REI — Attraction in Roseville

I ordered winter boots online to have picked up from the Roseville location being that it is close to my job. I commute to work by bike and being that it is an outdoorsy store you would think they would be used to the occasional cyclist coming into the store wearing well, winter cycling gear. Immediately after arriving, I was already receiving demeaning looks and the feeling that no one wanted to help me. No one was at the service counter, I waited for 5 minutes. Finally someone came out and asked me what I needed, but in a snarky tone. I told him I'm picking up boots. He disappears for another 5 minutes, comes back and asks for I.D. I give him my I.D. and the address doesn't mach the billing address because I had just moved. He refused to give me the boots even though my name, credit card information and my I.D. matched who I was, he made it VERY CLEAR that I could not have the boots until I gave him "verbal communication" (also in sarcastic tone) on what the correct address was. I gave him my correct billing address and then he just dropped the box on the counter and walked away without saying "Have a good day" or "thank you for shopping with us" By this point there were 8 people standing in line behind me. I have been to the Bloomington location as well and have nothing but above and beyond customer service there. The Bloomington location let's you bring bikes into the store if you so choose to do. This location I feel like would shoot you down if you brought your bike in for a second. I'd like to see Roseville step it up being that the bike shop that I work for sends people over to REI on a semi-consistent basis depending on what is currently stocked...

I needed my fairly basic bike tuned up. After I called around to 10 different privately owned bike shops (I wanted to support the local businesses you know?) No one had an estimated return time of less than a week.

I have a membership here, because many years ago it WAS a local businesses when I live in WA state.

All I had to do was bring my bike inside the store and roll it over to the bike shop. They gave it a "physical",. Said I would only need a basic tune up and. New brake cable.

I was called to come pick it up less than 24 hours later! So. Happy!! I could tell my new brake was a little mushy testing it my hand on way out of store. I spun around back to desk. "This new brake won't even try to slow me down. Can this get double checked, please?" Ah! all they needed to do was tighten it. I was sure to watch them like a hawk so I could do this myself later.

I gave cc it a spin around their parking lot and I was THRILLED with how great things felt once again!! Everything is was cleaned up. Even my little bell ringer was working again!! It was a...

Knowledgeable staff and friendly service are what makes REI a good place to go to get camping gear and clothing. The $20 co-op membership pays for itself pretty much as soon as you buy something and it never expires and doesn't have annual renewal fees like other retailers. The best service I've received so far was when I went on a week-long kayaking trip in the Apostle Islands last summer and was trying on paddling boots -- I didn't know whether to buy a size 10 (what I normally wear) or 11 boot, but I came prepared with the two layers of socks that I was planning to wear inside. The store associate who assisted me was very patient in running to the back to grab a few different pairs of boots for me to try on until I found the right ones. Went with the bigger boot and I'm glad that I did!

You can also purchase Minnesota state park passes at any REI location (Bloomington, Maple Grove, or Roseville) without having to go downtown (not sure if you can purchase Wisconsin...