Mountain Hardwear Employee Store

THE STORE WITH THE BEST PRICES IN CALIFORNIA.(Sorry outlets...) Everybody is super nice over there. They're really knowledgeable about their products and they give really good recommendations depending on what you need and want.

Their website is very misleading and not user-friendly. I placed an order using a couple of gift cards and my credit card. When I placed the order, company charged my credit card the full amount. Only on the second attempt, did it actually redeem the gift cards that I entered. When I contacted Customer Service to cancel the first order, they could not cancel the order on their end. Instead, I had to wait a few weeks for the product to arrive just to return it. Additionally, the website charged me the wrong amount on the first order, so they clearly did not do proper testing of their checkout functionality beforehand. What should have been a pleasant shopping experience turned into a multi week additional labor on my end. When I asked for some form of compensation, the support teams that they could not provide any compensation. This inconvenience that I experienced was never compensated for by the company or support team. No effort was made on the companies end to support the customer.

Xochilt was incredibly helpful in helping me find an item that wasn’t in stock in store or online. Thanks

Sent a $300+ dollar puffer jacket to Mountain Hardwear to repair a tear. I washed it using a fabric cleaning machine with a brush attachment that heats a solution of water and cleaner (I used a scent free/dye free detergent mixed with water). I cleaned every inch of the jacket and the turned it inside out and repeated. I repeated this process twice and then placed in my dryer on a sanitize steam setting for 10 minutes. I chose this method of cleaning because the washing machine causes down jackets to clump and can ruin them (I have ruined other jackets this way). Also, there was a hole in the jacket. When I shipped the jacket to the company they immediately returned it saying it wasn't clean. They never reached out to discuss. They just sent it back with a note telling me it was dirty and I would have to pay for the repair. I own a ton of gear from Mountain Hardwear. Thousands of dollars worth of it over the years. The price tag of these products demands better customer service. There are plenty of competitors happy to take my money. I was a brand loyalist but this experience has changed my opinion. I will no longer consider buying any of their gear. I left this review here because it is the only Mountain Hardwear entity I can find to review. I have no idea if this is the correct place. Not only is the service bad, but they make it difficult to review them.

Love this store. It's honestly still pretty pricey in my opinion but I enjoy going and seeing all the dope clothes! I'll have to save up money to go on a shopping spree! Mountain hard wear, prana, and Columbia have the best looking stuff. :)

Ordered three shirts online. One package that was labeled three items inside arrived with only two of our items inside. When we called they tried to say it was a courier issue! How is it a courier issue when the package was delivered? The courier did their job. The issue is that the warehouse didn’t ensure the three item package actually had all three items in it. Mountain Hardwear said it would take 72 hours to do an investigation. After six days we called back only to be told it would be another 72 hours to figure out what the investigation figured out. Absolutely ridiculous customer service! Still have no answer and no shirt. All of this over a discounted $12 t-shirt!!

If your pockets are very full with $$$, then you will enjoy this store! Lots of high quality and brand name clothing, coats, shoes, and more. Good place to go once a year to pick up things like a new backpack, a new raincoat, etc. The staff are also very friendly and there's a huge parking lot. Easy to get to and worth the drive. Have the correct expectations though, don't expect to get any mind blowing sales, for the employee discount everything's pretty much 50% off, but everything starts at quite expensive prices, so in the end, it's still more expensive than Target or Amazon.

Lots of clothing and outdoor supply options. Great for shopping

They are letting the public in and I came here. This time, I'm going to NYC and I need a very warm jacket. I found one that fit. However, it wasn't going to be suitable. The people who work there are nice, but not very helpful. I think there are some basic things you should know if you are working on the floor, such as - where are your waterproof jackets, I need to layer, where are the base layers and so on. Even when pointed in a direction, the person said that she thought that they might be what I wanted. I wanted a jacket for NYC coldness but also waterproof so that I can wear it here when it's rainy. It didn't seem like a tall order, but for many of the people I spoke to it was. Meanwhile, my hubby found what he wanted easy peasy. Lucky for me, I was complaining to the cashier, especially after carrying around a very heavy jacket, that wasn't waterproof, and she told me about something that they had. I bought the jacket. It was expensive but I'm sure it's worth it. And it has a lifetime warranty. I felt good about that. But it was odd that the one person to answer my question, was the cashier, someone I usually don't ask for about items. Waterproof cover, with a down inner layer, and sides that can be unzipped if I get to warm. The exact jacket I was looking for. It was cheaper, but not Costco cheap, but that's fine. I still would love to get some pants or a shirt, but plus sizes aren't their thing.

Seniors get in on Tuesdays and this place is spacious and well stocked. Nice outdoor clothing and I got a fishing shirt here at a nice discount . Lots of parking nearby and a must see is the free Rosie the Riveter nearby.

