REI
Address: 1338 San Pablo Ave, Berkeley, CA 94702, United States
Phone: +1 510-527-4140
Services: Service options: Kerbside pickup, In-store pick-up, In-store shopping,
Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible car park, Wheelchair-accessible entrance, Wheelchair-accessible lift,
Amenities: Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi,
Planning: Quick visit,
Payments: Credit cards, Debit cards, NFC mobile payments, Credit cards,
Phone: +1 510-527-4140
Services: Service options: Kerbside pickup, In-store pick-up, In-store shopping,
Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible car park, Wheelchair-accessible entrance, Wheelchair-accessible lift,
Amenities: Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi,
Planning: Quick visit,
Payments: Credit cards, Debit cards, NFC mobile payments, Credit cards,
Category: Camping store, Bicycle repair shop, Bicycle store, Canoe & kayak store, Children's clothing store, Clothing store, Outdoor activity organiser, Outdoor sports store, Shoe store, Ski shop
Rating: 4.4
Site: https://rei.com/stores/berkeley?y_source=1_MTQ1MzM3OS03MTUtbG9jYXRpb24ud2Vic2l0ZQ%253D%253D
Worktime:
Rating: 4.4
Site: https://rei.com/stores/berkeley?y_source=1_MTQ1MzM3OS03MTUtbG9jYXRpb24ud2Vic2l0ZQ%253D%253D
Worktime:
| Day | Time |
|---|---|
| Monday | 10 AM–9 PM |
| Tuesday | 10 AM–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 10 AM–9 PM |
| Thursday | 10 AM–9 PM |
| Friday | 9 AM–9 PM |
| Saturday | 9 AM–9 PM |
| Sunday | 9 AM–9 PM |
Name: Q***** H****
Date: 2024-06-05 02:13:36
Rating: 2
Comment: Currently in line for an online pickup. Item was in store, just thought it would be easier to order it then fetch it. NOPE. They send you to customer service in the back where you are in same line as people returning. 6 folks in line one register. While no one is purchasing anything with the 3 active yet empty registers in the front. Please move your employees to where the customers need support. The humans here are KIND, but peeps need to pay attention.
Name: S**** H*****
Date: 2024-05-18 19:56:33
Rating: 4
Comment: Great selection of merchandise. Organization is a bit helter shelter. It was mobbed,due to a sale, and short staffed. I discovered that they are a no bag store, so bring your own.
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Name: P*** D* L**
Date: 2024-05-11 18:11:53
Rating: 5
Comment: I got some help from Scott and they were really friendly and helpful. They helped me track down a piece of gear that was important to me. Thanks so much for your help Scott! The store staff is lovely and always super helpful. Thank you!
Name: S*** C****
Date: 2024-05-03 01:05:52
Rating: 3
Comment: Nice browsing experience. High quality. Too expensive.
Name: W***** W**
Date: 2024-04-27 21:07:11
Rating: 4
Comment: Folks there are generally very helpful! Asked a few questions while there and employees were quick to answer. No complaints although the selection on a few things are less than other REIs.
Name: p** b****
Date: 2024-04-21 01:47:01
Rating: 4
Comment: Very crowded! Store needs more floor space! Some items out of stock. Went per web site said they had shoes I was looking for. Wanted to try different shoes I want to compare and decide which shoe fit best and buy at least 1 pair for this spring and maybe another pair. Will look else were. Seems Berkley, Concord stores very busy! Weekend not a good day to go to a REI store. I like to try on shoe first and if it fits buy it and reorder replacement online when needed. Many brands have change shoe design and they are not lasting as long, example; Soles are glued on and soles do not last and shoe repair is very expensive! I USED TO BUY 1 PAIR FIRST YEAR THEN BUY ANOTHER SHOE APROX. 1 YEAR LATER AND WEAR THE 2 SHOES FOR 3-5 YEARS - BECAUSE NOT WEAR SAME SHOE EVERY DAY. A I HAVE BOUGHT RED WINGS FOR WORK AND PLEASURE AND GET RESOLED AND THE 2 PAIRS WOULD LAST 4-10 YEARS. I HAVE 2 PAIRS THAT I HAVE BEEN WEARING FOR OVER 40 YEARS!!! AND I HAVE LL BEAN DUCK SHOES FOR OVER 25 YEARS(ALL YEAR CAMPING, YARD WORK, SNOW, RAIN, AND MUD AND MAYBE I GET THEM RESOLED ONCE - I have 2 pairs)
Name: D***** G*******
Date: 2024-04-08 02:19:59
Rating: 1
Comment: If the employees in the shoe department are even slightest overwhelmed and you have an alternative look or don’t look like their regular customers base be prepared to feel like a 2nd class citizen
Name: T****** R********
Date: 2024-03-23 20:24:45
Rating: 2
Comment: If youre going to have the backpacks locked up now, you must have enough staff to make it quick and easy to unlock and try out.
Name: B****** M*****
Date: 2024-02-25 15:52:00
Rating: 2
Comment: This store consistently hires employees who misgender me and treat me like I’m a second-class person.
