REI — Local services in Vernon Hills

I visited this REI location for the first time a couple days ago and had the best experience. I came in to exchange a pair of shorts I purchased online and decided to look around for some new gear for an upcoming trip. As I was roaming the hiking packs I was approached by a guy who asked if I needed assistance. He gave me some really good advice and seemed to know a fair amount about the different options based on my needs. I decided to try a few different daypacks out and put them on the table. I was greeted by a woman named Dolores who helped me size the pack, go in further depth on my options and the Bennifits of each pack. She literally knew anything and everything there was and went ABOVE and BEYOND to make sure all my needs were met. She shared personal experiences on her previous travels and even broke down other options for gear I was interested in. There was nothing she couldn’t answer nor did she try and guess on something she didn’t know, she literally knew her products inside and out. I traveled an hour to get to this location for an exchange and left buying over $300 in gear and a membership. I will 10000% be coming back in the coming weeks to continue to shop with REI because of my experience with Dolores. I’m in the customer service industry and understand what it means to take care of the customer. This type of experience unfortunately doesn’t happen often. Dolores absolutely cares and is truly passionate about her craft. I appreciate her help and the help of all the staff. This team was great to work with from the cashiers to the floor staff . I look forward to doing more business with REI and working with this team...

Been to this REI several times so I can say I’ve had good and bad experiences. The checkout staff is usually fine, and they do have a pretty great selection of items. The process for buying shoes was great and the employees there were really helpful.

When it comes to bag fitting though, I have had really weird employees who were kind of rude and annoyed to have to help. I went in to buy a backpack, told the employee what I was looking for and he just stood there? Didn’t ask if I needed help getting fitted, just kind of odd. Didn’t offer to show me any other bags either so I just left and bought it online. The other day I had to rent a pack for my friend and the rental guy was rude as well, despite me trying to be friendly as possible. During the fitting he seemed annoyed and when I did ask a question about if a rain cover on the pack was needed, he said I had to buy one. Yeah sorry but who is going to buy a rain cover for a backpack they don’t own? Kind of weird imo, but that’s not really a big deal since I could just get a poncho or trash bag and it’d work fine. However for someone who’s new to backpacking and doesn’t know this, it could be bad and you think that would be something they would mention, especially to renters.

It’s not a bad store by any means, but if you want a good backpack buying experience I would recommend a different location personally. Backpacks can vary fit wise for each person so it’s important that you feel comfortable in it before you buy. This store won’t really help with that so if anything you’d be better off just buying online and saving yourself an...

I've always liked REI and have spent thousands of dollars at REI over the years. I went in today with the intention of purchasing a canoe for my son for a Christmas gift. Right after I walked in, an employee tracked me down and said that I need to put on a mask. I said I don't have one and he said it is the rules and he will find me one. I decided to leave.

As a physician, we know that masks don't prevent respiratory viruses from clinging to tiny particles and circulating into the air. We know that masks are virtually close to 100% ineffective for the spread of Covid. We are almost two years in to this and the madness continues, because public health officials and state government tell us we need to follow their orders. They know very little about the subject of masking and don't care to follow the obvious data.

I decided to go to Bass Pro Shops instead and purchase a canoe and will continue to go here and other places going forward. As an REI Coop member and REI credit card holder, I will take my business elsewhere. The compliance of stores like REI and their employees are what are prolonging this...