REI — Attraction in City of Rochester

I went into REI to find a pair of hiking shoes. I had never been in the store but was aware of the building near Costco. The selection of men and women’s hiking, and running shoes were amazing! I never realized there were so many options. What did I like best? A warranty on any shoe! Now, that is impressive! They kept your information on their computer so you don’t need to keep the receipt. They also have a clearance room where they have previous seasons clothes, racked according to size, a time saving feature! I ended up becoming a member of the “REI CO-OP”. I will get 10% of all regular priced purchases given to me next February. Plus I got a 20% off coupon to use within a month. Since I was going on vacation soon, it was an easy purchase. I have the option to get my rebate by check so I don’t have to spend it in the store. They carry sports bras, panties, socks, coats, T-shirt’s, backpacks, sleeping bags, serious wilderness camping equipment as well as mountain climbing, running, actually, any equipment for outdoor activities. The staff is very attentive. I have found more availability of staff during the day than in the evening when I have visited. A very pleasant experience. Be prepared, it is expensive, however, I was there on a day that all clearance items were an additional 25% off. I ended up getting a pair of tights...

I've shopped at REI for years and am very excited to have a store right here in Rochester. The prices are reasonable (especially if you are a member and shop the Outlet) and the quality of the products is superb. The employees have a "here-to-help-you" mind set and know when to check back with you and when to leave you alone.

The best aspect of having a store in Rochester is being able to take classes! I've taken three so far. One on hiking/camping for women, one on basic bike maintenance (fixing a flat, very basic cleaning, etc.), and last night I took a Hands-On Bike Maintenance class. You take you own bike in, there are only 3 or 4 in the class, and you learn how to adjust brakes, really clean up the drive chain, and much more. Learning to take care of my bike, and understand which noises are OK and which I can fix is empowering. Shem has an exceptional ability to explain mechanical concepts to anyone, regardless of your familiarity with bikes, tools, or other equipment. Some guys are not very good at teaching women, but Shem just meets everyone where they are and proceeds from there. He explains concepts clearly, and hands the tools over to you. It really is hands-on. I am looking forward to taking more courses and will be back for the drive train course in the fall!

Nice job...

DO NOT BUY FROM REI. They are literal thieves. If you try to return something by mail they will NOT give you your money back. I shipped my order back to their return facility and it arrived at their facility within 5 days of me paying money to ship it back and they are telling me my “cheque” with my return money “hasn’t arrived yet cause you’re in Canada”. They will make up excuses saying that they mailed a cheque with the money but it has been two months and I have yet to receive this “cheque” I’ve called customer service and all the tell you is “wait two more weeks”. This is literally a scam. Also what kind of 21st century company returns your money through a cheque? My fiancé has a member account with them so I have no idea why they can’t just put my money back in my card. Oh I know why, because they hope that I’ll forget about my return and they can keep my money. Customer service is useless. Their prices are outrageous. The quality of their stuff isn’t that great anyway. So I would just skip this place all together. Thanks for stealing almost $500...