Name: J***** L******
Date: 2024-02-24 01:54:50
Rating: 1
Comment: 2 clerks wouldnt accept my shoes I wanted to return, I bought them last october, not 100% satisfied, want to return. They said I could speak to the manager but they would probably say the same thing. Looking up the return policy, it says: We stand behind everything we sell. If you are not satisfied with your purchase, you can return it for a replacement or refund
Name: B******* W*********
Date: 2024-02-19 03:24:35
Rating: 5
Comment: Its a great REI!Also, for those of you that are certifiably insane, they have a selection of Stanley cups.
Name: S*** F***
Date: 2024-02-10 00:10:36
Rating: 5
Comment: Great store for enjoying quality products for outdoor activities. I got a good deal on a sale priced HOKA shoes.
Name: S*** W****
Date: 2024-01-13 23:47:08
Rating: 5
Comment: Staff here are the best! (SF is horrible). The store is huge, always orderly and well stocked. Lots of parking, but be smart as this is one of the highest auto burglary spots in Berkeley. Get outside!
Name: C**** K****
Date: 2023-12-31 01:20:43
Rating: 2
Comment: Love REI but feel if they are going to sell dog items they need to let dogs come into the store. They want to profit from the sales but wont let them in. It is a very old school to not let your family members (dogs) go shopping with you. I am annoyed every time I walk in and see that no dogs sign on the front door. Most other stores let you shop with your dogs. Will stay away until this changes.
Name: S**********
Date: 2023-12-27 14:48:40
Rating: 1
Comment: The company has gone Corporate. They care more about making money, and selling memberships over taking care of customers. Wish i could give zero stars. There is a reason this store, and others thathave followed, unionized. The management at this corporation is awful, by design. They hire externally and have fired most long tenured employees. There is no more outdoor culture, and inspiration from knowledgable staff. The advantage they had over other retailers was great customer service...thats it. But after eliminating their Sales lead position whuch was the part of the management team that essentially ran the sales floor and wrre their best experts, the company is just another Walmart. Dont be fooled by the Co-op, there are better places to shop that give you that 10% back instantly with membership like Sports Basement. One of REIs goals is to sell Credit Cards!! Not just membership. Shop local, shop Sports Basement.
Name: J*** B******
Date: 2023-12-12 00:09:44
Rating: 4
Comment: Great staff at the snow shop
Name: C*** A******
Date: 2023-12-06 23:35:19
Rating: 5
Comment: Great customer service. Got new roof box today, very confidently with help from worker
Name: V**** W***
Date: 2023-12-05 19:02:40
Rating: 5
Comment: Best place to buy climbing shoes 👟. They have excellent staff to measure your feet and give recommendations based on your climbing experience level. They never try to sell you the most expensive pair, only focusing on which ones fit best.
Name: S***** U*******
Date: 2023-11-26 18:55:24
Rating: 1
Comment: I don’t like that I can’t bring my dog with me. Sports basement has a similar selection and is dog friendly, so I go there instead.
Name: P****** S*****
Date: 2023-11-21 01:47:06
Rating: 5
Comment: Regular size REI store. Cashier complained about walkout thefts being frequent.
Name: M**** N****
Date: 2023-11-19 00:45:21
Rating: 2
Comment: I forget how much I dislike going to this store, until I go in again. The employees aren’t knowledgeable, they are often condescending, and the company just doesn’t sell quality gear. 2 stars because they consistently have outdoor gear that works on short notice, which I appreciate.
Name: S**** S*********
Date: 2023-11-16 01:21:04
Rating: 5
Comment: It is good place. They have certain discounts. If you live in the US for a longer time, taking their membership works out to some good deals.
Name: C**** A
Date: 2023-10-17 17:27:55
Rating: 1
Comment: Really bad customer service ... a customer associate named Steve was absolutely clueless and totally unhelpful, unsure if he was stoned or just didnt like working. Kept asking him about a sale that was happening, he had no clue. Asked where the shoe sale associates were, he said he didnt think there were any (there are usually at least two).Basically shrugged off any attempt at assisting customers, and muttered i dont know when we asked why he couldnt point us in the direction of someone lucid/coherent
Name: D**** S*****
Date: 2023-10-15 19:41:02
Rating: 5
Comment: Love REI, have a great selection and super helpful people on staff!
Name: M**** W***
Date: 2023-10-04 13:19:31
Rating: 5
Comment: Member since 1976. Helpful staff, quality products. Great selection of bike gear and tools. One stop shopping for backpacking gear & food.
Name: C********
Date: 2023-08-15 21:07:24
Rating: 3
Comment: Returned a jacket. Get a call that the jacket had some headphones in the pocket and we may come back to retrieve them. Go back to the store about a week later and they have no idea where our lost property is and cant follow up. I know its a large store with many employees and this is an unusual incident so I guess those headphones can find a new home somewhere in the store or in an employees pocket.
Name: F*** W
Date: 2023-08-07 19:01:05
Rating: 5
Comment: Great selection of higher end camping, bike and outdoor activity gear. The staff is helpful and friendly here.
Name: k******* m*****
Date: 2023-08-05 16:23:21
Rating: 2
Comment: As my husband, daughter and I checked out bikes yesterday, a very helpful employee assisted us. Unfortunately, the next employee that approached us, in the bike department, completely turned us off the Berkeley store. Instead of a polite response to my question, he responded in a rushed, dismissive tone. So unnecessary…it was just a question, not “life or death” situation.
