REI — Local services in Tucson

So I've been looking forward to going on another camping trip soon when it cools down and instead of just going to Amazon for some new gear, I figured i'd head on over to the Tucson Mall because they have the only REI in town. Why REI? Because it's priced at a premium and you get to meet hiker chicks there. The fancy kind, not the 3 figure bank account, body odor, hairy arms kind like at other stores.

What does REI stand for, you ask? I have absolutely NO IDEA, but I just assume it means Really Exciting Implications. And if it doesn't stand for that, it SHOULD. Because good times are implied by paying $400 for a backpack that can fit a dwarf and a whole stove inside. Pay me, REI! Cashapp RicoCamps69420.

Since it was in the Tucson Mall, I thought I might stop by the Short Rest Tavern for some mead to get me into the Tolkien-esque forest adventurer mindset. I also thought about stopping by "Cutting Edge Swords, Knives and Gifts" for a camping katana sword. So that way in case some forrest bandits or desert raiders invade my camp, they'll know they're dealin with a huge nerd and probably just leave me alone. They're actually probably just scared though. They don't know how much anime I've watched.

But seeing on how my time was a little short, I just waltzed straight into the mecca of hiking/camping enthusiasts. I didn't really make a list of needs or anything seeing as how I already had a tent and a sleeping bag I found at Burning Man. It smells very odd like something died inside of it besides an acid-induced ego, but warmth is warmth. Maybe I could buy some of those non-perishable meal on the go bags, a solar charger or perchance a hydration reservoir. But then I saw it. The health and safety section. BEAR SPRAY. Every since I saw "The Edge", the 90s movie with Alec Baldwin and Anthony Hopkins where they fight a bear, I knew I didn't want to be stuck making tree spears with boomers trying to ward off a grizzly. And after the Revenant scene where the grizzly attacks DiCaprio, he wasn't prepared and neither was the 22 year old Brazilian model yelling at the bear.

I figured, why the hell not. Let's get some bear spray. Even if I don't go hiking, how cool would it be to go on a date and when you're driving around you accidently open the glove compartment and the girl is automatically turned on because you're a REAL man. Even if I don't go hiking, I could be walking around a dangerous part of town knowing that nobody is going to be messing with a guy wearing cowboy boots and a can of bear spray attached to his belt loop. ESPECIALLY a bear that just got done drinking at Highwire.

They had the Counter Assault brand Bear Deterrant Spray and the holster seperately. About $75 total. A small price to pay for a license to be a dangerous, cool guy. I was about to not buy it, but there was a seasoned, older man with a beard and a cheek scar in a flannel shirt watching me look at the can in the same aisle, so I had to just go ahead and buy it. Couldn't have him see me weak. He had to know I, too, know how serious bears are and I'm that i'm ready for them in the land, sea or air. Then he got behind me in the checkout line and coughed and I got flustered when the register person asked me if I wanted to sign up for the membership and I caved to that too.

So now I have less money and no idea when i'll go camping. But at least I got this bear spray. I hope I don't confuse it with my Axe body spray because that will be an embarrassing 9-1-1 call.

Thanks Really Exciting Implications. I'll be...

Very bad customer service. Today was my first time in this store. I was planning to buy a thermal, a beanie and gloves for a Christmas gift or in other words, I came in to spend a good amount of money for good quality. From the start, at the bottom floor, I passed two employees, both of which looked directly at me and my mother, not one said hello or so much as a smile. We thought nothing of it, figured it's a busy time as we both have worked retail during this season and proceeded to walk up stairs where we assumed the clothes were (hence, our assumption since no one was available to greet and direct us). As soon as we got up stairs yet another associate walks right past us, even brushed shoulders with us and still walked right past us without a hello or how may I help you YET greeted the white lady behind us. Yes, I went there. How is it that you pass two customers without a single word but can be more than willing to help a single customer who is a few steps behind us? I have a degree in Justice Studies, as I am also a minority and a woman, I catch these subtle but noticeable behaviors. Regardless, I still continue on my search for the items I came in for. My mother finally decides to ask an associate in the shoes where their thermals are at. The associate points in the direction of the thermals but does not offer to walk us over or perhaps even let the associate in that department know she is sending us over. By this point, were fed up but still walk ourselves over hoping we find what we need. Yet again, we pass another associate on that end without a single word just a glance. At this time I say forget it and decide to spend my money elsewhere but before I go i stop at the register to ask for the managers name so Jim, you need to have a serious talk with your employees, I would hate to think and believe it's highly unlikely your corporate manager or district manager would find my story one of pure accident or mistake since I encountered at least 5 of your employees without being greeted or asked if I needed help. I hope my experience today is not a reflection of your companies beliefs or values. Have a...

A better place to shop!

I needed a pair of hiking boots and having been to Dick’s Sporting Goods in the past, where the women hiking equipment selection is below par and the service is practically non-existent, I decided to drive the 15 extra miles to the REI store in Tucson.

I had never been to an REI store before. I came from Florida where hiking is a rarity and the nearest REI store was too far away.

As soon as I walked in, I got excited. It seemed that this store was more focused on local activities, such as hiking, mountain biking and camping vs at Dick’s where they focuse mostly on national sports.

I went straight to the shoe department and immediately a super knowledgeable sales person was assigned to me who anticipated my needs and tastes almost miraculously. I even asked him, are you psychic?

It took a while to try every pair I wanted to try on and he was so patient and kind throughout the process. He answered any question I had with ease, and made great suggestions for me without ever being the slightest bit pushy. I do not know if they work on commission at REI’s or not, because he even suggested that if I liked a pair that wasn’t available in my size, to go buy it online. Wow!

Luckily, I did find a beautiful pair in my size that fit me well, but I should correct myself right now because luck had nothing to do with this. It was all due to the wonderfully large selection and the perfect assistance that I found a great pair of hiking boots that supported my ankles and fit my narrow feet like a glove.

I will be going back to REI on December 29 when they are having a huge after-Christmas sale. I’m counting down the days. I’m hoping to get a tent with camping equipment so I can see what it is like to be in the wilderness at night.

Thank you REI and especially, thank you sales person...