REI

Overall amazing place to get your top quality gear for the outdoors. Opt Outside Those two words express us best. When given a choice, life is better when you choose to go outside. It doesn’t have to be up a mountain and it doesn’t have to be for weeks. But getting outside in all forms connects us to the best part of life. We are Recreational Equipment Inc., a consumer co-operative that exists to inspire and equip everyone to get outside. We’ve been on this mission since the co-op came together way back in 1938 with 23 friends, a shared love of the outdoors, and a first store that was nothing more than a shelf in a gas station. Each member contributed what they could. Some sewed products at home to make them affordable. Others organized stewardship events to protect the environment. Over time, the people who the co-op brought together pioneered many firsts of what we love so much about the outdoors. From those early stewardship events to the labs we created to push gear to its limits, when "me" became "we," it radically changed how we all access and experience outside. And that’s what a co-op is: The people it brings together. The we. Today, we’re over 24 million members strong. Our people still bring joy, value and a shared love of the outdoors to each other and the world. And members still are at the center of our organization, meaning each and every one of us has a voice in shaping the outdoors for today, tomorrow and the next generation.

I’ve been to this REI more times than I can count, and I’ve always had a great experience. The staff are knowledgeable, helpful, and never pushy. They genuinely seem to enjoy the outdoors and care about helping you find the right gear—not just upselling you the most expensive thing. Returns and exchanges? Never an issue. Their return policy is one of the best out there, and I’ve had them go above and beyond more than once to make sure I was happy with my purchase. The store is always well organized and clean, and the product selection is top-notch, especially if you're into hiking, backpacking, climbing, or just want reliable outdoor gear that lasts. REI is one of the few retailers I actually look forward to shopping at. If you’re reading the negative reviews and second-guessing a visit—don’t. This place is awesome.

REI offers very high quality outdoor clothing and gear. Some can be a bit higher price, but you're getting high quality. They carry many curvy women pants - nice! The REI branded hiking pants are comfortable and durable. I wore them for 2 weeks in yellowstone, and they were perfect. They carry a broad variety of hiking clothes, making it easy to prep for a trip without a bunch of stops.

Wow!! I visited the store to browse backpacks, having spent some time shopping online beforehand. I intended to purchase an Osprey brand backpack. Within 30 seconds, a salesperson approached and asked if I needed assistance. I politely responded that I was just browsing and did not require help. However, within another 5 seconds, a second salesperson asked if I needed assistance, the first salesperson even gave him a look like I just helped him, it was that soon. Feeling annoyed, I reiterated that I was fine and just looking. Despite this, the second salesperson began pitching a membership deal. I was frustrated by the persistent interruptions, as I simply wanted to browse undisturbed. Avoid, unless you want to be unpants’d every step in the store. Does REI really need sales people to be directed to molest customers every single step they take? Is that the fee for browsing?

I just bought my first gravel bike, and with so many options on the market, coming to REI saved me a lot of time and confusion. The true star of the place was Brandon. This guy is amazing! Not only was he knowledgeable, but he made a true effort to understand my desires for this next bike. REI really has the best in the biking world in terms of options. They offer a well-balanced mix of top brands and their own products, which are also excellent. Brandon deserves a big shoutout for being the MVP here. REI truly won my business on this big purchase because of him. I bought a Cannondale Carbon Bike, the Topstone 5. As Brandon described it, it’s the rally car of bicycles in the particular price range I was looking for. Great value and service—10 stars if I could give them!

REI is always a great store with ample staff to assist and quality product. Only drawback was the cashier who stated it would be too hard to attempt to locate my REI account by name or anything other than my phone number. Would have been nice if an attempt was made.

I'm a new REI member and ordered hiking shoes and a day pack online. It's sometimes hard to get the right fit for things online, so I took both items into the Sarasota REI store, and am so happy I did! From the moment I walked in the door, every sales associate was friendly and helpful. Mike, their shoe expert, took his time to find out what the correct size, fit, and type of hiking shoe I would need (La Sportiva Bushido III Trail Runners), so I was able to do an exchange. And then I headed over to their backpack section with my new pack (Osprey Mira 22), and their pack expert, Brennan, professionally fitted it to me. What a game changer that was! Such a great overall experience. So happy to be a new REI member.

The level of customer service at this store is on point. They make sure you are happy with your service. They go above and beyond what is expected. My daughter is LOVING her new Diamondback mountain bike. I cannot wait for mine to get here. Joining the Co-Op was worth it!!!!

I have been a LONG long 30 year REI customer In Minneapolis, Mn and now at the beautiful new airy spotless store in Sarasota. I buy ALL our waterproof/down/ UV resistant / breathable summer and winter clothing and comfort footwear (urban city and rugged outdoors) for the entire family from REI. My Seattle born father climbed the Cascades and Tetons and took us camping hiking canoeing in New York's beautiful Adirondacks each year then cross country to Bryce, Zion, the Tetons, northern rim of the Grand Canyon, Black Hills, Mesa Verde, Monument Valley 60 years ago. I hitchhiked at age 20 with friends from San Francisco to Vancouver with a 70 lb backpack then took the Canadian National train ( now gone )via Jasper all the way to above Detroit. What is especially fabulous about REI's HUGE selection of products ( online) is the top TOP quality of new innovative materials, deep thought/care in manufacture by many of these once tiny companies, and outstanding long long wear and durability. Washing cleaning all these items is easy thanks to their excellent cleaning products. REI, a Co-operative, has not sacrificed resourcing the very best quality they can locate. They have not become a "mass marketer" like once excellent LL Bean. Instead REI relies very heavily upon their hundreds of consumer product reviews ( which I meticulously read before any purchase). REI genuinely LISTENS to their consumer base!! AND!!! Their online frequent sales, some short unexpected, are legendary! I did 70% of all my Xmas shopping at REI - - great stocking stuffers too. I became addicted to their 10 grams of protein ProBars 20 years ago- - a must have for all my trips. Enjoy!