Name: B***** T**
Date: 2023-08-03 03:00:47
Rating: 5
Comment: If there was a playbook for how to run a sporting goods store, this REI should definitely write it! My two friends and I were absolutely blown away by Ben, whos pretty much the Yoda of hiking backpacks. He knows his stuff and then some, explaining the ins and outs of each bag, how to adjust it just right, and even shared some tips on how to handle heavy loads without turning our backs into pretzels. He also had a bunch of great advice on how to train for our hiking trip. Hats off to Ben - he really went the extra mile! Someone give this guy all the gold stars and a raise!And then theres Scott, the store manager. When I realized Id left a few items behind the day after I left, I called the store and Scott just said, No problem, come on back and pick them up. Hows that for top-notch service?In short, this REI store is a gem. Five stars all the way.
Name: B**** A**** O****
Date: 2023-08-01 22:03:36
Rating: 2
Comment: Awesome gear but this place makes you feel that you can only enjoy the outdoors is you purchase their very expensive products. Bit of a shame that our experience of nature needs to be mediated by consumer culture.
Name: C**** O*****
Date: 2023-07-31 18:20:49
Rating: 4
Comment: Says they have disc golf discs, but I went there, and they did not have any.
Name: N*** A******
Date: 2023-07-26 18:31:50
Rating: 5
Comment: Amazing staff and they always go above and beyond.
Name: N*** T******
Date: 2023-07-24 01:52:43
Rating: 1
Comment: I am a consistant customer at REI (different location) and have only had positive experiences until today. Very disappointed in the customer service I received at the register.
Name: A***** B*******
Date: 2023-07-15 21:06:27
Rating: 5
Comment: I tried the REI bike shop for the first time after finding several bike shops booked up. It was a great experience - the bike staff is friendly and knowledgeable, reasonable prices, and smallish but well curated seletion of quality gear. I was helped by Fred who went above and beyond to take great care of my bikes. Thanks again, Fred!
Name: p****** r***
Date: 2023-07-13 02:33:25
Rating: 5
Comment: Bike Shop is my gateway to the store. Scott and the shop Crew were incredibly efficient, kind, helpful, intelligent and expert at repairs. Came in with an older bike needing a lot of work . They got it sorted and fixed way ahead of anticipated completion day, including special order tire. Bike was in perfect condition when i picked it up for delivery. Thank you again - six stars!
Name: T*** G*
Date: 2023-07-12 04:15:38
Rating: 1
Comment: Member rewards are a scam. I placed an order for store pickup. Never received an email when it arrived. They cancelled the order, so when I asked they said it’s gone. When I asked what happened to the rewards I spent on the order I got ignored. Dollars down the drain. Sad, because I’ve been a member for over 20 years!
Name: S**** M****************
Date: 2023-07-04 04:13:43
Rating: 1
Comment: I’ve been to REI plenty of times over the years and have never, ever had a bad experience unfortunately until today. I had an uncomfortable experience with the salesman (Zachary?) working at the Bike Shop register where I felt a bit chastised. Another extremely professional and kind salesman who was working with him at the Bike Shop helped me find the perfect bike for my child, was so attentive, thorough and kind. He had my son jump on the bike several times and adjusted the seat for him. He did let me know that one of the bikes had been returned/very minor scratches but could give us a tiny discount for it. I went ahead and picked that bike, and when I got to the register it actually ended up being a new person at the Bike Shop checking us out. When I told the new salesman (a thin, tall male, I think it is Zachary based on our receipt) what I was told about the minor discount, he aggressively confronted his co-salesman after thoroughly chastising me with questions like, “Where are the scratches? This is a brand new bike, can you show me what scuffs you’re talking about??” He then went and picked up the bike in the air and had his cosalesman examine it even though he was checking out another customer. I purchased the bike at full price and didn’t want to go down the route of searching for scratches with this rude employee but nevertheless hopefully ?Zachary can get the feedback, as this doesn’t align with the usual experiences I’ve had at REI. Even if this bike was brand new, he could’ve handled the situation in a much more professional manner.
Name: P******** N******
Date: 2023-07-03 04:13:12
Rating: 4
Comment: Great REI in the heart of Berkeley! It’s quite a busy store and has free parking in the lot infront. No pets or dogs allowed, only service animals!
Name: L***** M******
Date: 2023-07-01 19:08:00
Rating: 1
Comment: Went to this location to purchase some shoes and needed some assistance finding the correct size and brand. There was only one employee on the floor to assist customers. Ended up waiting for 40 minutes, and left without purchasing anything. Won’t be back.
Name: M*** R******
Date: 2023-06-13 14:21:46
Rating: 5
Comment: If you are searching for the best in outdoor recreational gear, be that bikes, snow, hiking, camping, or what have you, this is the place to go. Join the coop to get discounts and cash back. I went for Merrell hiking boots and hiking pants and found just what I wanted with help from friendly sales people. Recommended.
Name: A*** K***
Date: 2023-06-01 16:08:10
Rating: 1
Comment: You dont need any of that fancy junk in the wild... True warriors survive and scavenge, take the bounti, and Rule
Name: M****** H***
Date: 2023-05-08 18:44:49
Rating: 2
Comment: So disappointed you are not supporting your union members. They seek improvements for all employees, union or not. Advances brought by union efforts make REI look good.
