Patagonia — Local services in San Francisco

I went here for the first time in December, because my youngest brother works at Google and got a 40% discount one evening. It was PACKED with Googlers, just like when people on TV raid supermarkets for supplies before a disaster. The staff were visibly grouchy and low key hostile. Some of them made sarcastic comments about all the rich tech folks getting massive discounts they probably didn't need (but to be fair I made the same joke). I had to come back the next day to exchange the sweater I bought for a larger size (because reality vs aspiration) and the same crew was there but in much happier, friendlier, welcoming moods. I still give them 5 stars despite the sass from my first xp because 1) I can empathize about being sour grapes when a hoard of 6-figure Koopas rampage through your store, and 2) that return policy! I had a NWT red coat that I bought before I got preggers and when I gave up on regaining my pre-baby body two years later, I took it in and they gave me a full refund - $300! I swear not to abuse their generosity and have them revoke the privilege like...

Akari, the staff member who helped me last weekend, and the Patagonia quality promise standards are amazing. The great customer care and reasonable flexibility with a damaged jacket led me to spend a few extra hundred on the site. My partner had gifted me a onesie (NWT) that I didn’t like… it had been a little longer than a couple months, but the return was easy, even though was a sale item when purchased before the winter holidays. Akari was fantastic - non-judgmental and understanding. I will be back because of her.. and the terrible policy and sustainability efforts of this brand.

Edited six months after original posting to update Akari’s name to the correct spelling.. (sorry, Akari!). I stopped by Patagonia again and saw her, and was received with kindness. Definitely not regretting having switched business over from Lulu and REI to...

I'm an avid hiker and camper, and I've been buying Patagonia gear (among other brands) for years. Most recently I had bought a Patagonia down jacket, and the zipper had started ripping the fabric near the neck end of the zipper. I went and asked them to repair it, but they said even though it could be repaired, they were currently backlogged and it would take 10 weeks. Instead they offered me a voucher in the value of the jacket's original price, which I could apply to the price of the latest model of this jacket. They said they would still repair the jacket and then donate it, so it wouldn't end up in the trash. I gladly accepted their offer and ended up paying an additional $55 to have the latest model shipped directly to my home address. Great environmental and societal conscience, and great...