Invitation only, we have not been here for a while. See picture for "Year Round Access" for exceptions. Quality/Quantity - Good, I like 2 of their 4 brands here. My favorite brand is Mountain Hardware. Bought matching ski jackets with my wife... Going to wear it tomorrow, a great way for us to end the season. Yes, a great ski season this year and I have to end it early, more vacations to come. Keep following on Yelp to see. :) Because this is an employee store, do not expect to find the latest and greatest. Mainly filled with leftover stuff they could not sell in their regular stores. Also crazy busy, especially during the weekends, so the place can be a little unorganized due to the customers, not employees. Atmosphere - Must go through security to enter the parking lot. Plenty of parking. Must check in with security to enter the store to shop. Open 7 days a week from 10am or 11am to 8pm. See my picture or Yelp. Service - Hit and miss; some team members are amazing and some are not... But I appreciate the good ones. :) Price - Our ski jackets were $350 ish... I already forgot, LOL. Owner Comment - Congrats on your success since 1938; thank you for inviting others to join your employee store. I appreciate the additional discounts.

I live nearby and can often get a pass from a restaurant in the neighborhood. I actually end up getting most of my clothes here! Weeknights are usually pretty empty and the employees are always helpful if you need them, but also leave you in peace. Overall just a great place.

Been coming here by invitation for the past few years now and for me this is wonderful perk I receive through my company. I get the invitation 2 to 3 times a year, so I definitely can find great deals for not only the past season but also the current season. Do not confuse the place with a Columbia Store Outlet--the goods & merchandise quality are far better at the employee store. Keep in mind it can be pricey, but definitely cheaper than buying it retail or at a specialty store like REI. This visit I walked away with a water resistant, mid-length winter insulated jacket, hooded Prana tunic, kid's ski jacket, Sorel slippers and a few other--all for under $200. It's been excruciatingly cold this winter so my recent purchases are coming in handy.

we come here once a year when I get a pass from my work. Luckily, I also got an extra 10% coupon today for being a teacher! Score. Columbia, Prana, Sorel, Mountain Hardwear .... Some pretty good and still in season items. My husband likes to stock on up on the UPF hoodies from Mountain hardware. I got a twill jacket from Prana that is still being sold at Nordstrom and Prana.com for $140, but I got it for $84 before my teacher discount. I wish the brands offered petite sizing because these items are often too long for me. And, I wish they had a bigger kids section that just a small, mostly marketed to boys corner of the store near the fitting area. 60 day return policy, plentiful parking, and a great stop for hiking gear overall.

I was able to access this store due to a pass that was given to all employees at my job. My mom likes the brand and she was not disappointed by the deals. In fact, she spent some of her hard earned money seeing that it was discounted. I hope this continue!

Great selection of discounted Columbia brands and not overcrowded and busy. Will definitely go back.

The sale was not very deep. There was no extra extra off. Beautiful clothes and store. Super friendly staff. Lots of parking. Security in front. I didn't know Prana was part of Columbia clothing. Lots of hiking shoes. Sleeping bags. Water bottles, socks, and travel accessories. Beautiful location and walked to museum of Rosie the Rivetor.

Been to the Columbia ES a few times now. Came again since my company had access certain times of the year. Selection was ok. My family was able to find a few things. I was mainly looking for t shirts (I bought quite a few last time I came in), but they didn't have the same ones anymore. I ended up buying a pair of waterproof shoes though! If you don't see anything in store, you can also get the discount and order on their computers there. Staff should be trained a bit more. Simple questions of waterproof or not were not able to be answered. We had to chase people to get help. Maybe short staffed that day. There are bathrooms inside. At checkout, I asked how people could get passes normally. They mentioned you can get passes by spending a minimum $ value at Babaloo Cafe, Golden Gate Bistro, and Assemble Marketplace. I have yet to test this, but a simple call would work if you did have interest in getting day passes. Lots of parking on site. All in all, always a nice shopping spree for my party whenever I go! Follow the adventure @shoyuthebest on IG!

I would have never known about this store if not for my husband who was able to get a pass through his work. We were also able to get passes by going to the Rosie the Riveter museum which is a short walk from the store. I'm not sure if they still offer free passes but worth checking out and while you're there, peruse the museum. Lot of worthwhile information! The store has great deals! They offer brand like Columbia, Mountain Hardware, and Prana. We've bought hiking shoes for my daughter here and I've got some great jackets here as well. Easy to spend a lot of money so come with an idea of what you need!