Name: S****** L*
Date: 2023-03-22 17:50:15
Rating: 5
Comment: Needed to purchase some shoes for backpacking. The associate brought out a bunch to try and gave some recommendations as well. She was patient and helpful
Name: o***** l**
Date: 2023-03-20 23:42:41
Rating: 5
Comment: Love this store. It has good selection of camping gear, bikes, cloth and shoes.
Name: R****** L******
Date: 2023-03-20 19:03:25
Rating: 5
Comment: Great for all/most of your outdoor needs. Great, clothing, equipment and knowledgeable staff, many with expertise in whatever your interest is. Good prices, great quality and selection. Its also easy to shop and order online and pick up at the store.Become a member for even better discounts and dividends.
Name: X****** R*****
Date: 2023-03-12 02:34:33
Rating: 1
Comment: They’ve been experiencing “high theft” so I guess they train their employees to harass shoppers and follow them around then confronting you despite not having done anything suspicious.I’ll be going out of my way to shop at the SF location.
Name: Q***** H***** J*
Date: 2023-03-11 22:56:56
Rating: 4
Comment: Super friendly staff, and highly knowledgeable. Wish parking were better, but that must be due to their popularity
Name: R***** H****
Date: 2023-02-22 06:34:13
Rating: 5
Comment: REI in Berkeley was great as always. Friendly and helpful salespeople. I purchased a cartop carrier online and picked it up in the store. The whole thing was fast, smooth, and easy. A great experience overall.
Name: E**** J************
Date: 2023-02-17 14:11:55
Rating: 5
Comment: This was my first time in an REI and I was blown away. The staff is extremely helpful and knowledgeable. I particularly want to thank Fry! He was ever patient with us as we asked ALL the questions. A wise, witty, and fun sales associate. Can’t wait to ask for him by name in my next trip out to the Berkeley REI!
Name: J a****
Date: 2023-02-16 01:49:22
Rating: 5
Comment: Its your go to store for anything outdoor. You can even rent, and there are lots of products on clearance..
Name: S***** F**
Date: 2023-01-30 01:19:37
Rating: 4
Comment: Really amazing staff who were super helpful and kind. however, they are consistently low on stock.
Name: I** M
Date: 2023-01-22 20:31:43
Rating: 5
Comment: Its kind of like a Tardis. You walk in the little entrance and *boom* its huge inside.Staff are friendly and knowledgeable and there is an amazing selection of outdoor gear.
Name: M****** K***
Date: 2023-01-20 16:09:45
Rating: 2
Comment: I used to love this store. I am a member and I have been going here for over 20 yrs and used to get all my trail running supplies here as well as everything else outdoor related. Sadly there is next to nothing in way of gels/gus for trail running. They now have only one or two brands of energy food/drink. No GU, even though its headquarter just down the road from REI. The selection of clothing has also drastically changed. REI used to have a great selection of their own brand of clothing. Weirdly the womans section of clothing is way better laid out and there seems to be more variety, go figure. Now its some knock of V brand of clothing they are pushing. Head up the road to Sports Basement for all your running/cycling needs and a better selection of clothing.
Name: K******** S*****
Date: 2023-01-17 16:05:39
Rating: 5
Comment: This is probably my favorite REI. The staff here are super helpful and positive! Jade at customer service took great care of us.
Name: T*** T****
Date: 2023-01-12 03:08:24
Rating: 5
Comment: I’ve shopped at the Berkeley REI as a member for over 20 years. Always excellent service, great products and a fun experience.
Name: S**** S*****
Date: 2023-01-08 03:43:51
Rating: 5
Comment: Great store for equipment and has almost everything! Great and fast service too. Theres always help when you need it.
Name: K*** S**
Date: 2023-01-07 19:01:13
Rating: 1
Comment: Very very disappointed. My son took a Brompton folding bike for help (to show him to how fold and unfold the bike). It’s brand new. The store manager Rebecca told me it requires installation. I’m very surprised REI sells Brompton bike and she does not even know folding bike requires very very minimum installation, only to put the latch on it. She was rude, loud and even told me “at my shop.” She does not even know we, REI members, are proud of REI being “our” shop. PS. My son needs catch his flight to Santa Barbara in a few hours. We were asking the shop to extend a kind help. Sadly, it was rudely and unprofessionally refused by Rebecca.
Name: R***** R*********
Date: 2023-01-04 04:11:02
Rating: 2
Comment: Hard to find someone who works in this store that can give helpful advice. Feels like being loose in a warehouse. Also, long lines. Unfortunately for such a good company.
Name: d**** m******
Date: 2023-01-03 18:58:17
Rating: 2
Comment: Hard to find what I needed and very few options. and expensive!. Definitely a store for the 1 percent.
Name: C**** R*******
Date: 2022-12-23 02:02:04
Rating: 5
Comment: Great people & service. Good store layout. Easy checkout and returns. Returned items are on sale in a section that you should stop by and check out the discounts.
Name: T***** D**
Date: 2022-12-02 23:51:11
Rating: 4
Comment: All the outdoor gear you could need. Rei brand gear is basically just as good as all the name brands, but cheaper
Name: S***** S*****
Date: 2022-11-28 17:22:21
Rating: 1
Comment: Please do not get your ski bindings done here. Mine were installed incorrectly here (as verified by multiple technicians).Sadly I only learned of this after a trip to the Emergency Room and 8 months of physical therapy.
