REI — Attraction in Columbus

Firstly we love REI. It is one of my favorite stores. I spend a good bit here annually. Our shopping experience has always been excellent. However, yesterday we went in to the Sawmill Road location to spend our dividends. Something changed. None of the regular staff was there and had been replaced by entirely middle aged men. This isn’t so much an issue as them basically being hawks and having one be right next to you almost the entire time we were in the store.

It was almost a high pressure sales pitch during our entire visit. This included a speech from one employee about how every single person in the family should be a member. He never took the hint that no one wanted to talk.

Said employee could be found hovering near the front door and fed this sales pitch to nearly everyone who came through the door. Whether they wanted to talk or not. Loud enough to be heard across the store.

The rest of the visit was just other employees constantly hovering nearby attempting to tell me about every piece of gear within eye shot and how much they like it and how much money I could save.

We love you REI but what ever Managment has decided is best for the store and team resulted in me spending $0 when I had intended to spend several hundred.

The sales staff needs to back off and be helpful. Not over bearing. Provide assistance when asked to. If you’re trying to boost an underperforming store, this isn’t how to do it.

Sincerely a member...

Went tonight for the first time with our service dogs. We walked in and the greeter told us that only service dogs were allowed and then it was super awkward. My boyfriend and I said we were aware and kept walking. While we walked around the store it seemed we were being watched by the greeter and it was uncomfortable. Everyone else seemed nice and eager to help and the place was spotless and organized which is why I want to give it two stars. When we went to check out the cashier was really pushing the membership card. We get it, part of the job. Again they were super nice but after us saying no twice we were tired of it.

Again, great looking store, very eager workers. Just an awkward experience for us. In terms of product, they have a lot of options and we were very impressed with the amount of to go meals they have for camping but disappointed that the...

These guys are all enthusiastic about making sure your experience is tailored to YOU. Their gear is top-notch, but price matches the quality. the rewards program is 10% cashback... At the end of the year... But the perks are really nice. And signing up is cheap. They do push the membership. A LOT... Which is annoying.

If you want to know what nice gear feels like, wander in. They don't judge you by your bank account and they're very freindly. You're under no obligation to buy anything. And they respect that. But if you DO intend to buy anything they have a tendancy to upsell. But if you let them know your budget, they'll help you find a good fit.

Their return policy for members is incredible. 1 year, no questions asked, in any condition, for any reason no matter how petty, excluding normal wear and tear.

Highly reccomended for hikers, survivalists,...