REI

I love, love, love this place and their policies. Their customer service is stellar and product lines extensive… go here… you won’t be disappointed!

I am *finally* heading on my first camping trip since a handful of years ago. Since an option for going on the water came up, I was told to look into a life vest for my pup.
I popped in this store when they first opened up this morning. Walked in, roaming around just for a couple of minutes when a really nice associate asked me if I needed help finding anything. We headed straight over the the pet section and there was just 1 life vest left, which happened to be in her size and is the one I had been researching. It was meant to be.
Next up– freeze dried food. So I bought a bunch of different kinds in hopes of liking a couple of them. Also, if they’re tasty, I’ll buy a couple for an emergency kit.
This guy also pointed out bug spray and something safe for the dogs too, which I really appreciated him helping me find.

Great products, with a knowledgeable staff. Lots of brands to choose from and lots of good deals to be found on the clearance rack.

Love, Love, Love their customer service! These folks know their stuff and are able to make recommendations based on their own experience. Sometimes a bit more expensive then other places, but keep in mind you get 10% back if you’re a member!

Great store. Prices were better than L.L. Bean. The quality of the equipment is so much better. The sales associates were very knowledgeable about the Thule car rack system. I had started across the street at ll bean. They had no idea. Became a member and we become a regular REI shopper.

I have to agree with other Unilocalers that I was very happy with how well the store employees were able to help me and answer my questions. Staff was knowledgeable, friendly and helpful. They also had a good selection of hats for sun protection.

Drove here from Brick to shop for ski equipment. Bryan informed me that they haven’t stocked alpine equipment for the past two seasons. (Website should delete downhill icon). He suggested, since I drove so far, I try D & Q in Cherry Hill in order to do some research regarding boot fit. (My husband joked to me that it reminded him of Macy’s sending customers to Gimbels in «Miracle on 34^th Street.»). I purchased a membership before I left. The whole experience left me with a good feeling. REI Marlton will be my first choice when shopping for outdoor gear, accessories, and apparel. Bryan is a wonderful asset.

About a week or so ago, I had one of the best customer service experiences that I have ever had at a retail store. I stopped in to check out backpacks for a two week Central America trip that I am going on. I’m not the outsdoorsy type and I knew next to nothing about backpacks other than my friend was telling me that I needed one since we would be hopping around to multiple locations, including taking small planes and water taxis and may need to lug our stuff for a few blocks. The sales associates Bryan was awesome (and he is super cute). The poor guy spent over an hour with me and my clueless girlfriend who I brought along just so that I wouldn’t be alone in this purchase decision. Bryan asked me some questions to determine what type of bag would be best. I told him that I didn’t want to spend a lot and am a wimp when it comes to strength. He made some great recommendations, looked up specifics about different bags and even filled up the bag I liked most with pillows to help me see what it would feel like. I had no idea that bags even came in sizes (like small, medium, large, etc depending on your height). Bryan helped with adjusting the straps and showing me how to properly put on a backpack, take it off and pack it (Who would have known you put the heaviest items in the middle?!) Bryan also helped me out with some other products I was looking at. He is probably the most knowledgeable person I ever met when it comes to bug repellant.
What I really like about REI compared to their competition is that they have a knowledgeable staff that can really help you out when deciding on a particular product. And they are so eager to help and don’t make you feel like a bother. And I like their selection better than any of the other places I checked out. I went to a competitor and they had less than half the amount of backpacks to pick from and the staff did not want to be bothered. I am really happy with the purchase I made at REI and so glad I bought my stuff from there.

I was extremely impressed with how well the store employees were able to help me and answer my questions. While preparing for a big trip the store representative knew exactly what questions to ask, was able to give me different options and personal recommendations based on his own experience. I felt really well taken care of and received excellent service.
REI has everything you may need for traveling or outdoor activities. I found the travel aisle they have to be extremely helpful. I was able to pick up some things for my trip that I had forgotten I would need. Large location, and friendly staff.

This store is great for various outdoor clothing, supplies & equipment. The sales representatives have the best customer service than most of the large retail stores I have shopped in.
I brought my sleeping bag from here & I love their Ex-​Officio brand of undergarments. They are comfortable, form fitting & made out of a breathable fabric which is great in hot or cold temperatures. If you go camping, hiking or a deployment.
Really enjoy this store and think you would also…

Very helpful on the phone and in person. Prices are a little jacked though.

I have always been a fan of the REI chain. This review is specifically for the customer service for this store in Marlton, NJ, and not for the chain overall.
I called the Marlton store to add new bindings to my new snowboard. Should be an easy job. My phone call was immediately connected to the ski and snowboard shop after request. The guy on the phone made it sound like it’s not a big deal and I would be done in less than 1 hour, no drop off necessary. Which gave me the impression these guys are here to service and do know what they are talking about. Sadly, the REI at Conshohocken, PA did not react this way, and I actually called the Conshie first, walking away disappointed and luckily called the Marlton store afterward.
The Conshie store made it sound like a really big deal when I asked them to do a simple binding on a brand new snowboard. They said it would take all the way until 2 weeks later since they are really busy, and that I would have to drop off my board for them to do the binding fitting?! I would think they would also need me to be there in person to make sure they fit with my boots… When I asked for a referral elsewhere as to where they can do this immediately, he didn’t even other referring me to the Marlton store but to a non-​REI store.
When I had arrived in person, the lady at the ski and snowboard area was immensely helpful and accommodating. Although tides have changed in person — I couldn’t get it done on the day of, they did ask when I needed this by and said they would be able to expedite it for me as I was leaving the country in a few days. She also explained to me on the benefits of being a lifetime member for only $ 20 one time fee. Score!
Thumbs down to the Conshie store, thumbs up to the Marlton store!