Name: N**** J******
Date: 2022-11-28 02:31:27
Rating: 2
Comment: I came to this location to buy hiking shoes but didnt get the help I needed. Staff was not knowledgeable providing minimal information and only showing up every 10 min to ask if I needed something, i said i need help identifying what size i need for hiking and they brought me different sizes only. Didnt measure my feet to determine if they are regular or wide. I didnt even get to try other brands. It wasnt busy either!
Name: W***** W*****
Date: 2022-11-21 01:33:31
Rating: 5
Comment: REI is always a great place to go for camping and hiking equipment and supplies. Their online website has great outlet deals.
Name: G***** B**
Date: 2022-11-19 01:07:03
Rating: 1
Comment: Slowest returns line ever. Each return takes about 10 minutes, with 3 lines open. It’s ridiculous. Waited half an hour to return. With like 5 people in front of me in line.
Name: T L*****
Date: 2022-11-12 22:00:08
Rating: 2
Comment: Was excited to test ride some bikes here and get some advice from knowledgeable bike folks but had an unfortunate experience when I went. Weird vibes and miscommunication as well as surprisingly elaborate process to take one outside for a spin. Be prepared to potentially encounter a long wait if you go and I was just unimpressed with the interaction I had overall - felt a bit chastised and out of place by the time we left the store.
Name: P**** F***
Date: 2022-11-12 20:33:21
Rating: 5
Comment: Our trip to REI to rent snowshoes was surprisingly wonderful. We learned that it is best to reserve in advance, however Lauren at the service counter fixed us right up with a smile and snowshoe blessing! She was super knowledgeable, and so positive and enthusiastic for us to be taking our trip. She even tolerated my jokes! We will never forget our time here. Thank you Lauren & REI!
Name: a*********
Date: 2022-11-10 00:23:34
Rating: 4
Comment: This is an ok store. Customer service is OK, selection of shoes my size was a little sparce.
Name: L** �***** S************
Date: 2022-10-30 23:18:03
Rating: 5
Comment: Friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable staff. Lots of variety and selections on varies activities equipment. good and welcoming atmosphere.
Name: E* H*****
Date: 2022-10-23 23:35:59
Rating: 4
Comment: The place is busy on Sunday, so you do not get a lot of attention. But the supplies and selection are great, and it is easy to have all your questions answered.
Name: K I
Date: 2022-10-21 22:59:36
Rating: 5
Comment: Weve shopped here for over 20 years. From camping gear to bikes, kids hiking shoes to wet weather clothing, they offer great service at reasonable prices. I have nothing but great feelings when I think of REI!
Name: Z
Date: 2022-08-28 17:36:54
Rating: 1
Comment: This is the worst REI Ive ever been to. They’re out of everything I want 4/5 times I go. Prices are never rarely listed and items are constantly misplaced.
Name: J*** C*******
Date: 2022-08-25 14:03:56
Rating: 5
Comment: REI is a reliable spot to get quality gear for a wide range of needs. I specifically have purchased a lot of my biking gear from this store. This is the only location that Ive gone to but it seems pretty large with helpful staff its easy to find what youre looking for quickly.
Name: R****** K***
Date: 2022-08-10 22:04:06
Rating: 5
Comment: This has long been the go-to place for outdoor supplies. The only issue these days is theyve gotten so expensive. I still come here, because they have what I need, but I feel Im breaking my bank account every time.
Name: V****** B*****
Date: 2022-07-29 04:25:16
Rating: 1
Comment: Had a terrible experience picking up a bike purchased online for pickup. And the bike itself is defective (REI brand). Will return it. Spend your money somewhere else.
Name: R****** S*****
Date: 2022-07-29 00:06:27
Rating: 1
Comment: Applied, did an online interview and they never got back to me. The least you can do is let people applying know weather you consider them or not...
Name: K****** S***
Date: 2022-06-29 06:00:09
Rating: 5
Comment: I have to say that my experience at the Berkeley REI Bike Shop over the past few visits has been spectacular.I recently purchased a direct-to-consumer gravel bike and built it up myself. Well, I’m decent with my hands, but am by no means a bike mechanic, and I quickly got in over my head.My first trip in, the staff walked me through the basics of what I had missed with my bike, and I dropped it off so they could address them. At the same time, I had them install new tubeless tires, new compressionless brake lines, new bar tape, and a derailleur adjustment. They did a fantastic job on all counts, and the cost was extremely reasonable - about $100.A few weeks later, after maybe 100 miles of East Bay gravel, fire roads, and single-track (and after laying the bike down quite a few times), I had some new problems. My derailleur was a bit out of whack, and I had a few difficult-to-diagnose creaks coming from the bottom end. I walked in expecting to drop the bike off for a few days, but man was I surprised when Art immediately through my bike on the stand.Art not only diagnosed the issues in a few short minutes, but addressed them on the spot. If that weren’t enough, he pointed out a few other things I had missed, and then went on to adjust the fit of my bike, including adjusting the saddle + levers. All the while, he explained what he was doing, and man did I learn a heck of a lot.If your bike could use some love, please don’t hesitate to take it into the Berkeley REI Bike Shop for a tune-up. I am thoroughly impressed by their staff’s knowledge, care, and attention to detail. As a bonus, Coop Members get 20% off all services. They’re my local bike shop from here on out, hands-down.
