. I was in search of a hydro flask. I located them and was kind of just feeling out the different models they had to offer. I was approached by Ricardo who actually had a hydro flask and helped me narrow down my purchase! They really did have a good selection with everything.

The great outdoors. There is nothing that can compare to it. I have no problem going to the bathroom in a vault bathroom and I have no problem not showering for a couple of days. Lol. For a outdoor, hiking, and camping fan like myself REI is a perfect store.
I walk in and I want to buy everything! They have the coolest things in store! Sure the store can be a little pricier than lets say Walmart, however the quality is always there. More bang for your buck.
Store is always very organized and the employees have always been helpful.
I recommend becoming a member I think it costs 20 bucks but you get invites to their used gear sale which is amazing! Alot cheaper gear and its practically brand spanking new. You also get good deals on merchandise, coupons.

Sorry REI, you totally deserve this review.
A couple months ago I was searching for summer sandals for my 9 year old daughter. She’s going through this very independent stage where she likes to ask for what she wants and pick things out herself. When it came to her summer sandals, she took the lead. She picked out the sandals she wanted to try on, we measured her feet and she went up to the sales associate and asked for her size. The attendant brought out her size and then went on her way helping out other customers. No biggie… that’s their job. The problem arises when you completely blow off my daughter. We soon realized that the size was too small and we needed to move up a size. She then went to the attendant, and asked for a bigger size. The attendant took the shoe and went on her way helping out other customers… who mind you, didn’t even need help! We continued to sit there for 10min. She didn’t acknowledge us, however she did see us. She went on her way helping out other customers who were doing just fine. When she started (what looked like) flirting with a male customer, we left.
Worst customer service I have experienced in a long time. I did write a letter to management and got some bogus response. Typical. Just because your customer is 9, doesn’t mean she doesn’t deserve the same treatment as an adult.
Will never shop their again. Good luck to you REI, you’re overpriced and your customer service sucks!

So… excellent selection and website. Really cool store. Here’s the deal, half the time you are going to be approached by a very knowledgeable super helpful staff member who will make your experience an excellent one. However, half the time you will spend 30 minutes staring perplexed at 20 sleeping pad options while you ponder your next $ 300 purchase… all the while being totally ignored by dozens of uninterested staff members scampering about the place avoiding eye contact, and God forbid having to assist someone. Good luck!

This location is okay. The only problem is that it is kind of small and doesn’t carry as many products as other locations.

I’m going on a backpacking trip this summer and need hiking boots. I wear two different size shoes and have a difficult time finding places that will split the sizes for me. It becomes quite costly for me to purchase two pairs.
I contacted REI to ask if they could help me with my hiking boots (split the sizes or maybe offer a discount) and they said they couldn’t help me. «we don’t offer that service.» Even if they had taken the time to talk through the situation with me it would have been better than just completely blowing me off.
So I took my business elsewhere and bought all my hiking gear and my son’s hiking gear from a customer oriented store.

Whenever I come in here, I immediately want all the things and think that I love the outdoors and camping and want to embark on a backpack around the world immediately.
Truth of the matter is, I like my hot shower more!
Camping for a night or two, all in! But after that I like the creature comforts of home.
But this REI is merchandised so well and the employees love what they do, so that you can’t help but feel like the ultimate outdoor enthusiast. And with all the cool gadgets they have… easy to get sucked in!
I’ve bought lots of things from this location over the years. Most frequently it is my stop for fuel (GU or Honey Stinger Waffles) for running, but I’ve also bought camping odds and ends, sleeping pads, both my single and double bob strollers, and replacement tires for my stroller.
Customer service is top notch, store is clean and well organized. Rewards program is nice to help balance out the steep prices.

I love REI! This one is right next to a Walmart and Island’s. Convenient because right after REI I ate at Island’s, and ran errands at Walmart lol.
I’m getting ready for some big hiking/​camping adventures (Whitney and Half Dome) and the REI employees have been very helpful and informative about the gear needed.
I also had bought a pair of Keen’s hiking boots 6 months ago, and were able to return them because I’ve had a lot of aches and pains with my feet since I got them. Got a pair of Vasques, hopefully they don’t hurt my feet! But the lady who helped me recommended them and she seemed like an avid hiker, so I’m not too worried.

Went and bought two kids bikes here and bought the REI Novara brand. There were three people who asked to help us while we were there. This is my first time buying from REI and I got the membership, completely worth it if you plan on buying more since you get a 10% rebate every March. The associates I talked to were all knowledgable and friendly, we took the bikes out and test rode them before purchase. I was planning on shopping around but since they did such a good job we bought two kids bikes. The total was over $ 600 but the two bikes will last my kids a long time as they are great quality.

I buy exactly three things from this place.
1. Lifting chalk.
2. Sanuks
3. Socks
I’ve purchased a few odds and ends from this location and had my bike worked on here. The bike techs are awesome. Ask for Nick P. He knows what he’s about and can help you out.
The chalk here is a solid price per block. I also buy the bison loose competition chalk. That is THE BEST quality chalk and the Price isn’t bad.
I love Sanuks. This place carries my size from time to time for cheap and I get it EVERY TIME.
Socks. Can you really have too many?

What a fabulous store! We could spend hours here! My husband needed some shoes for our trail walks/​hikes. The staff were so helpful and kind. He bought some great shoes and we very much enjoyed looking at all of their merchandise. The prices aren’t cheap, but the quality is worth it!

Very good customer service. Went to get some boots and got a couple of people assisting me non stop. There were more customers in the shop plus it was a Sunday at 6, when they close at 7, so I was not expecting that much attention. It was my first visit to this store, as until yesterday I did not know that existed. Incredible quantity of everything, in all sorts of colors and anything you need for your outdoorsy experiences. Just wanted to try all those boots, anoraks and even a mini tent! Store has also a nice layout where you dont get lost trying to find what you want. After visiting it, you feel like you want to do more exercise just to come back and shop for more cool items! I also like the modern backpacks and laptop cases for women, very colorful and feminine.