One Place I Love: REI
June 10, 2008 by Greg
From the minute I step off the bus, my experience at REI is a good one. At the Denver flagship store, the entrance is guided by winding paths lined with small trees. A small wooden bridge takes the visitor over a narrow creek to the huge front doors. I think these doors are a test. You have to be strong to enter the outdoor outfitter store.
A front door man sat ready behind a large desk pointing me to where I would find traveler backpacks. A huge selection of quality products had me wanting to shop for more, but having found what I was looking for I made my way to the exit. Getting ready to pay for my item, the clerk informs me that I have credit left from my dividends (REI’s super cheap reward account) and wondered if I would like it applied to my purchase. Yes, thank you!
P.S. A google image search for “REI” strangely brings up asian porn.
I’ll need to confirm that last bit. For the benefit of our readership, naturally.
I also here that REI return policy is good too: they take anything back even if it has mud on it…..
Sadly, my visit to the local REI here in Metro Detroit searching for the perfect backpack a couple weekends ago was not as impressive.
The backpacks came in a lot of different colors, but different models? not so much.
Staff was very helpful and awesome, however. Pricing was decent on some items, rather nutty on others. Compared to other stores of similar ilk in the area, it was definitely the most well kept. (for example: Moosejaw was a disaster area. crap strewn all over the place, junk laying in piles on the floor, racks arranged in a pattern similar to the tread on a snow tire.)
I’ll certainly visit REI in the future, but I’ll always do some homework before making any major purchases there.
-bp
The best part about REI is their quarterly yard sales. All of their returned products are heavily discounted. I’ve outfitted almost all of my outdoor gear from those.
At the risk of being straight up deported from Colorado for saying so; I’ve never actually set foot in an REI.
I’ll make it a summer ‘08 goal to do so.
I agree with Eric. I got a Timbuk 2 bag for 25 dollars instead of paying 100. Someone returned it cause there were a few stiches missing. I sewed it shut with 3 whip stiches and I had myself a new bag!
Dang Jillian; who knew you were so krafty with a needle and thread? Don’t think this skill will go unpunished
Hey Cash, so on your Driver’s license application, I’m guessing you lied about the mandatory REI patronage? That IS a prerequisite for residence in this state you know. I won’t report you this time.
Being the outdoor enthusiast, REI is my retail heaven. Even so, I still check online for better deals, but I don’t know if I’ll ever get past being able to walk amongst all the gear goodness that store is filled with. Plus it has a STARBUCKS IN IT!!! Who could ask for more?