Name: R**** B*******
Date: 2022-06-26 23:08:30
Rating: 5
Comment: Found everything I was looking for, this store has a lot of cool stuff. Sabrina was very helpful, will come here again.
Name: j***** m*******
Date: 2022-06-21 15:51:21
Rating: 5
Comment: All in one place, good selection of shoes, clothing, returned items with some discount, bikes, kayaks paddle boards... You name it.
Name: J***** L
Date: 2022-06-21 13:24:58
Rating: 3
Comment: I ended up at the Berkeley location due to the judgmental girls at the Dublin location. If your not a model for rei dont go to Dublin go to Berkeley if you dont want to be judged on your clothes .
Name: J** N*****
Date: 2022-06-21 00:48:24
Rating: 5
Comment: Great selection of outdoor gear with very friendly and knowledgeable staff. Make sure you check the returns section for some awesome deals!
Name: S****** L* D*******
Date: 2022-05-01 01:30:51
Rating: 4
Comment: I e always liked this shop. Ive been going here since the 1990s. The staff is courteous even when it is super busy, which it was when I was there. Some of the areas in the store were a bit messy but I do not know how the staff could keep up with cleaning when all registers needed to be open. They had a good selection of outdoor sportswear. Its worth a visit, when its a little less busy. (I happened to be in the neighborhood.)
Name: I** M*******
Date: 2022-04-14 17:47:45
Rating: 2
Comment: I am a longtime customer and big fan of REI. This is my go to store and I have had nothing but great experiences here. Unfortunately had a really unfortunate interaction with someone who identified herself as the manager just now. I had a simple request to speak to the bike shop to see if they could fit in a small tune up while I was due to pick up 2 new bikes I purchased, but was told no and that I could not even speak to the bike shop and hung up on. Kind of shocked -- must have been a bad day or off moment for this employee?
Name: I*** R***
Date: 2022-04-09 13:19:19
Rating: 5
Comment: This is my go-to store for almost my entire outdoor gear because the service is great, products are reliable and staff very friendly. During my last visit Scott went beyond all expectations though and supported us in our frantic last-minute and crucial purchase to make sure we were completely set up and not only ready to go, but safely too.
Name: N***** O****
Date: 2022-03-23 01:05:06
Rating: 3
Comment: Ive been a member for over twenty years. Its sad to see how it has degraded into just another clothes store with rows of unorganized racks. You pay list price for a poor selection. They force you to go online to get many standard items, and once youre online you might as well order from somewhere with a searchable site and better prices. It makes me sad. Most of my wardrobe is from REI. I hate having to find a new place for clothes. Heres hoping they can turn it around. ☹️
Name: D****** G**********
Date: 2022-03-15 19:41:38
Rating: 4
Comment: Always impressive in their thoughtful selection and good values, REI has been a stalwart icon of serious and not so serious outdoor enthusiasts for more than 50 years. Once more, its a co-op, members get a vote, get discounts, and support a business model that isnt exclusively about profit. I love that you can rent things and try stuff out before you make a permanent investment. Their staff is always helpful and often pretty knowledgeable.
Name: S***** O*****
Date: 2022-03-11 22:32:01
Rating: 5
Comment: REI is always a great place to shop for anything outdoorsy. The staff are knowledgeable and helpful. If you are new to a sport they wont try to sell you more than you need, but if you are already an expert and have detailed questions they can handle those too.
Name: E*** H*****
Date: 2022-02-13 23:36:22
Rating: 5
Comment: Great and fast service. They have gotten super busy every time Ive been there but they do a great job trying to help customers despite that
Name: F M
Date: 2022-02-12 00:17:43
Rating: 1
Comment: The anti union messages from your CEO are disappointing. You like to boast yourself as a company for the people but your policies paint a different picture. Bring on the union, I wont be returning.
Name: A***** F********
Date: 2022-02-08 05:35:28
Rating: 5
Comment: If you want to experience a place where everything that you look at is TOP NOTCH, REI is the place.It caters to the Outdoors and the people who love to spend time enjoying the open world!It is a Co Op business and you can be part of it by getting a membership. It will give you a lot of perks.Their shelves are filled with top brands and theirs own that by no means are of lesser quality value.A place to Enjoy.
Name: D****** M******
Date: 2022-01-18 16:39:45
Rating: 5
Comment: Great service from Kaleo at the shoe section. He measured my foot, asked questions about how the shoes would be used, and then provided choices that would work and explained why.
Name: T** T
Date: 2022-01-16 19:56:57
Rating: 4
Comment: When did camping or hiking become such high-priced activities requiring complicated technology?
Name: T***** M******
Date: 2021-12-19 05:24:40
Rating: 5
Comment: I just wanted to give a shout out to the REI ski staff. They are great at helping me pick skis and bindings for my wife. They were also extremely great with communication keep me updated on their mounting of the bindings so we were able to get them to ski this weekend. Stoked with their help and for being able to see my wife ski this weekend!