This is a favorite shopping stop. I've always known it as the Mountain Hardware / Columbia employee store. It has great gear for the hiker, adventure, snow skiing, yogis; you name it, you'll probably find the gear you're looking for. To my knowledge this store technically isn't open to the public, unless you get a vouchers from the neighboring restaurant or some how get yourself invited in. BUT the other day I was there to return an item & noticed signage stating "Year Round Access" to: seniors 65 & over on Tuesdays, real estate industry on Wednesdays, Military & First Responders every day, proof of ID required." Wowza if you fit any of these categories you should give this place a look see.

Jamie W. and I have passed by this exclusive store when we stroll on the Richmond waterfront, and I have to admit I was curious about what clothes were in there. But alas, I accepted my outsider status and tried to get on with my life. Then one day, Jamie received an email from his alma mater, the University of Michigan, that gave him a free pass for two to shop there for a limited window of time. Go Blue! It's not that big a store, but there were deep discounts. Like 40-50% off deep on a wide selection of quality outerwear, sportswear, footwear, and accessories. Suffice it to say, we bought clothes we probably didn't need and hiking boots we genuinely did need, and since it is Columbia, it was quality inventory. So what's the moral of my story? I guess you either apply to become an employee of Columbia Sportswear and hope they overlook your criminal record, or marry someone who will one day get a free pass. I think the second way is easier. RELATED - Lost in Richmond? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://bit.ly/2VyCP18

If your mother taught you "If it's not *on sale*, then it's not *for sale*", this is your spot. Especially when designer Monsieur Clearance appears. Vets and a bunch of groups can get anytime. Anyone can get a ticket from the nearby restaurants

As far as I understand it, you can only go here if you get a special invitation. I got an invite from my volunteer job, so I thought I'd check it out. The given address 1414 Harbour takes you to the Ferry parking lot. It is actually across the street in the sprawling building with the Ford sign on it. The parking and entrance is at the end of the building furthest away from the ferry landing. They check your ID, invitation and job ID before you can enter. It was a holiday and it wasn't all that crowded. I actually needed a winter jacket and eventually found one for $91. It seemed like a good deal. Not everything is marked down quite as nicely. I bought a short sleeved button down Prana shirt which didn't like a very good deal, but I liked it. Besides clothing, they have some assorted camping related items, such as sleeping bags, etc. Everyone was masked up and the employees were even sanitizing the dressing rooms after each use (I haven't seen that in a while.). The CA mask mandates were lifted a few days ago, but they still require masks here (yay!). I'm not big into shopping, but I had a good experience. I would return if I ever needed apparel or gear for outdoor activities.

I had an invite to this store from my workplace, so I came here one Saturday in October 2021. Pretty crowded for pandemic times, seemed as if it were open to the public and not by invitation only, but the crowds were good about wearing their masks. A lot of the stuff is marked down pretty nicely. I needed a new jacket anyways and was able to get one for myself and for Jenbert Jr at about 35% off retail price. My mom found some long underwear in the fabric and style that she had been looking for, for about 40% off. My dad was able to get some new hiking shoes and socks as well, for a good discount. Unfortunately, they don't have much in the way of children's footwear, including socks, and I also found a limited amount of children's mittens. Although somewhat lacking in the children's department, the selection and prices are good for adults. Plenty to see and do in the area as well, including the free Rosie the Riveter Museum, walk around the Marina, and a few places to eat.

Great selection of quality Columbia and Patagonia clothing at discounted prices. Clothing not outdated from previous seasons but the same items you would find on store racks. Easy parking too.

The company I work for gave us free tickets (for us employees and up to 5 people, what a great deal!). As I had never visited Richmond before and was also interested in seeing the surroundings and marina, a colleague and I organized a mini 'team building' excursion day. The VIP aura quickly faded when we realized if you have lunch at the nearby restaurant (which we did) you get free tickets as well, so oh well, more shopping cheaper opportunities! I was super excited to get a bunch of gift mostly for my boyfriend, who is an outdoor enthusiast and fan of Sorel and Mountain Hard Wear. Of course, I could not leave the Columbia brand itself behind, but you can tell the other one are a little bit more upscale, so checking the prices like 40% off was like wow, shopping spree awaits. I also got some items from Prana. I love the texture of their clothes and how comfortable and wearable they are, not only for exercising but every day as well. Normally I don't buy that brand because I find the prices excessive, so finding that on top of the discount they had items from the summer even more discounted made me splurge a bit. Customer service was excellent, all young people super dedicated to the customers, answering questions, re-arranging the clothes, always smiling. Very pleasant.

I have been to this store a couple of times. I like their variety and selections. I don't really review stores but today I was disappointed. I went to shop for some sorel shoes and was able to find the shoes I wanted. When I went to check out the cashier who helped me was rude and condescending for absolutely no reason. After scanning my items she shoved them to me. She went on a rant about the return policy with a strong emphasis that I was going to return them. I was confused because I didn't ask about the return policy. She just scanned them! I told her, "I am not gonna return these shoes. Don't worry I am keeping them. You don't have to give me a lecture." Her behavior was a complete 180 to how she treated the party before me and after me. Both parties were non POC people. I I remember that her name tag said Georgina. I just hope in the future she treats all customers with respect no matter who they are.

