REI — Attraction in Oakbrook Terrace

I came by this place for the first time a few days ago and wanted to purchase a few things. As I was at the register hoping for a quick pay and go, the employee kept trying to get me to acquire a membership, and out of kindness I half-heartedly listened to his spiel. While it sounded okay i was unsure if i would return, and kind of wanted to finish my purchase and just get on with my life so I made clear I was not interested and wanted to finish up and go, but he wouldn't let up and kept steering the conversation in that direction despite me repeatedly not showing interest and declining the offers multiple times. Any other store, a single "I'm not interested" would end the conversation and everyone would move on with their lives. But that hardly stopped him, for some reason this was a cause he was invested and whatever I had to say was disregarded. Not only that, but it felt like he had a certain attitude, acting like he knew better than me and treating me like I was an idiot for not reaping the rewards system (of which the benefits seemed mild or not useful enough for me to care about). After wasting several minutes at the cash register pushing back, I finally got to purchase what I came for, but as I began walking away he just had to say loudly remark about how much im missing out on, and I had to resist the temptation to start yelling. I've never had a shopping experience where I felt so disrespected, and the checkout to be so unpleasant. I regret commiting to my purchase and wish I just walked out and gave him a piece of my mind. I don't plan on making the mistake of coming back. Only reason I don't go all the way down to 1 star is there was one employee who was helpful and easygoing with my search for boots and made it an incredibly smooth experience. Wish the cash register guy took a page...

My wife and I have planned a ski trip to Colorado, so what better place to buy all new gear other than REI right? While in the store browsing for the items needed I encountered many employees without issue. This was until I came across one from a distance that asked if I had a mask, I politely said no. He said I needed one and I replied I'm ok thank you. He then told me that they would not check me out at the register unless I had a mask(basically telling me to leave). I kindly left the store and called the 1800 number to see if that was in fact the store policy, and to surprise after the gentlemen on the phone checked he showed no such thing. I provided my name number and email as he said someone will get back to me and I have yet to hear anything back 6 days later. Employees of REI are not aware of my medical conditions and should not tell me or any other customers what to do with their health, but instead maybe ask more question. This could of been handled completely different and I believe this was all due to my skin color and its very sad. We will take our...

I love REI and have bought many things from them... shoes, hiking boots, specialized clothing items, etc. The quality is also very good. However, I was extremely disappointed with them today when I wanted to modify an order that I had placed in the store. I called their 800 # and asked to modify it and they said I couldn't. Then I asked to cancel the order and they said I couldn't. They said I could only refuse the delivery or return it to the store after it was delivered. Most deliveries today are done when you aren't home or even if you are home they don't ring the doorbell so you can refuse the item. Also if it is delivered and I have to return it to the store that still takes time to do. I had gone to the store and they didn't have the item so I decided to have the store send it to me and then less than an hour later I called to modify, and when I couldn't, cancel the order... then they said I couldn't. I find their customer service lacking and I'm highly disappointed in their cancellation/ return policy. ...