REI

If I could give this location a zero, I would. Today was the first time I visited the REI in Tukwila. I’ve never been inside before and wanted to check it out. Right away a man approached me and my boyfriend and asked if we needed help finding anything. I politely replied «We’re just looking for now. Thank you.» As we continued to look around, I started to notice the man was around every single corner like he was watching our every move and less than 5 min later, he approached me again and asked the same question. I replied «I’m still looking… It’s our first time here.» Then he went on to explain their member program and handed me a slip explaining the program as well. I thanked him again and continued to look around. He basically followed us to the back of the store. Eventually my boyfriend and I split up because I wanted to look at Women’s and he was actually talking on the phone the whole time. In women’s, I was startled by another worker who came up super close behind me. She asked the same question that the man asked twice already and I gave the same response. I continued to walk around the store and everywhere I went, she was in my area. I’ve worked retail for years and I understand that maybe they were trying to demonstrate good customer service… But this was different. I tried not to let it bother me but I couldn’t even thoroughly look around because I felt like every 3min someone was trying to talk to me or in my bubble. They had walkies/​ear pieces so I know they were communicating with each other. I even heard one of the workers ask another what they were doing and she said «oh you know, stalking» and continued to follow us around. I felt like we were being discriminated by the employees there. Was it because of the area? I’m not sure. But my boyfriend was on the phone the whole time talking to his sister in Hawaii and I was just walking around, looking at things and trying to get my pregnancy exercise in… Did they think we were really trying to steal? Well eventually I just wanted to leave because I felt very awkward, uncomfortable and unwelcomed. I will not be shopping at this REI ever again.

Just another REI. Decent quality stuff. Some what over priced. I tend to hit the discount racks when I come in. This is a small store so there is not as much merchandise as a larger store. I use pockets over a purse. I tapped my jacket pocket to make sure my wallet was still there. As it fell out of my pocket in the dressing room. This caught the attention of loss prevention. Wasn’t too pleased with their decision. Have yet to be back here. I shop at the REI in Issaquah, Bellevue or Redmond. Much better. Better customer service.

I was in this week to pick up some gear for a climbing course that I started recently. I’ve been a customer at different REI locations for many years, but this experience was one of the best in memory. Anthony was the associate that helped me and he was wonderful! He answered all my questions about gear (trust me, I had a ton!), gave useful information and shared some personal anecdotes about his past climbing adventures. I needed several lengths of rope cut & it was a time consuming process. I really appreciate his patience and friendliness. Anthony’s professionalism and expertise, in my opinion, exemplifies the REI spirit.

REI is way overpriced, and when I said I don’t want to have a membership with them anymore, and I asked for a refund within 3 weeks of opening one (I did not get any benefit from my card during that time), I was told they do not issue Membership refunds ($ 20). I was not told that I can’t cancel it when I first signed up.
They do accept used and abused merchandise back though. So technically you can buy a $ 350 sleeping bag, use it and abuse it then bring it back and REI will issue you a $ 350 refund.
This makes absolutely no sense.

Thank you to the young man who checked me out after I was so rudely pawned off of him by Mary, who greeted me with «I guess I can help you»… Maybe Mary should find a new position or better yet, retire. Not very good customer service, sad

Just left this store after spending nearly $ 600 on 2 pairs of hiking boots, backpack with camel back, socks & a delicious organic fruit roll up. The associate that helped us was Scott. He was very helpful and very knowledgeable on the store products. He helped laced up mine and hubby’s boots properly to ensure the fit was perfect. He even made us test it out on the mini mountain which was fun. Only reason why I’m giving it 4 stars it’s because of the prices – very expensive. My husband signed up as a member so that’s a plus.

I only bought a little hat here and I’m not outdoorsy but it was fun to roam around. the service was good, they never neither to approach me on anything and I don’t need help when I’m just checking the clearance section anyways. the cashier was nice and friendly and very clear on the membership so I yeah I got it. that one cashier was exceptional in his customer service so like this place.

Review is for my visit on 6÷16÷15. 5 stars!
REI is the Nordstrom for the outdoorsman. Anything you need for outdoors sports, camping or living besides a vehicle is sold via REI. Prices are spendy though. Great pair of ladies sandles for $ 100, kids sandles for $ 50 or a Ghost bike for $ 1,100. There are some small products with lower prices.
The selection at this store is big on the clothing and small on the other items.
This was the first time my BFF and I had been to a REI store. As soon as we walked in, we were approached by Chad. Chad proved to be a superior salesman. Not only was he genuine, kind, and polite, he went out of his way to help us. I wanted to see the new Evrgn tent that you can see the night sky through, and when I asked if one was on display, Chad said no and offered to set one up just for us! He also walked over and got the tent then brought it to us instead of walking us to the product. I’ve never experienced any sales person in my entire life who brought the product to me. Chad had a tag on his green vest about being an instructor, and I asked him about that. He was happy to tell us that he teaches a few classes (I forgot which ones) as well for REI. He gave us info on the co-​op as well — just $ 20 to join for life and get 10% back on anything you buy yearly plus special sales and coupons.
A couple other employees asked how we were doing as we perused the store. Neither of us have had so many employees approach us in a retail setting. Bob also had a smile on his face!
The store was very clean and well organized. Super impressed by this, along with the layout.
Big, free parking lot.