Name: K****** R*****
Date: 2021-12-10 18:39:14
Rating: 5
Comment: This review is for the bike shop. I recently had a bolt snap that holds my saddle to the seat post on my Cannondale CAAD13. I brought the issue up to the counter and was greeted by Astrid and Art (Arthur). Art is clearly an old school mechanic (i.e. a good one) and he explained to me what the usual corporate response is. Something like “we can’t replace a part of a part… everything is proprietary.. blah blah. We don’t carry individual replacement bolts.” Basically, they are rewarded by companies for forcing costumers to replace an entire carbon fiber seatpost ($100-$300) instead of simply providing a $2 replacement bolt. But, Art smiled, rifled through a draw and found an old bolt. The washer wasn’t quite the right size to seat properly against the clamp, so he proceeded to file it down to the proper size and handed it over to me. Charged $5 and saved me a bunch of money and hassle after trying to deal with corporate Cannondale prior to coming in. Thanks so much, Art. You’re the man.
Name: A***** L****
Date: 2021-12-09 22:02:03
Rating: 3
Comment: Love REI but this location doesnt have any snowboards, boots, or bindings
Name: D*** T*******
Date: 2021-11-23 08:44:34
Rating: 4
Comment: Great stuff ... been a member to get dividends and discounts for over 30 years. I usually order online as I hate stores, but today I had to go try on raincoats. So crowded! Although it was a sale ...
Name: M*** H******
Date: 2021-09-27 00:53:24
Rating: 2
Comment: Its not often that I am disappointed by customer service upon enter a store and hoping to be able to spend $6,000. That was my mindset when looking at REIs electric bikes. Four associates were standing in front of the section when I approached and the first who acknowledged me and the bikes immediately took off thereafter. Its probably arduous to explain a category to random shoppers, so I get it. The next associate, who kindly said let me know if you have any questions, took off with the other associates some time in the minute between when I said ok and looked up again. Trying to make sense of expensive hardware that has UPC codes, no specs posted at all, and barren clipboards is fruitless. So I stared at my phone while trying to match online rei.com content to the bikes IRL. Ill probably go back to try to rent a couple for my partner and me however REI wouldnt ever call this winning over a customer at moment of truth. Maybe it was Sunday afternoon and they were tired? Maybe theres a sale coming up and they wanted to get ready for something else. All I know is they pretty much fled to the other side of the store, just after food, where they arent needed except to stock, and just before shoes, again where customers could have actually used their assistance.
Name: M****** L**
Date: 2021-09-24 23:54:03
Rating: 5
Comment: Great service and selection. Everything you can expect from an REI store.
Name: P**** P*******
Date: 2021-08-30 00:44:59
Rating: 5
Comment: Happy with everything about this store but I want to use my review to praise the employees. They were incredibly friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable, and made the whole shopping experience enjoyable! I always enjoy the time I spend there :)
Name: R****** L*****
Date: 2021-08-22 01:59:11
Rating: 3
Comment: My first visit to an REI store. It has a wide variety of outdoor stuff but not comprehensive by any means.One of the most annoying things is that many items are locked and you have to find an associate to unlock the item for you. If you decide to buy the item it will taken to check out under your name where you check it out later. It makes the shopping experience very difficult. Many items are locked in a way where you cant even even read what is on the box. I dont know if all REI are like this or I just happened to be in a bad neighborhood.The staff seemed a little annoyed probably because they were too busy (? busy unlocking items).
Name: C***** R****
Date: 2021-07-04 19:44:42
Rating: 1
Comment: So apparently you can’t exchange items at this location without paying their higher taxes. Went to get a different size pant and they are charging us for their tax… Wow.
Name: A**** L***
Date: 2021-06-20 12:32:18
Rating: 5
Comment: Wonderful store with very well trained staff. I have been an rei member for over 30 years and highly recommend this store.
Name: C**** M****
Date: 2021-06-16 18:36:22
Rating: 5
Comment: Top-notch REI store. Super friendly staff and great inventory. Its almost dangerous for me to be in here... I just want to buy everything!
Name: M** H******
Date: 2021-05-29 14:48:14
Rating: 5
Comment: I went to their bike shop for a repair that I thought I needed, but the skilled and knowledgeable mechanic showed me that the repair wasnt needed and made a slight adjustment to my rear brake disc rotor that improved it---and did this for zero charge. The experience was excellent due to his competence. (My mistake was not to get his name. Thank you.)
Name: J* H
Date: 2021-05-17 04:31:47
Rating: 5
Comment: Always a pleasure to browse all the fun gear. Went to get shoes, which has a decent setup for covid. The staff was awesome, even tho I came at the end of a busy day, they still had a great attitude and Patience. I dont shop here often, but it has always been an enjoyable experience. Only peeve was the line to try on shoes is right next to other customers trying on shoes, so much closer than six ft but everyone was wearing masks and the benches were spaced good. Probably not going to matter much soon.
Name: J****** Y*****
Date: 2021-05-16 00:13:33
Rating: 5
Comment: Friendly, efficient service in a bright, spacious, well-organized store. Cool that theyre even used gear sales too. Fighting wasteful-ness landfill-culture, one sale at a time!
Name: R**** M*******
Date: 2021-05-12 21:42:01
Rating: 5
Comment: REI is terrific. I was given excellent advice and real value for the walking poles I bought. Id been thinking of using Amazon, but REI was safe (re covid-19) and great prices, and real service. Beats Amazon on all counts
Name: J***** M******
Date: 2021-05-07 20:23:40
Rating: 5
Comment: The store was busy with all the reps helping customers. Im new to backpacking & needed help in figuring out my new backpack because there were so many attachments & clips/buckles. I asked an expert in camping & was introduced to a rep who was already doing other tasks. She put those aside & spent 15 minutes adjusting/demonstrating/explaining the important info I needed to know. I really appreciated her time spent with me & that she didnt rush me. I wish I had asked for her name:(
Name: G**** C****
Date: 2021-04-12 04:11:56
Rating: 5
Comment: My older specialized rockhopper got smashed by a car. I love this bike and wanted to keep riding it. They didnt have one part that was needed, but pointed me to a listing for the part on Ebay which I purchased and they installed. They made other repairs as necessary. I think another shop might have told me sorry you are out of luck. I rode the bike today. Its fixed and nicely tuned up. These folks were super nice and reasonably priced. I give them a whole hearted 5 stars.
