REI — Attraction in Lawrence Township

This location is phenomenal. I called around to other REI locations further north in NJ closer to where I live and none of them would help me reinstall the rear half of my Yakima roof rack that had come loose (installed by a different non-REI business in Idaho). I eventually called this REI Princeton location and Ian (?) was extremely helpful over the phone, and scheduled an appointment for me.

Upon arrival, Gina helped me out. My car was especially difficult to re-install the rack to. She tried multiple times, double-checked Yakima's technical notes, double-checked the settings and literally tried everything she could to help. She was ultimately unsuccessful on this first visit, but she asked me to return the next day and promised that with help from other staff it would be resolved, and it was. Turns out, it was a two-person job due to the way it installs on my vehicle under very high tension, and this was verified when I saw how difficult it was even for two people who know what they're doing to get it installed properly. I literally never would have been able to do this myself, even with my wife's help.

After all of the time and energy they invested, literally hours, what they charged me for the service is too embarrassing to even write here, but it was the cherry on top of an already incredible experience. Don't go anywhere else for anything, just come here and know you'll be taken care of no matter what. I will happily make the drive from Hoboken to come back here if I ever need anything...

I was fond of REI. But their online shopping experience falls short tremendously in any standard. Would not recommend to anyone. I found the information throughout the process to be misleading, unreliable and sometimes unacceptable.

From the beginning, when I selected 'Pick up from store' - I was not made aware that it was not in the store. they will be shipping to store. I only found that out after payment button, that I items will be available in 3 different dates over 2 weeks period. well, I accepted it. I should have been more careful I guess.

But then, no communication was made, when the item due date passed, could not track it online. When called their main number, they could not give me any date. When called the store, (and listen to this), the associate named 'Bryan or maybe Rayan) tells me - 'Sir, we have no way of knowing when the item will be here, it is third part shipping company' and that's it. no other comment or apology. 2 days after expected date of picking of the items. as if I chose the third party shipping company.

None of the two sales associate was even sure what the items were.

Those are two kayaks and I already made plans based on received dates.

I paid $1,800, REI promised 2 Kayaks on June 23rd. REI already took the money. So, if REI cannot keep their end of the bargain, to the least, the company should communicate to me, try to track or locate the status and gives me a new date.

I will smile the day this...

The best part about going to REI is the people. Nearly every time I go to pick up some camping or paddling gear, an employee will be curious: "Any cool plans for the weekend?", triggering a conversation about something somewhere out there in the wild. I have learned about cool new places I have never seen, but I would like to. That is very valuable, but it's free! The store sells great gear. You can't go wrong with that. Sometimes, it can be a little pricey, but keep an eye out for sales and join the Co-op so you get the 10% back at the end of the year. They carry NRS, Thule, Merrell, and Mountain House camping meals, which are some of my goto brands. I got my SUP roof carriers here as well. They offered installation, which I did not need, but some of my friends have used the service and were happy with the outcome. The next thing I think I will trust REI with is service and adjustment on my MTB. I also really like the environmentally positive mindset of the company. We can't enjoy nature if we burn it down, and they get it. Reduce, reuse, recycle! and check out the used gear while...