**This is specifically for the Mountain Hardware brand.** Mountain Hardward doesn't stand by their products and their "lifetime" warranty meaningless. Had an issue with an older MH jacket which has very minimal usage completely fall apart at the seams only to be rejected by their warranty department because the jacket was "too old". I'm sorry but I didn't realize that there was a time limit to the word "lifetime"? I had a similar warranty experience (but with a very different outcome) with a couple of Arc'teryx jackets and not only did they credit me full original purchase price but they also gave me the tax that I paid on top of it. I am a bit disappointed but not really surprised considering that their parent company is Columbia Sportswear.

Once again Yelp comes through. Normally as many have noted, you must work at one of the companies that Columbia owns in order to shop here. However, as a Elite event, we were allowed a visit into this somewhat exclusive shop. As the current owner of a Columbia Interchange Jacket with liner, I can attest to the quality and durability of their garments. Also they seem to make clothes for everybody. What do I mean, I'm not exactly svelte and squeezing into a Arterx, Patagonia, or similar competitor was a non starter. Who wants to be wearing a compression garment! So despite the rain we ventured forth on the one hour drive to Richmond. The building itself is located near the Rosie the Riveter Memorial and is located in an old Ford Automotive plant. You check in, show your ticket, prove you are the Yelper you say you are then wade through the crush to look at all of the offerings. Its not really an outlet but it has that feel. Tons of stuff from shoes to beanies and carrying some pretty significant discounts. They ranged between 40 to as much as 60% off retail. Now mind you these are not seconds or special issue but rather current releases. The vast majority is clothes, but they also had sleeping bags, packs, and shoes. It was a Sunday so the crowd may have been more than usually but it was packed. The checkout line was quick (to be fair there was a huge line when we arrived so timing is everything) and we were on our way. Our score? A pair of warm water proof boots (think Uggs that are actually practical) and a jacket for the wife. They downside? Other than the kind of remote location (at least for us) is our lack of ability to visit as we are not employees of any of the companies. A special thanks to Yelp, Columbia, and the CM's that made this event possible for us!

Quick take: Thanks to Columbia Sportswear Company and Yelp! Thank you so much to Columbia Sportswear Company and Yelp for the Yelp Elite Perk pass. We had full access to the employee store with a great selection of apparel, camping gear, socks, and very nice boots. Sorel is my favorite brand of boots. Durable, sturdy, and very stylish. We arrived on a Sunday about 10 minutes before opening. Stood in a line outside the entrance for a few minutes. Showing my Yelp profile and the Yelp Elite Perk invitation was required for entry. We were able to buy things under the Columbia, Sorel, Mountain Hard Wear, and Prana brands. * I really wanted the pretty green t-shirts that all the employees were wearing. I asked our cashier if I can buy a staff shirt. He jokingly said I can have one if I become an employee. :)

Thanks to Yelp and the Columbia Employee Store! I was very excited to be able to get an invite + 3 guests to come here and shop. There's a great selection of jackets and winter wear. There was something here for the whole family. They had men's, women's, kid's, shoes, socks, backpacks, and accessories. I've always been a fan of Columbia and my receipt will show for it LOL. Prices were discounted down anywhere from 30% to 60%. I was able to grab a few cooler bags for only $35. Normally they are $70! Half off! What a great deal! This store is located around the Richmond marina area. They offered their Columbia brand, Mountain Hard Wear brand, prAna brand, and Sorel. It was a bit of a drive but worth it if you love the brands and discounts! You will need to show your employee badge or invite to gain access pass the security gate and into the store. If you're military - just show your ID to get in!

I love, love, love this place! If you get invited to go, do it!! Great deals on Colombia, Mountain Hardware, Sorel and prANA. Employees really seem to love being there. Top notch customer service, covid protocols in place and great products. While you're there, go to the Rosie the Riveter museum! This place use to be part of the Ford Motor company way, way long time ago. I believe it was also a place where WWII Ships were built also.

With the help of a Yelp Elite Perk, I am able to access the employee store with its great selection and prices. Even with the discounted pricing, I can spend loads of $$$. On the weekends before Christmas, you can expect to stand in line to check out for at least 45 minutes! For me, I do not change out my athletic wear for every season. Thus, I won't be replacing my ski gear, winter coat, or yoga gear as long as they're still in good condition. However, if you do need to gear up, then this is the perfect place. With the advancements in high performance gear, I can see how it's worth replacing decade old clothing. In addition to Columbia, this store also carries Prana and Mountain Hard Wear which are favorites of mine. Apparently, they are favorites of others as I was unable to find size L in some of the Prana sweaters. Too bad. Although this store is great for gift giving, know the recipients' sizes before you go as returning clothing is possible (60 days, keep tags on), it would be a hassle for me to return to Richmond.