This review is about a month overdue. So prior to this year I had never been to REI. I live in nyc and don’t do many rugged activities. I recently started planning for a year long back packing trip. I came to this REI to find my backpack, which I had already been researching. The staff was incredibly friendly and very knowledgeable. I worked mostly with Mark and Adam. I owe them a lot. I had a ton of questions and struggled with finding a pack that fit me well. They worked with me for 3 hours and were determined to find me the right pack, filling and weighting multiple packs and teaching me how to load and strap the pack. I began to get discouraged and thought I would leave without making a purchase, but they remained calm and optimistic. I ended up with the Gregory Deva 60 and am very satisfied with my purchase. Thanks REI for all your help!!! I will definitely be returning for more gear!
Side note it’s worth purchasing a membership. You receive special offers and discounts as well as an annual 10% refund on your purchases.

I love coming here on occaision to purchase clothes. I am not a real outdoorsy type, but hey. I can certainly look like one. And their clothes do that, and are pretty cool too.

Expensive bike repair, especially of you are not a member. Go to keswick cycle instead.

If I get fired from my job, this is where I want to work. Whatever your outdoor adventure needs are, these folks can help and guide you.

Came here with a friend so he could return a pair of boots. The boots were in bad condition but they were less then a year old. REI credited him since he was a member. He got a new pair without hassle. As for the store, its a decent size. Compared to the REI in east hanover i felt like it was bigger. But at the same time. i feel like East hanover had more products.

Where to begin with REI, how about a little history. I was introduced to REI by my brother about 4 years ago out in Colorado on our road trip from Chicago to the Grand Canyon for a week long back packing trip. Young and foolish, i saw no significance about it (even though it was the mother store of all REIs). To me, it was just a big store with a lot of out-​door «stuff» and a rock wall to try out gear. big whoop right… again, ignorant to the culture, i was wrong about this place. I over looked the quality of service, product, atmosphere and much more I that can not put in words.
**for my actual review skip to the last paragraph**
After several back packing trips ranging from the Grand Canyon AZ to the White Mountains in NH, it was time to get my own gear, for me. No more borrowing others gear. I first stopped at a local Sporting Goods store in town but they were of no help. My brother insisted I find a REI store and go there. So i whipped out the smart phone, googled the closest REI and off to Marlton I went. Welp, after a short hour drive from the Jersey Shore, i went from a «wall-​mart» to a «Tiffany.» (yeah i know the two aren’t the same typa store but you get the gist of what i am trying to say.)
Right from my first step into the store i was greeted with nothing but smiles. I went in the store with intentions of getting a back-​pack, tent, sleeping bag and a book on the Adirondack Mts. (my next trip). Focusing on the most important, i went right for the packs. I was overwhelmed by the variety of bags by style, size, and price range. After my first «im lost» scratch on the forehead, a sales associate by the name of Bryan came over and asked if i needed help. After educating me on packs and trying on half a dozen packs, he fitted me for the right one. We put some Lbs in the pack so i can get a feel for it as we went onto the next items, tents and sleeping bags. Another hour went by between the tents and sleeping bags, forgetting i had a 30lbs pack on my back. Guess that is the right pack huh!
After some time with the tents and sleeping bags, i hiked my way over to the shoe section where i was again, greeted with a great smile. Then, a pair of Vibram Fivefingers (should be «five toes» but thats just me) caught my eye. Seen many with them but never tried them on. The sales associate fitted my feet and got me the right pair, for me. She taught me how to put them on without getting frustrated for she has a pair of her own and knows the first troubles of getting them on. Once they were on my feet, they didn’t come off till i got home. Yeah, i got em, they are great!
I could go on for paragraphs and paragraphs about my experience with this store but this isn’t a blog now is it. So, with out further ado, my rating for this REI is a 10 – 10. I was greeted with a warm welcome and felt at home. I didn’t feel intimidated by my lack of knowledge on the subject matter. I was educated by those who truly enjoy what they do and their surroundings. It makes the shopping experience that much better. What i liked most was the emphasis the sales associates put on YOU, the customer at hand. No one customer is the same and they understand that. They focus and fit everything for YOU. The store is all about the customer at hand and that is what sells. I got the right pack, for me. i got the right five-«toes,» for me. I spent a little more than what i was planning on but i am sure it was a good and long lasting investment. I also signed up for the REI Member card witch has an abundance of benefits. And, the best part about it… if you do not like your product or something rips/​breaks/​etc. it can be returned or replaced no questions asked, no receipt, no problems. Customer service to its fullest. Great store, Great company, great everything. Ill be back fa sho!

Not to overstate things, but REI is customer service’s last stand. After being in a place like Burlington Coat Factory where the sales alleged help are functionally disabled, REI stands out like a beacon in the night. Literate, helpful and knowledgable people offer practical advice from first hand experience. Department help KNOW the products in their department. Salesmen don’t upsell; they offer honest advice and show you alternatives you might not be aware of. They may be 15% higher than some stores, but you’re getting a LOT for your 15%.
I will sum up their superior customer service with one story. A small piece broke on my keen commuter sandals. I called to see if they could get the small part replaced. I didn’t wait on the phone with automated service non-​sense dialing 9−1−4−5−7−1. I spoke immediately with a real person. The real person INSISTED on replacing the entire sandal. They shipped to my door before I even returned the product. This is truly the last and only chain retail establishment I actually enjoy shopping in (with the obvious Apple exception).
Dear REI employees — you make me smile and do a superior job. It makes a difference. I love all of you.

After a few visits with sub-​par service, the last several times that I have been into this store have been enough to get back the star I held back previously. This particular store is also very kept and easy to shop, although hard to leave!
Great store, great company, great website (always free shipping to store!), thanks REI!