REI — Local services in Kalispell

I had been exceptionally skeptical of REI. My cousin finally convinced me to become a member last year.

Last year, I purchased Hoka Bondi 8 and Salomon Ski Boots.

The ski boots were great for the first day, but after that they started to create pain on the outside of my feet. My feet became so sensitive, that it hurt to walk in them.

I came back to REI. Jason and Derrick spent 90 minutes with me to customize the boots for my feet. They even put it into the oven to heat up.

I tried them for another day of skiing and I was in tears coming down the hill just from the pain.

I knew my season was over. I was hesitant and reluctant to go back into REI, near the end of the ski season (March), and ask for a partial refund.

Jason happened to have been at the store that day. Without hesitation he said to me, “I bet it didn’t help you at all. I had those some boots and our feet are the same shape. No matter what I did to the boots, they never worked for me either.”

He took the boots… scanned my receipt and told me that he credited my card. No questions asked. No forms to fill out. I was disappointed my season was over, but I was relieved that I didn’t need to fight with anyone.

Today, my Bondas split on the side of the shoe. I purchased them back in November and I thought there was no way that I can return them, but I never had a shoe blow out on me before. I walked into REI and spoke with Alexis at the desk. She zapped my receipt and told me that it was a defect in the shoe and was eligible for a refund.

Incredibly easy and friendly. Unfortunately, my size is not easy to shop for and they didn’t have a replacement for the ski boots or Hoka shoes.

I will be...

BELOW WAS MY FIRST REVIEW, SITTING A DINNER IN 5 MIN AWAY FROM THE REI, LOOKED ONLINE AND TO MY SUPRISE THEY HAD ONE OF THE PAIRS I WAS WANTING TO PURCHASE IN STOCK. OMG BUT WAS TOLD NOT AVAILABLE. I GUESS THRY DO NOT WANT TO SELL ME A ATLEAST 1 PAIR I WAS WANTING. HOW SAD.

I went in to purchase Keen brand shoes. I asked if the could get the ones I have but in a different size, no as they are "old" and REI only carries new styles. Suprise I can only get them at Sportsmans and Keen as they are new. We looked for similar shoes and I ended up having them pull 5 pair, none were a good fit but every box was left for me to open and take out all stuffing and then I had to put all the shoes back into the boxes like I took them out. I wish I could have gotten a few new pairs today but hours later I guess home and order some from Keen or Sportsmans. If I had been at a discount store would have not minded NO service, paying full price and having to do it all was so sub standard to REI's policy and no one in the store cared. I will order on line or wait to go to the store in San Diego, CA when visiting my daughter and her husband. I have never been treated in REI like I was today by 4 departments. Walmart has better service than the REI in Kalispell, MT. Do not expect customer...

SAVED ME FROM BUYING NEW BINDINGS! They are the BEST! I love REI and the Kalispell staff was amazing every time I’ve been there.

I bought a pair of used Rosignol Soul skis with Rossignol bindings, and had to have them remounted because I’m a woman and my feet are much smaller than the man I bought them from. The first day I went skiing I fell and the bindings would not release.

The mountain ski shop told me the bindings were no good and I needed new ones. So, at the end of the day I went to REI to see what was there and the sales clerk said, ‘let’s look at those bindings’ so I brought them in and sure enough the guy who remounted my bindings (not REI) did it wrong so they were now super stiff, stuck and dangerous.

REI fixed it and adjusted them perfectly for my size and skill level. The skis are perfect now. ♥️

Also, another time I was there staff walked me through the performance fleece options and I bought a couple. They are amazing! I don’t ever want to wear anything else on the mountain.

They also reminded me that REI has a 1 year return guarantee on skis. I’ll be buying new skis for next year and REI is definitely where I will go. This team does more than just try to sell you the standard packages, they find out what YOU need, and they really know...