I happily gained entrance to the Columbia employee store via a Yelp Elite event invite, and it was super clutch because it came just a few days before Christmas, lol! The store is located near the Craneway Pavilion, and has plenty of parking at the adjacent parking lot. On to the goods! The store is pretty big, but is also well lit and organized. It was super packed when I went, but I just attribute that to all the last minute Christmas shoppers, lol. As far as merchandise goes, you can find any and everything you could ever want under the Columbia parent brand, and at 40-50% off! I scored on a bunch of gifts for others and some goodies for myself, lol. I was only able to take one pic because of all the holiday shopping chaos, lol. I definitely hope to score another invite here in the future!

This is not a Columbia outlet. This is way better. And cheaper. I bought their Powder Keg II jacket for $230 during Black Friday. Online, the same exact jacket was $70 more - mind you, the online store was also running their Black Friday sales. If you can get a ticket in, I highly recommend visiting and bringing your friends & family. Also, if you buy something, you can come back to return it and get another free admittance into the store. LOL. You can get hats, tents, shoes, coolers, water bottles, stickers too.. along with jackets and fleece and layers obv.

I love this store!! I participated in the California clean up 2019 and received a pass for this store and I could bring up to 4 guests. I've been here twice and have never left empty handed. They have SO much variety of good quality products that are useful. I got a few jackets here, a couple beanies, and a hiking backpack! My auntie found some pants and a fleece. They have slippers, lunch bags, scarves, gloves, shirts, thermals, jackets, windbreakers, basically everything and anything you would need for travel or the outdoors. There's more brands than just Colombia, they have several others also. With winter coming up, I'm glad I found some items to keep me warm! I wish I had regular access to this store, but I'm happy with the experiences I've had there. They have their own parking lot, the staff is friendly, and they have a lot of sizes.

My very first visit. Man, is it had to obtain a pass for entry. I'm fortunate a neighbor gave me a pass ticket. Never the deals as the outlets in Oregon, but still, the discounts are at least 30-40%. Liked that there were fitting rooms, and the store is spacious. FYI: Mountain Hardwear, Prana, Sorrell, all owned by Columbia. Grabbed one pair and intend to wear them forever!!

Got the opportunity to go here through my wife's employer. I was sort of excited even though I'm not a very big Columbia or Mountain Hardware Sporting Goods fan. I found the prices weren't really at all reasonable compared to what I find being a frugal Shopper online. I would say that I am generally their target audience. I love camping, Hiking I love being outdoors and a middle-aged male. One thing that puts me over the edge with both Columbia and Mountain Hardwear is the outward-facing and belligerently obvious labels that they use. If I wanted to wear an advertisement I would probably go with Adidas, Nike, North Face, Gap or another name brand Product that come with name brand recognition. But the fact is I don't like that. I don't like brand recognition and labeling. Which is why I don't like Columbia and Mountain Hardwear Goods. It all seems so very loud when it comes to the name placement, I like things that are subtle and understated. I also like products that work, jackets I've had in the past have fallen short of what I expected. Aside from all that I said, the store is very nice the location is great, I appreciate these guys making the world a better place by bringing people outside. People should be outside more.

We got lucky and got an invitation to go to this place from my work. Since my in laws live close to here, I said why not take a look as maybe I will find something. Unfortunately or fortunately, I did find a lot of great deals here. On top of the 40% to 50% off of retail price, there are 50% of the items I would say have additional discounts like 30% more. There are a good selection of items, sports wear to outdoor wear, shoes. The store is pretty big and you can spend at least an hour just looking and trying on stuff and it is in your head saying this only happens 2 times a year so make sure you choose wisely. Unfortunately, the con is some of these additional discounts are not displayed and the ones that have additional discount, may not be because it was accidentally put in the rack. So make sure when you go to the cashier you double check to make sure there is a discount, you can always tell them you do not want it as that is what happened to me, but on the rack it said 30% off on there, but the pants where not, but the manager gave us the discount anyways as we did not want to spend $70 on pants. The only other con is, the store can get really not. We are near the bay area where it is windy, but inside was 85 degrees and it is tough if you want to try on jackets. Other than that the customer service was great.

All things Columbia, Mountain Sport, Prana, Sorel at discounted prices. I loved that there were sundresses when I was there and fashionable, durable tennis shoes. I was able to go in as part of a Yelp Elite event. But if you are a Kaiser employee, you can get a pass to go as well (I am guessing because of the Rosie the Riveter park nearby!) So if you get a chance to go and like outdoor sporty wear with a good discount, go for it! And go see Rosie the Riveter Park to learn about Richmond's involvement with WWII.

