REI

I came here for one thing: a sun hat that I could wear on my next cruise since the last time I saw my dermatologist, he said I had to stay out of the sun. Yea, right, on a cruise? I need vitamin D3, says me.
Back to The Hat. I had a couple of requirements for The Hat. It had to be a lighter color like tan, be packable, have a drawstring so that it didn’t end up in the ocean, guarantee 50 SPF protection (in case my dermatologist is reading this), and be somewhat stylish (like that is possible), plus I didn’t want to mortgage the house or sell a kidney.
First stop on my shopping trip for The Hat: REI.
Before I could even find the hat section though, I was sidetracked by the winter sale – mittens, scarves, hats, coats. I like to do my Christmas shopping early. Name brand stuff like North Face at low prices. Handed off those items to the hubby who was busy eyeing the snowshoes (maybe he is taking up a new hobby) and continued my quest for The Hat.
I knew this place would have some great choices (I checked their online selection), brands like Columbia, Outdoor Research, and REI, of course. I found one full aisle (both sides) and a sale rack on the adjacent aisle full of potentials. I eventually chose one after some consultation with the hubby. It came from the sale rack, too!
While purchasing the winter gear and The Hat, the clerk asked if we had a membership or if any member of the family had one. Sure, let’s try a family member’s name. Bingo.
The clerk explained that attaching my purchase to a membership allows me to bring the items back within one year of purchase if not completely satisfied. There are other benefits (check the REI site for information).

I would give this place five stars but I have experienced other REI stores and this is really only a mini version of an actual REI store.
So, for a small version of the real thing, this is an excellent store. It sells almost everything that you can find in the full size version. The only noticeable thing missing is a dominant climbing wall.
When I was there this time, the predominant feature of the store seemed to be bicycles. This may be true all year round here, but if they regularly switch their inventory around, this was the focus at the end of February 2015.
They have a good selection of clothing for both cold weather activities and for the upcoming warm weather season.
As this is not classified as a running store, their running apparel and shoe selections were limited. However, they are very well stocked with hiking apparel and a variety of different hiking shoes and boots.
It is probably the only store around that sells high quality snowshoes. In fact, it may be the only store around that sells any type of snowshoe.
I didn’t notice any skis, but this may be because those are a seasonal item, and the season is about over.
There are enough clerks to help you and if you have questions, you can easily find someone knowledgeable about what you need.
If you shop here regularly, you really should (must) buy a one-​time $ 20 membership fee. The membership comes with a number of perks, one of which is returns without a receipt. This can be very useful if you tend to throw everything away once you have taken your purchases home and opened them up.
This REI is almost next door to a Gold’s Gym and across the parking lot from a Starbucks, so almost all your quality vices can be satisfied all in one trip.

BETTER HAVE A RECEIPT! Even though REI is known for not needing one, customer service wasn’t very kind when we were trying to return and just overall wasn’t a great experience.

REI is great. They have everything you’d possibly need for your outdoorsy life– seriously. Great brands, moderate prices, and if you become a member (costs a small fee– $ 20 I think– but good for life), you get 10% of your purchases back as a dividend at the end of the year. Mine paid for itself and then some in the first year. It’s always nice to get stuff for free!
I always find great deals online at
in the outlet section. The cheapest shipping only takes 3 days to get to my door, and anything that doesn’t work out for you, they will take back in the store. In fact, they have the most amazing return policy: you can return any item, any time, if you are unsatisfied. They really stand by their products. The employees have always been very friendly and knowledgeable. I recommend this store without hesitation.

I went in here to return some boots that I had worn three times, and they were still killing my feet. (Which is why I shopped for them at REI in the first place. Where else can you wear boots for six months and return them when they don’t work out. I LOVE REI!) I immediately had someone ask if I needed help, and she directed me to another green frocked person. He was attentive, gave good advice, and cheerful. I ended up getting a new pair of boots, and a couple of other stuff. All with help for a hapless soul like me.
A great store (albeit small compared to the REI in Spokane and Seattle) with helpful employees and quality products.

We love REI. Okay, our little location doesn’t hold a candle to the Seattle REI (drool-​worthy), but the reality that we have one at all is worth its weight in gold. I would be so happy if they could move into a larger space and expand their stock, but if wishes were horses…
When I grow up (I’m 52), I want to work at REI. I want to be worthy to work at REI! The folks there are always helpful, smiling, and seem to genuinely care about the customers. I hear it’s also a great company to work for. Since they are knowledgeable about outdoorsy things, it’s fun to get them involved in conversations.
Example: I was buying bear spray last summer and got into a conversation with an employee about a run-​in with a bear on the trail the previous weekend, which resulted in pretty much everyone else within hearing distance telling their bear stories. It was great. Can’t do that in JC Penney! Well, I guess you could, but it just wouldn’t be the same, you know?
Two thumbs up to REI, both stores and internet!

It’s easy to take things for granted in life. REI is one of those things. The Tri-​Cities is «county», so I’d have to say we’re so lucky to have an honest to goodness REI here. They always have some of the best gear.
I just bought a mountain bike and was shopping for a lock. I picked one, and while they were technically closed, I had a question about locks, and the person at the counter gave me all kinds of excellent advice.
Oh and then there are the dividends – saved me $ 16 off my purchase. So yeah, I have to upgrade to 5-​stars.

They have a nice assortment of good quality REI clothing and supplies for the sports one would play in in this area. Staff is incredibly knowledgeable and helpful.
I do have a problem that they insisted that I sign up to get emails to be notified of events at the store. like those at the Seattle one… the events never delivered. in 6 months. they had a delay…
There are smart, fit people in the Tri-​Cities! They could benefit from an occasional workshop on an activity or a book talk on extreme sports.
I hate it when a clerk with a straight face flat out lies,” oh yes, deifnitely we are going to start this now. The delay was a delay.”