Mayank S.
Google
I recently had a very disappointing experience with REI that I feel compelled to share. About 3 weeks ago, I visited the store to replace a Yeti ice pack I mistakenly purchased in a larger size. To my shock, I was informed that I have been blocked from returning any items at REI, effective November 2024.
I was told that I had been notified about this via email and mail, but I have not received any such communication. In recent months, I made several significant purchases, including a Patagonia backpack and a Yeti cooler, both bought at full price, trusting that REI's customer service was reliable and accommodating.
Now, I'm being told that if there are any issues with these items or any of my past purchases, I won't be able to return them. This feels unreasonable and unethical for a loyal customer. I was never informed about this policy change, and I have always believed in the customer service principles that REI representatives emphasize in-store.
To make matters worse, I have been trying to reach out via email for the past three weeks with no response. When I finally called, I was told that the department handling this issue doesn't have a phone number, and they could only forward my email and request that they prioritize a response. This is simply ridiculous.
I believe it's unethical to impose such restrictions without proper notification. I hope REI takes this feedback seriously and addresses these issues to reflect the values they claim to uphold.