REI
Overview
Expert Summary
Detailed Insights
REI is highly valued for its exceptionally knowledgeable and friendly staff who provide detailed product guidance for outdoor gear, a vast selection of camping and hiking supplies, and a surprisingly easy and pleasant return process, even for complex transactions. It's a go-to for expert advice on equipment from binoculars to personal locating devices, and is praised for its clean, organized store environment and environmental consciousness.
Key Highlights
- ✓Highly knowledgeable staff (e.g., Kathleen for binoculars, staff for personal locating devices) who provide detailed pros/cons and more information than expected.
- ✓Staff actively approaches customers to offer help, eliminating the need to search for assistance.
- ✓Extensive range of outdoor, camping, and hiking supplies, including specific items like binoculars, personal locating devices, base layers, Garmin watches, and Benchmade knives.
- ✓Smooth and friendly return process, even for complex situations involving multiple payment methods and reward points (e.g., Mason at REI Madison).
- ✓Clean and organized store environment.
- ✓Emphasis on environmental concern, including a bagless policy (customers encouraged to bring their own bag).
Standout Features
- ⭐Expert staff consultations (e.g., Kathleen providing guidance on binoculars, staff explaining backcountry devices and base layers).
- ⭐Wide product availability for all hiking and camping needs, with an emphasis on camping over hunting.
- ⭐Efficient and hassle-free returns facilitated by helpful staff, even for complicated transactions.
- ⭐Clean and organized shopping environment.
- ⭐Commitment to environmental practices (e.g., bagless initiative).
- ⭐Open on holidays (e.g., REI Madison open on New Year's Day).
Perfect For
Ideal For
💡Pro Tips from Reviews
- →Bring your own reusable shopping bag due to REI's bagless policy.
- →Consult staff for in-depth product knowledge and recommendations, especially for specialized gear or if you're new to an activity (e.g., birdwatching, backcountry camping).
- →Feel confident bringing complex returns, as staff are noted for handling them efficiently and courteously.
- →Utilize annual REI rewards for purchases to maximize value.
Things to Consider
- ⚠None reported; all reviews are 5-star and highly positive, indicating no specific problems for parents or general customers.
Price & Value
No specific prices mentioned in the reviews. Value is primarily derived from access to a wide selection of quality outdoor gear and exceptionally knowledgeable staff advice. The mention of 'annual REI rewards' suggests a loyalty program that enhances value for frequent shoppers.
♿Accessibility & Special Needs
- •No specific accessibility accommodations mentioned in the reviews. Reviews focus on general customer service and product knowledge.
🍎Food & Drink Policy
- •Not applicable; reviews describe a retail store, not a dining or entertainment venue. No food or drink policies are mentioned.
🚗Parking Info
- •Not mentioned in the reviews. Parents should plan for general retail parking in the area.
👥Crowd Levels
- •Staff are noted for proactively approaching customers, suggesting a service model that ensures customers feel attended to, even if the store is busy. No negative comments about crowd levels or difficulty getting help were reported.
🛡️Safety Features
- •Not applicable; reviews describe a retail store for outdoor gear, not an entertainment venue requiring specific safety features for children's activities or play areas.
⏰When to Avoid
- • No specific situations to avoid mentioned in the overwhelmingly positive reviews. The store appears to maintain high service standards even during holidays like New Year's Day.
Pricing/Package/Events
What People Say
What's Great
- Friendly and helpful staff (mentioned in 4 reviews)
Recent Reviews
Neil Paque
2 weeks agoI had recently purchased a pair of binoculars for birdwatching and my wife decided she wanted a pair for herself as well. We had our annual REI rewards to use so we decided to see what REI had in stock in terms of binoculars. We were helped by Kathleen, who was just wonderful. She was a delight to take to about which pair of binoculars would best match what my wife was looking for. She was warm and sincere and knowledgeable. The next time I need a new Garmin watch or Benchmade knife, I know who I will be talking to!
Lisa Dambach
a year agoREI has everything you could need or want. Their staff are extremely knowledgeable about their products too. We recently needed to purchase a personal locating device for a backcountry camping trip and the staff were able to tell us about all their products, the pros and cons, etc. The same was true when trying to decide what base layers to purchase for cold weather hiking. They actually gave me more info than I thought possible! I also never have to hunt anyone down for help as staff also approach you if they are not already busy. Love their concern for the environment, including going bagless! Bring your own!!!
Tom C (TravellerTom)
7 months agoCampers delight this store. I love that it has an outdoors camping emphasis and less emphasis on hunting. Absolutely all the hiking and camping supplies you would ever need!
Tyler Watkins
4 months agoI headed to REI Madison on New Year's Day. I wasn't even sure if they'd be open, but they were... And happy to help me with a particularly difficult return. I believe the individualis name was Mason, who flawlessly assisted me in returning an item that was purchased with two separate credit cards AND reward points.... He got everything refunded perfectly, and quickly. I couldn't believe it was that easy and he was so friendly about it the whole time. What a breath of fresh air for most shopping experiences, particularly ones involving returns. See you guys soon!
David Clapp
2 weeks agoGreat, warm, friendly, and knowledgeable staff! Clean and organized store! Everything I come to love about REI and its stores!