REI — Local services in Town of Guilderland

So, unlike the other 1 star reviews I know how REI typically operates. I've been to one in New Hampshire a few times and also visited their flagship store in Denver Co. Last year. I see people are annoyed by them following them around and we'll that's what they do. They want to help you. Anyway, to get more to my review and why it is a 3 star. Went there yesterday to buy trail running shoes amongst other items and was greeted by a pleasant Fellow who's name i can't recollect. He was a worker there and help guide us in the right direction with a few items. So we made it over 2 the shoes and there was only 2 employees over there. We looked at what options we wanted to try out. Waited expecting one of them to come over and offer help, they did not. I was confused because anytime I have gone to an rei they have always come over but not these 2. One was a younger guy and an older short lady. Waited about 15 mins before flagging them down. Told the kid what shoe sizes we wanted to try out and waited for him to pick them. He came out set them down then left. No advice was given during this at all. Figured like the others they would get us properly fit.....NOPE. they both acted like they didn't care to be there at all. The kid grabbed the wrong size shoes 3 times and didn't bring out the right shoes ether. I know he's been there a while because I made a stop there when Christmas shopping and he was there then to and seems very unlnowledgeable about shoes at all. Took us 2 hours to pick out shoes, a majority of it was waiting on them. Manager needs to bring in more people for that department and more knowledge. Hopefully what we got will work because we self tested them and took it upon ourselves to was up and down the shoe rock ramp with no...

Wow, what a shopping experience! If you’ve ever wanted to feel like the star of a low-budget spy thriller where every store employee is a secret agent tailing you, REI Crossgates is the place to be. I walked in just to browse, but apparently, that was suspicious behavior. Within minutes, I was approached by so many employees asking if I needed help that I started wondering if I’d accidentally walked in wearing a ski mask and holding a crowbar.

Then, the grand finale—on my way out, some guy hit me with, “Hey, we have something if you want to go for a walk… or, you know, climb a mountain.” Ah yes, because clearly, I look like someone who can barely waddle to my car. Thanks for the subtle judgment, buddy. Maybe next time, throw in a “you got this, champ” and a participation ribbon while you’re at it.

In short, if you enjoy being treated like a shoplifting, non-hiking, barely-mobile threat to outdoor gear everywhere—REI Crossgates has you covered. Otherwise, maybe try a store that assumes you have both money and working legs.

⭐⭐ Would give them two stars instead of one because at least their parking...

I arrived this morning as they were opening up the store to the public for the grand opening. There was a line of people walking in. I needed a new pair of hiking boots and the options in Albany prior to REI opening yesterday were pretty grim. I looked around and picked out a couple I wanted to try. I had to wait about 5 minutes to speak with a salesperson because there were so many people in the store already. It was worth the wait. I explained what I was looking for to Romy. Romy took my measurements and immediately suggested I try a different boot based on the narrowness of my feet. Turns out I’ve also been wearing the wrong size hiking boot. Romy brought me two options both were great but one was slightly too big and they didn’t have the next size down in store. I went hiking in the new boots today and they were perfect. Fit great. No pain. Romy really helped guide me in the right direction and was really knowledgeable. So helpful. Really happy that this...