REI

Reviews

• ZV

  Zolfa Valiani-Merchant

  1 day ago
  5.0
  I’ve had a few staff go above a beyond what I would expect for a retail situation at this REI. One time it was helping my autistic son find a pack that would work for Philmont after his orthopedist cleared him as he was recovering from a shoulder injury. The two staff members spent 15/20 min each trying to trouble shoot and were both very patient. The second time was around a year ago when I met Payal in the camping/sleep system area and our casual conversation evolved into a conversation about scouting and her interest in contributing to a troop like ours. Our troop has benefitted in many ways from her experiences & relevant knowledge for planning, preparing, and executing any kind of outdoor adventure from caving to scuba, backpacking, canyoneering, wilderness first aid, kayaking, to foraging, etc., is incredible!). Her passion for nature, outdoor adventures and especially for sharing these experiences with young people, whi modeling and teaching best practices for safety, personal responsibility, and stewardship of these spaces shines. Scouts respond to her in ways they won’t for their parental units, and she is able to earn their respect while building rapport. Her service to our troop and to scouts bsa as to incredible opportunities for our new scouts BSA girl troop in Bethesda. Based on our exchange at REI a year ago, Payal ended up registering with our troop, becoming a fully trained leader, and providing key adult leadership for our troop at Goshen and later for another young woman seeking a “high adventure” backpacking trip at Lenhoksin (Goshen’s high adventure program). Payal is a fantastic role model who modestly shares a tremendous amount of knowledge to further the growth, interest, and application of LNT principles with youth through scouting, etc. and keeping families engaged for life in a love for the outdoors. Last, her encyclopedic knowledge about appropriate gear, being prepared and seeking new adventures while obtaining high quality, value-added gear that is durable, functional and proven. In sort, , Payal is awesome and well loved in our country troop.
• LL

  Lex

  Dec 15, 2025
  1.0
  I have NEVER felt so unwelcome, judged, and disrespected in a retail store in my life.This was my first time at this REI location, and I came in with my son who has autism on his BIRTHDAY to purchase a pair of Targhee shoes. What should have been a simple, positive experience turned into an absolute nightmare.While checking out, my son had a meltdown which, for anyone who has even BASIC knowledge of autism, is not unusual. Instead of empathy, patience, or professionalism, I was met with stares and judgment. THREE different staff members looked at us like we were a problem. I asked to speak to a manager because at that point I no longer felt comfortable or welcome in the store. And yes, racism clearly still exists, sad to say. The moment a Black family walks in and a child shows any sign of distress, suddenly we’re treated differently. That is exactly how it felt, unwelcome, judged, and pushed out. No family should ever feel this way while shopping, especially when they have a child with a disability. We were trying to PAY and LEAVE so we could calm my son down, yet no one offered help, kindness, or understanding. After purchasing the shoes, I wasn’t even offered a BAG. Just handed the item and sent on my way like I was an inconvenience. When I finally spoke to Jason, the manager, and explained that customers with children who have disabilities and autism should be treated with respect, he showed ZERO concern. No apology. No empathy. No accountability. Nothing. Completely dismissive. I have been to many other REI locations, and the customer service was FAR better than this. This location needs serious retraining on inclusion, disability awareness, and basic human decency, especially when families and children are involved. Absolutely unacceptable. I will NOT be returning, and I strongly suggest others think twice before shopping here. Do better, REI.
• TD

  T. Davis

  Dec 4, 2025
  2.0
  High prices galore
• SP

  Saji Prelis

  Nov 29, 2025
  5.0
  Good service, good discounts, and great products plus the membership benefits. Love REI
• JG

  Justin Golden

  Nov 21, 2025
  5.0
  Great outfitter, great gear!

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