REI

Reviews

• CH

  Casey Harrell

  Nov 14, 2025
  2.0
  Went to REI for their Member Savings Event specifically to purchase full new winter wardrobe, as this will be my first Chicago winter. I was followed around the store by two older saleswoman (one who I believe works fitting room area, another the women's winter apparel), who proceeded to badger me with questions about my intention on buying. Basically the passive aggressive salesperson way of implying they thought I didn't have enough $ to actually buy anything, so I must be there to steal lol. Despite several reassurances on my end that I did NOT need any help, they eventually stopped asking and just stood there staring at me while I tried on jackets. Like for a full minute, no pretending to do something else, no talking, just standing 3 feet away from me watching me like a hawk. When I went to try on items in the fitting rooms, two items did not work, so I placed these on their hangers on the hook outside the door. 3 minutes later I have one of these ladies coming up to me demanding where the items went, asking me if I plan on buying anything.... Ridiculous elderly women, REI desperately needs some re-training for some of their older staff. If it weren't for these two, would've been an easy 5 stars. The younger female staff member working men's winter, and the young female cashier were absolute gems, and a huge help. I expected to be walking out with a full wardrobe, but only ended up buying two basic necessities. We'll be second guessing coming back to REI in general, and definitely won't be coming back to this location. Friday, 11/14 7:30pm or so.
• ST

  Samantha Tamayo

  Nov 8, 2025
  1.0
  I’ve always loved shopping at REI for the quality of products and focus on inclusivity, but my recent visit to this location left me disappointed. While trying on coats with my partner, we noticed the store associate checking in with several other customers nearby, asking if they needed help with sizes or had any questions but never approached us once, despite us clearly trying on multiple jackets and looking around for assistance. It’s hard not to wonder why we were the only ones overlooked, and whether it was because we didn’t fit their idea of the “typical REI customer.” Regardless of the reason, it didn’t feel good to be ignored in a space that prides itself on community and customer care. I hope the store takes this feedback seriously and ensures that all customers are treated with the same attentiveness and respect.
• MS

  mr steel

  Oct 19, 2025
  1.0
  Returns at this location are the most absurd, they make you feel like a thief. The policy is there for a reason but they insist in interrogating as if the company pays them to be arrogant. If there’s a reason why REI Is losing its customer base, this is why.
• MB

  Maximina Bester

  Oct 17, 2025
  2.0
  First experience here, bought some shoes, great experience and the helper today is what the two stars are for. Next experience today at the cash register made me decide not to shop here again and write this post. You could look at me and tell that I am not feeling my best. If you are anyone who can read body language at any level. Seymour, the store associate began to tell me about savings in the co-op, which I politely in the most calm and low tone advised him that I was not interested. I told him, I’ve been to the store before I’m not trying to be rude.. I just don’t have it in me right now I would like to make the purchase and leave as I’m not feeling my best. His reply was “well, you are being rude and you are leaving money on the table as well.” Literally, that’s what he said. Im flabbergasted. As opposed to , hope you feel better, I understand, sorry to hear.. anything that was humanly kind went out of the window. I was as polite as I could’ve been and still met with this response. I’ll be doing my shopping online going forward. Not worth that experience. Thanks to Seymour, REI will see me less.
• OP

  Om Patel

  Oct 15, 2025
  5.0
  First time going on a big hiking trip so I stopped at REI for the first time. Genene and Donna were absolutely amazing and very patient with all my questions. I left feeling super satisfied with my experience, I’ll definitely be coming back!

Frequently Asked Questions About REI