Horrible customer service, when there looking for some hiking shoes and there’s was no one there to help me at all. Some lady name Michaela was very rude to me, I asked her for help and she just mean mugged me it seem like she didn’t want to help me at all, when I asked her for help she just ignored me and mumbled something. Horrible experience never coming back at all!!!

I love REI. I’ve been a long time customer and every time I’ve shop there or took my Cannondale Scalpel (bike) in for service, that’s what I got-​GREAT service! The REI team is very professional, knowledgeable and is always very friendly and helpful to me. Their prices for servicing my bike are also GREAT and always fair.
The last time I took my bike in for service, my rear sprocket had come loose. They technician at REI was able to reassemble it in the shop while I waited and charged me a small fee. I love these guys and will never take my bike elsewhere for servicing.

I love REI in general do the phenomenal service and great products. They are a bit more than other places but make up for it in the expert advice. This store is a smaller one and the selection isn’t as great as others. But for your everyday normal items they will have it. Service and knowledge is top notch.

Kudos to Jeri sourcing a very specific need I was looking for! Great service. Went over and beyond the call. She showed genuine concern for the customer.

This place is pretty much the Nordstrom of the outdoor world stores. I particularly don’t like this place too much because it’s so small so the selection is rather small. The staff is helpful and knowledgeable with any questions you have and if they don’t know they are more than happy to find out for you.
Most of their items rarely go on sale unless it’s a REI brand or manufactured for REI — but that’s nearly expected. You definitely get what you pay for when it comes out outdoor gear for reliability and longevity.
Not a whole lot to complain about outside of selection nor is there much to rave about for that same reason.

Love the employees they know exactly what I want even when I can’t explain it. The one employee that I remember was Scott T, he had great suggestions and knew what other stores might have carried the product. I even signed up with the rewards card because he made it worth it for me! I’ll definitely be back to shop soon.

My husband and I went here looking for some hiking stuff for our upcoming winter hike this weekend. The woman who helped me find the perfect pair of hiking shoes was very friendly and informative. She took the time to help us as I was trying to find the «perfect fit».
The only reason I didn’t give 5 stars is because the layout of the store can be a little confusing at times. It took us forever to find some thermal pants for women.
Great place. We got a membership here. Staff are very helpful

Best customer service in the entire retail industry! I can say this about all REIs, and this location is no different. Their staff are knowledgeable and passionate about everything they sell and extremely helpful. Their confidence and assistance really comes in handy for those tough big-​ticket decisions.
Special thanks to Bill today for the extensive sleeping bag lesson!

Pro’s
· Store is well stocked
· Every camping, sporting, and outdoor piece of equipment you ever wanted and didn’t
· Brand names like Obermeyer, North Face, Marmot, Arc’teryx and more
· Garmin watches
· Astronaut ice cream
Con’s
· Not enough employees to assist customers
· EXPENSIVE
·
Summary–
I actually love going to REI, but I have yet to purchase anything here. I can not believe the prices they are asking in this economy. Even at this location’s yearly garage sale, they were asking $ 40.00 for broken watches, $ 35.00 for kids’ shoes that looked like they had been worn for years and then returned and most of their jackets were $ 65-​$ 200 and had holes, broken zippers and tears. I was really taken aback as to how they could offer these items, that were old, worn and even broken for not too much less than the original price of the same item new on the floor.

I have also been looking for a special boot. I stood in the shoe section and was passed over and over as the only salesman helped other customers that came before and after me and he never acknowledged that I was waiting. When he had helped everyone else he came to me, let me ask about the boot, and then told me he couldn’t help me. I thought this action was pretty lame.
If there is something that you need and can not find on eBay or Craig’s list, then you may want to look here, but I would definitely recommend signing up for discounts and coupons because you will need them and I would definitely recommend arriving at the garage sales early for the best selection if you are willing to pay the prices. NOTE: you must be a member to partake in the garage sale.

I’m not a huge fan of REI. Pretty over priced things for what you could get for equal value at any other sporting goods place. You definitely pay for the name brand and they have a small selection of other brands. This particular location is a testament to that.

I cam in to look for a specific type of jacket, and I wasn’t approached once by anyone on the floor. The cashier, however, was incredibly informative. I don’t need to be babysat… but I do need to be acknowledged. Just once.
The selection is less than the location downtown… but that’s kind of a given because it’s smaller, too.
I won’t be back, it’ll be easier to shop online or just go downtown.

I would recommend going to the downtown location. The people at the Tukwila location do not know what they are talking about.
I wanted to purchase a few backpacking items and they could not help me. The manager didn’t even know much.
I won’t be coming back!