I got an invitation from work and I was stoked!!!! It had me at "40-50% off retail and employee only" The drive was definitely far for us at about 45 minutes away but it was soooo worth the trek. It's in a warehouse setting by the ferry parking in Richmond. There is a booth for check in but no one was there so we parked outside of it and walked in. They do check your company badge/ID and invitation upon entering the store. Make sure you have both with you. For me, this is my candy store! We bought hiking shoes, hiking and casual clothing, many hats, sandals, sweatshirts, and many more. I love all the Columbia brands: PrAna, Columbia, Sorel are a few. The deals are so amazing. This couldn't come at a better time for us as we are planning a European trek in 2022. I am now geared up and ready. I'm hoping for another invite in the few months for winter gear. If you ever get an invitation, do not miss out on this opportunity!

Happened to swing by here with the squad on Black Friday night just to check out the selection and we were impressed! Although I didn't find anything for myself (to be fair I rarely gravitate towards the outdoorsy/rugged sport sort of style), I could appreciate the wide variety and the well-discounted prices. Previously, I had been invited to this CCC store via a Yelp Elite event pass, but this time, in conjunction with Relay for Life for Napa, I had been given a pass good for myself and up to 4 other guests as a "thank you" for participating. Even better, the great thing about this pass was that 10% of the proceeds of purchases made on the pass would be donated back to Relay for Life! How awesome is that!? Definitely can support and respect a company that is so down to help out other charitable causes. =)

I was invited by my sister to shop here for one day! Her employer has/had a partnership with the store. I really appreciate the exclusivity of it - I wish I worked somewhere that I could suggest this perk...but I think you have to have a certain number of employees in order to qualify. They carry Columbia, Mountain Hardware, Prana, Montrail, Sorel sportswear and accessories at generously discounted prices. I was also informed that these are still in-season items vs. last season that you'd find at outlet stores. I ended up purchasing two jackets and a backpack for $160. Great selection! I was almost convinced to purchase some hiking books as well, but wasn't in dire need. I'd love to return someday!

In order to shop here you have to work for one of their companies or have some type of an invitation. Yelp Elite was nice enough to give us the opportunity to come shopping here. Before the Yelp invite, I had no clue that this place even existed, let alone be in Richmond. Of course, once I got the shopping pass, I definitely read some of the Yelp reviews since I wasn't sure what to expect. This place is not that difficult to miss especially when you use a GPS ap. Once your on the correct path, on Harbour Way, just keep going straight and you will see the bay ahead of you. Keep a look out on the left side and when you see a Guard Post, that's where you enter. Of course, we drove past the guard and once you keep going straight, there's really nowhere to go but the water, and, luckily, it's not really that difficult to make a U-turn since it's basically a dead end. You have to show your pass to the guard and they just point you to the direction of the parking lot which holds plenty of parking spaces. All the buildings look alike but learned later on why and how important these buildings are. Grab a cart before going in because there are no shopping carts inside. Once you are in, there's a check in point where they need to see your Invitation. No one was at the front when we got there and we actually waited because we weren't sure if the invitation needs to be activated, stamped or validated. None of those things need to happen in order to come in as they just look at your invite then you are welcomed in. PSA: If you think you can sneak in through the check point and shop all your might without an invite you are wrong because once you pay, they need to actually scan the bar code on your invite. This process actually reminded me of Costco where you have to flash your membership in order to get in but when you pay for your items, that's when your membership actually matters. The fun begins once you're in! We came here on a Sunday afternoon because we didn't want to feel rushed. I was shopping for the husband, kid and me so we needed to go in every dept. We must've been there for about an hour. We were mainly looking for outwear that are not bulky but feels warm at the same time. It's best to wear layers coming in here because the lines in the fitting room were quite long and I'm glad we were just trying on jackets. There are full length mirrors everywhere in this store so that helps a lot. We immediately went to the men's section which seems to be the largest area, then the ladies dept. and the smallest section is the Youth. We didn't find anything in the men's dept. because the prices were still way too steep for me and my husband is not an avid hiker, camper or anything so he wasn't that disappointed. I went to the Youth Section which seems to run large on some items because the jacket that we tried on fit both me and my son. The items in the Youth section are much more reasonable so if you are petite or shopping for kids, this section is definitely something you need to check out. One of the notable items that we got are a Boy's Powder Lite Puffer that's $50 at their online store for $36.99. My son and I will share it since I'm sure he will outgrow this quite soon. We also got a nice fleece jacket regularly $50 online for $29.00. Basically, you have to look for the deals. I would advise checking out their website online to get an idea of their prices. It does come down considerably lower at their Employee Store. I suggest setting a budget before coming here since it can get a bit crazy once you see the deals that you can get. The line to pay was long but goes by really quick. The cashier that rang up our purchases is very friendly and seem to enjoy working there. Once you're done with your little shopping expedition, make sure to drive around inside the compound (meaning do not leave past the guard station but go the opposite way), especially if it's still light outside. We got a very nice view of the bay. It's quite serene just watching the boats pass by. We drove around the back and saw the Rosie the Riveter Visitor Center. I highly recommend checking this place out. We spent about 1-1/2 hours here because we learned so many fascinating facts about this location and even appreciated where we were standing after watching the movies shown downstairs. There is no cost to enter but a donation is appreciated. It was worth it coming here and I'm very much glad that we did. Thank you Yelp! Even though you feel like you might not want to buy anything, I think the visit to their historical building and going to the Rosie's Visitor Center will make it worth your drive. I'm not sure how where else you can park or how close you can park to the Visitor Center if you don't have the invite to this store.

