REI — Attraction in Austin

The manager was rude about a return I made.

It was my fIrst time shopping at REI. I purchased a roof bike rack for my new car, which I had just bought yesterday. I wanted an alternative to the cheap rack that hooks onto the trunk of my car and caused damage to the paint on my last car.

After installing the roof rack, I realized that it was much harder than I thought it would be to place my bike on the rack and also very difficult to take it off by myself. I was unaware of this until after it was purchased and installed.

Oops my bad! Guess I should have done more research. It was dangerous for my bike, my car's paint job, and for me as I could have fallen and had no free hands to break any fall since id be holding the bike. Also the bike would likely have fallen on me. Just dangerous in every way.

Although I was granted the return, the manager did accuse me of purchasing the rack to use it once knowing full well that'd I'd return it when I was done with it. This was not true and he had no reason to think that or express it to me.

I apologize for being inconvinient. I wasn't trying to pull one over on anybody. I was just trying something new, and I'd heard that REI was good about returns if a customer isn't satisfied with their purchase. I had to try to use the product to know I couldn't use it. But I definitely did not try to take it with me to one of our local parks for one time use, to look cool or whatever that reason may be, and then return it.

The interaction was awkward and embarrassing as he was calling me out in front of the employee at customer service counter. When i turned around there was another customer behind me. I wonder if he heard this too.

The rest of the staff was friendly upon entering and leaving the store. And the gentleman who sold me the rack was friendly as well. Maybe a heads up on how the product actually works would have prevented this. I'd have to he seven feet tall to use this product with ease by myself, or so it seems.

I only assume the employee I had a negative interaction with was manager because he had to approve the return. Long grey hair tied back. North...

Where do I begin to describe the incredible experiences I've had at the REI Co-op located at North Capital of Texas Hwy in Austin? From the moment I walk through those doors, I'm always greeted with a warm and welcoming ambiance that instantly puts me in the right mindset for adventure.

Shopping at REI Co-op is not just about acquiring equipment; it's about igniting your passion for the great outdoors and connecting with the natural world. The store is thoughtfully designed, and the wide-ranging selection of gear, from hiking boots to camping stoves, caters to enthusiasts of all stripes, novice or experienced.

However, what truly makes this place stand out is the unparalleled level of service from its knowledgeable staff, mainly an advisor named Hunter. Hunter has become something of a fixture in all my visits. His keen expertise, friendly demeanor, and genuine passion for the outdoors elevate the shopping experience from the mundane to the extraordinary.

Whether I am preparing for a weekend camping trip or a month-long trek, Hunter is always on hand to assist. He takes the time to understand my needs and goals, offering insightful product recommendations tailored to my specific circumstances. His extensive knowledge as an avid hiker often translates into valuable advice that has consistently enhanced my outdoor experiences.

Being an outdoor enthusiast can be challenging, but having someone like Hunter and the REI Co-op team in Austin to guide and support you every step of the way makes the journey far more rewarding. The consistency of their excellent service has built a high level of trust and reliability, a feat that very few establishments can claim.

In conclusion, whether you're embarking on your outdoor journey or are a seasoned adventurer, I can't recommend the REI Co-op in Austin highly enough. Here, you're not just a customer but a valued community member bound by a shared love for the great outdoors. I look forward to many more enlightening visits under the expert guidance of Hunter and the rest of the phenomenal team...

It had been quite a while since I had been to REI and there is now a REI in Round Rock where I live. I looked at reviews and there were quite a few showing poor service for the RR REI so I went to the one at Gateway which had good service reviews. I was looking for a particular type of belt which I thought they would carry and I had a limited amount of time to shop (about 30 minutes at the store) before I would have to leave to pick up my grandson from school. When I arrived I walked around the store looking for the belts and found some relatively quickly but they werent really what I was hoping for. I began walking around again to see if they had more belts an another area. The belts I was looking for had been in the rope and climbing gear area when I had seen them a couple of years ago. I then went looking for someone to help me but couldn't find anyone available. I went back to the belts I had found and was looking through them again. I thought one or two might work but had questions. An employee then walked up to a lady a few feet away and asked if she needed any help and I thought this was my chance to get help. The lady said no thanks and the employee turned around and walked away. I really think that help should be offered and not have to be chased down so I didn't follow or yell for her to help me. I looked at the belts a little longer and pick one I thought would do and went to the check out. At that point I only had a few minutes to make my purchase and leave. There were at least 10 people in line at the check out and I waited about a minute and the line had not moved so I put the belt back and left. Not good service...