PS
Paul “Pswurve” Smith
5 days ago
There are stores you visit, and then there are places that quietly become part of the architecture of your life.
For the last couple of years, REI Dublin has been the latter for our family.
We have wandered in with questions about packs, tents, shoes, bikes, obscure pieces of gear, and sometimes only the vague feeling that we were preparing for some adventure we had not completely imagined yet. And somehow, every single person we have encountered there has met us with the same thing: patience, knowledge, curiosity, and a genuine desire to help.
Not the rehearsed helpfulness of retail. Something rarer.
I work in advertising, so I spend an unreasonable amount of my life thinking about brands, what they promise, what they mean, and why some of them become important to us while others remain merely names printed on things.
A brand, at its best, is not a logo.
It is a memory.
It is the feeling left behind after the transaction is forgotten.
And that is what the staff at REI Dublin have built for us, interaction by interaction, over years.
I especially want to recognize Andrew.
Recently, we came in to purchase a bike, and Andrew turned what could have been an ordinary sale into one of those small experiences that reminds you why human beings still matter in commerce. He listened. He answered every question. He never made us feel rushed or foolish for asking another one. He helped us think through the purchase rather than simply pushing us toward it.
By the time we left, we hadn't merely bought a bike.
We felt cared for.
And perhaps that sounds like an extravagant thing to say about buying outdoor equipment, but this is precisely how brands become loved. Not through a campaign declaring what a company believes, but through a person standing in a store who quietly proves it.
Advertising can create the promise.
People like Andrew, and honestly, the entire team at REI Dublin, are the ones who keep it.
Over the years, so many members of this staff have helped our family prepare to walk farther, camp longer, ride somewhere new, and venture into places we hadn't been before. They have become, in their small way, part of those stories.
That is an extraordinary thing for a store to accomplish.
So thank you to everyone at REI Dublin, and a very special thank you to Andrew.
You are the reason the letters R-E-I mean something to us.
First time visiting the store in Dublin, CA. As usual, a great selection of gear (purchased a jacket, trousers, and Nikwax). However, as usual, the store floorplan was completely different than other single-story REIs, so took some searching to find what I was looking for (store associates were somewhat sparse). Also, I'm not a fuddy duddy stick-in-the-mud but I'm not sure what I did or said that made the associate at checkout think it was appropriate to call me "dude." 🤔
CM
Chris Marsh
Aug 17, 2026
Went to get shoes, they were kinda busy so it took a little while, but they were friendly and helpful. Everything there is a little pricey, but in the sense that it is high quality, not that they are screwing you.
AK
Alexa Kallas
Aug 3, 2026
I had an amazing experience buying a bike at REI this weekend! Bill was incredibly knowledgeable and took the time to explain the features and differences between every bike I was considering. He encouraged me to test ride as many bikes as I wanted, which helped me feel confident in my decision.
I ended up leaving with the Co-op Cycles CTY 2.1, a bike I wasn't expecting to choose, but absolutely love! Bill also made sure we understood all of the great perks that come with buying a bike from REI, which made the experience even better.
If you're shopping for a bike, I highly recommend stopping by and asking for Bill. He made the entire process enjoyable, informative, and completely stress-free.
I’ve been a proud REI Co-op member for over 15 years, and the Dublin location at 7099 Amador Plaza Road has become my favorite store in the entire Bay Area. Whether I’m gearing up for a weekend backpacking trip in the Sierras, tuning my bike for the Iron Horse Trail, or just browsing for new hiking boots, this place never disappoints. It’s more than a store, it’s a hub for outdoor enthusiasts that makes every adventure feel within reach.
From the moment you walk in, the vibe is welcoming and energizing. The store is well-organized with spacious aisles, excellent lighting, and thoughtful displays that make it easy to find exactly what you need. Even though it’s not the largest REI, the selection is impressive, top brands like Patagonia, The North Face, Osprey, Yeti, Arc’teryx, and their own Co-op Cycles line are all here in depth. I recently spent over an hour in the footwear section trying on hiking shoes for an upcoming trip to Yosemite, and the staff was incredibly patient and knowledgeable. They measured my feet properly, discussed tread patterns for granite terrain, and brought out different widths until I found the perfect fit (Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX, a game changer for my wide feet!). No pressure to buy, just genuine expertise.
The in-store services are top-tier. I’ve used the full-service Bike Shop multiple times for tune-ups, brake adjustments, and even a custom build on my mountain bike. The technicians are fast, professional, and explain everything clearly, plus, as a member, the 20% discount on services is a huge bonus. The Ski & Snowboard Shop is just as good; they tuned my skis before last season’s Tahoe trips, and the waxing and edge work were flawless, with a quick turnaround too. The Used Gear (Re/Supply) section is another hidden gem, I scored a barely-used Osprey backpack for half the price of new, and it’s been my go-to for day hikes ever since.
What really sets this REI apart is the staff. Every employee I’ve interacted with, whether at checkout, in the clothing section, or helping with curbside pickup, has been friendly, enthusiastic, and passionate about the outdoors. They’re not just salespeople; they’re fellow adventurers who share real trail recommendations, weather tips for the East Bay hills, and local hidden gems I didn’t know about. Parking is easy, the store is spotless, and curbside pickup or BOPIS (buy online, pick up in store) is always seamless when I’m in a rush.
Beyond the shopping, REI Dublin embodies what the Co-op is all about: community, sustainability, and getting people outside. I love that they support local outdoor initiatives, and their return policy gives me total peace of mind. I’ve never had an issue exchanging gear that didn’t quite work out.
If you live in Dublin, Pleasanton, Livermore, or anywhere in the Tri-Valley, do yourself a favor and make this your go-to outdoor store. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting to explore the outdoors, this location will hook you up with quality gear and even better advice. I drive out of my way to come here because the experience is always worth it.
Highly, highly recommend. Can’t wait for my next visit! 🏔️🚲