Many thanks to Yelp Elite for hosting a rare opportunity to come to the Columbia Sportswear Company Employee Warehouse during the holiday season (December 2018) and inviting me for this special treat. All items in the store were 40 to 60% below retail price at any regular outdoors and sportswear related stores, so I naturally binged and bought a whole cart's worth of activewear goods and outdoor accessories. All items I bought were in good, new condition, so despite the great sales price, none of the items were defective. I bought a pack of pocket LED flashlights and a headlight and all of them worked as soon as I unpackaged them. I also bought two snow jackets, all of which are very warm and lined beautifully with reflective thermal tech to prevent overheating while hitting the slopes (though I have yet to go snowboarding and try this!). Because there was an overwhelming number of choices in terms of sportswear categories as well as brands, kind employees really took their time to explain each kind of material to me pertaining to snow jackets and raincoats that I inquired on. Checking into the warehouse and checking out with my goods were both very efficient, with no lines on a Friday night. Hope to get more sweet deals like this in the future for sure!

Just great quality clothes that last a lifetime. Never too crowded competent staff. And a lot cheaper than REI

I'm no hiker, but I have to admit it's darn nice having such a quality sportswear joint biking distance from the crib. Gert herself would be proud of the store layout, location and proximity to bay trail hikes all around the area. This was a part of a YEE event that we had to check out simply cause it's so darn close. We love to support the local businesses. Actually learned a lot about the area and other cool fit forward vendors who participated. This location will be helped a ton once the ferry is finito. Also lunching at Assemble gets you access to the store otherwise you hafta know somebody...

Worth coming if you have a pass. Especially worth it for Sorel shoes, slippers, and jackets. Definitely get one of the packable puffers. If you need any warm layers you're also set as they always have fleece options. A star off for grumpy managers and the socks aren't worth it (they'll stretch out right away and are saggy).

Thanks to Yelp for the pass to come into the Employee store. The store had some pretty good options, although sizing was limited for some styles. It was expected though, considering the discounts so no complaints here. It was nice because sometimes with these kind of discounts, you sometimes think there will be not so favorable styles and colors, but there were definitely some good options here. They even had some core styles! There were a lot of people considering it was the day before Christmas Eve, but I didn't feel like it was crowded or like I couldn't move throughout the store, which was nice. The store was kept neat and clean, which is nice considering the time of year. Would definitely come back if I got another pass!

Yelp Elite perks comes through again. Thanks to Yelp for the access to the Columbia Sportswear employee store. We got to do some serious shopping while enjoying some serious discounts. This store has a wide array of clothing for men, women, and children. I got hooked up with jackets, sweatshirts, and socks (can't live with out them). Be sure to go early because the place gets packed. They do have their own parking lot, and while the location is kind of random, it's safe.

Thanks Yelp for giving me a free pass to come to this store. This store is discounted and has inventory. My friends and I got lots of stuff in this store. I wish I can be able to come back in the future.

Anyone that knows me understands my idea of the great outdoors is The Four Seasons. Not thinking there is anything I want at this recreational store, I still ventured in for a look see. It's not an outlet, rather a store for employees and their families/loved ones to purchase the brand and wholesale prices. Smart marketing! Yep, there's a ton of outdoor gear and clothes. Columbia is high end and with 20-80% off, it's a great place to shop. I did find somethings I could use for my hotel and resort camping expeditions. I got a nylon duffel bag in a pouch. Perfect to stow in my Tumi carry-on in the event I over shop while on vacation and need an extra bag. Add a thermal lunch bag to carry my onboard meal for long haul flights and a trio of small LED flashlights to keep in my cabin bag. Just having this gear makes me feel like I'm camping!

