RU
Ray Underwood
Jan 13, 2026
Disappointed with my visit to REI Tucson
I decided to check out the REI Tucson store after my wife picked up a pair of shoes using a gift card she received for joining the co-op. We were excited to browse, but my experience left a lot to be desired.
While there were several employees on the ground floor, I was never approached or offered help, even when I was clearly looking at different items like bikes, car roof storage, and backpacks. It seemed like staff were very friendly with other customers, but I was repeatedly ignored.
When I finally got to check out, the associate Kristen asked how I was doing, and I shared honestly that I was not having a great experience. I am Mexican, and I felt that I was being racially discriminated against based on how I was treated compared to other customers in the store.
This place calls itself a “co-op,” but it felt less like a cooperative community and more like an exclusive club. Honestly, the letters CO-OP might as well be CCCP, because the atmosphere felt cold, rigid, and anything but welcoming.
After that interaction, I was asked if I wanted to donate to the co-op, which felt especially off given how I had already been treated.
Overall, I found the prices high, even more than other outdoor retailers like Dick’s Sporting Goods, and the service left me feeling unwelcome. If you are looking for attentive and inclusive customer service, I would recommend considering options like Amazon or Sportsman’s Warehouse instead.