Note: You need a pass to access the employee store. If you're lucky enough to get a pass to shop at the Columbia Employee Store, consider yourself lucky. You get wholesaler prices and savings of 40-60% off. In addition to the Columbia brand, you can shop for Prana, Mountain Hardware, and Sorel too. The selection here is way better than the outlets and the merchandise is from the current season unlike the outlets. If you're looking for clothing and gear for your kids, it's pretty much hit or miss here. BUT, you can always order what you can't find on one of their computers and still get the discount and free shipping. SCORE! If you have the opportunity to come here, it's worth checking out. There's something for everyone.

The Columbia Sportswear Employee store is a very cool space that offers several brands in one location. All of the gear is discounted to a very fair price, and they have a wide selection of clothes as well as outdoor gear. I went with my fiancé to the Yelp Elite event, and Stephanie/Yelp crew invited good vendors like Hint, Whole Foods, etc. The building at the end of Point Richmond used to be a old Ford Company manufacturing plant. The building survived the 89' earthquake, and they rebuilt the space and just the view of the Bay is a great reason to visit. The staff was helpful but not pushy and the good prices on all clothes/gear will have us coming back soon. They had lots of outdoor and hiking clothes that looks stylish while offering lightweight design and moisture wicking options. Cool place, you should definitely visit sometime and give yourself at least an hour to explore the area!

Close friends of ours had an invitation to come shop here and they were sure excited about it. My husband was excited and explained to me that they have quality clothes that are perfect for hiking, etc. I had a bit of an attitude and said, "I'm ain't no mountain woman, but I'll go and see what the hype is about." I went berserk. Do you know I've detested the snow and going anywhere that required ugly hiking clothes etc? I just hated being cold. I walked in here and went nuts. Beautiful colored, well fitted, warm yet breathable, cooling clothes for hot weather clothing for skiing, sailing, hiking, you name it. Did I say it was all cute too?! I became addicted to this clothing and shoes. I bought rain/snow boots that were comfortable yet artsy in my opinion. Sorry but being an artist I look for art in everything. We went skiing and we were so warm yet attractive. Same with hiking. I was prepared when it was cold, rainy and when it got hot I opened my zippers and was relieved from getting hot. I have some sleeping bags from here as well and they are so warm we'd be fine sleeping in the snow. A must on my list. The hiking shoes grasp gravel and keep you stable and comfortable and I must yet again add cute lol. So if we need ANYTHING, this is our spot. The staff that work here are very knowledgeable, helpful and kind. Let them know where your traveling or what activities your headed to and they give the best advice. I'm adding all our photos of our Columbia, Mountain hard wear, and Prana clothing as well as my Sorel boots and our hiking shoes.

I scored a pass through Yelp's summer fit programs. Was able to use my pass this week. I arrived 35 minutes before they opened so I walked around the corner and enjoyed the views of the water and went to the Rosie Riveter museum. When I entered, the young lady asked to see my pass and then explained the whole store to be. I loved that it was separated by brand and gender- made it so easy to go find what I needed. Came in for some hiking shorts for my New England hiking trip and walked out with 3 shorts, a skirt, a tank, a pair of pants, 2 jackets and a hat for $220!!!! I also fell in love with a $90 jacket that was selling for $21- they didn't have my size- no worries, because you can order it online right there in the store for the same price. I seriously need to know how to score another pass for the fall. If anyone has tips on how to do that please let me know!

This is the place to go to get wholesale Columbia clothing! The only hard part is it seems you need an invitation to attend. I was able to shop here due to my wife's job setting something up with Columbia. This employee store is in an odd part of Richmond; I thought we had the wrong directions when driving up. You end up close to the water and in an industrial part of Richmond. When driving up you hit a security checkpoint and inform the guard you're there for Columbia. Right after that you see signs for the store and there is plenty of parking. Once inside you are greeted by employees and asked to show your invitation. We just showed over our phones and that was sufficient. The employee informed us that everything in store was already priced as marked and that everything here is wholesale and the current season. AWESOME! I typically get the older seasons and I was like hey, why not. The prices cannot be beat, obvi since it is wholesale prices. Make sure you take your time and look at everything. I found legit jackets that are thin but keep me super warm. Shoes that are half the price, and clothing I wouldn't normal get due to being sooo expensive. Checking out is a breeze just make sure you bring your own bags. Again you'd have to show your invitation. Lastly, if an item is not in store, you can order online and it can get delivered to your home with the same cost as if you purchased it in store that day. Only kicker is that you have to use their computers and purchase it right there and then. Otherwise and obviously you don't get their wholesale price Other than having to drive a trek to Richmond, this place was worth it. You can get really good clothing for a nice price. I don't own a lot of Columbia clothing otherwise due to that reason.