Name: F**** G*****
Date: 2021-03-28 04:07:41
Rating: 5
Comment: This is the real flagship REI for me. I have been all over the country in my travels and visited REIs from Alaska to Florida and this one will always be home for me. The people are super they are Berkelyites so what could possibly go wrong. Definitely stop in if you are in the neighborhood. You wont regret it.
Name: e c
Date: 2021-03-27 01:31:49
Rating: 2
Comment: The gentleman in the bike department really did not seem to interested in helping me!! Im a person of color. I was looking for a bicycle to purchase, like right now. I will not ever go there again!!!!!🤔🤔
Name: k*** s******
Date: 2021-03-17 20:42:22
Rating: 4
Comment: I entered and was greeted by a courteouse and helpful staff member. I went in to service a used bike I just purchased from cl and Richard the gentleman that assisted me was very kind and knowledgeable.
Name: C**** A******
Date: 2021-03-04 01:05:35
Rating: 5
Comment: I’ve never had a bad experience here, the staff is always so nice and helpful. Bianca helped me find exactly what I was looking for. Trying on shoes is pretty fun, they have a small setup where you can practice hiking up and down a slope or steps. Got a pair of toe sock liners and my feet have never been more comfortable!
Name: A*** V*********
Date: 2021-02-20 21:59:57
Rating: 5
Comment: Rei is a good place to shop. It offers products from some of the best brands in the world. The prices are high i should admit. But, they are exactly where they should be. It is not a Walmart kind store. Original companies and others charge just about the same. For example: Merrell Moab2 mans waterproof hiking shoes costs in Rei $125,00. Now, Merrell.com sells it for $125,00 as well, and Zappos.com sells it for $124.95. Also, a womens Patagonia black Snowbelle Jacket in Rei is $329,00, but in Patagonia store it was $399,00 when i checked. By the way it is wonderful jacket. It is water and wind proof and good for snow boarding or downhill skiing. Some of the best places to go for skiing with this jacket are the following. In California ski resorts like Kirkwood and Squaw Valley that are near Lake Tahoe in California. Others are: Breckenridge ski resort in Colorado, Jackson Hole near Grand Teton Village in Wyoming, Killington in Vermont, Big Sky in Montana, and Park City in Utah. Some of the resourts could be very crowded if opened. Finally, i would like to say that it is a luck for everyone to have this store nearby where everything you need is in one place and staff members are ready to help.
Name: F****** P****
Date: 2021-01-23 22:36:37
Rating: 5
Comment: Great selection. We got everything we needed here from presta valve for mountain bike tires to womens running socks. Get ready for some pushy salespeople though.
Name: T**** H*****
Date: 2021-01-20 00:50:47
Rating: 5
Comment: As usual I went in with a particular product in mind and found a co-op branded product that met my needs better and for a better price! Staff was all extremely friendly and helpful as I have come to expect from REI... Just the usual great experience all around. Certainly a membership that has literally paid dividends!
Name: M******* K******
Date: 2020-12-18 22:17:26
Rating: 1
Comment: Customer service is lacking. They dont care how long youre waiting in line. They had a line of customers and were taking their sweet time talking to coworkers and moseying around. Waited in line for 30 minuets just to exchange a pair of shoes and there was no sorry for the wait or inconvenience. Its like thats their standard, sub par customer service and speed. We were checked out by Chuck and he didnt seem enthused at all to be helping us.
Name: L***** N******
Date: 2020-11-30 23:25:09
Rating: 5
Comment: I worked with a guy named Scott to select the perfect shoe + sock system for a long distance hike. He was very knowledgeable. Definetly recommend working with their staff to find the perfect shoe.Don’t buy sport equipment without talking to real people.
Name: R
Date: 2020-11-21 19:11:14
Rating: 2
Comment: I bought a sleeping bag here several years ago, rated to 30 degrees. I hadnt used it yet, so called yesterday and asked and was told, yes it is good to 30 degrees. I camped out last night - in the upper 40s - with hat, hiking socks, sweat pants and thermal shirt - but was not warm. I called today and was told that the rating is fairly subjective. And too late to return the bag. Im sorry I bought it - will look elsewhere for a new bag.
Name: J****** Y***
Date: 2020-10-22 22:29:19
Rating: 1
Comment: A few days before my item would be ready for pickup I called the store to know the process for my husband to pickup a kids bike on his way to work. They said he just needs to bring his ID and the email that says its ready for pickup. He goes there and spends 30-40 min where they offer the wrong bike. When he points out its wrong, they keep trying to figure out what is going on and it ends up the bike meant to be picked up is in a box unassembled and we have to go back to pick it up. I call the store asking about the situation and they said that typically I would get a phone call saying the bike is ready for pickup. well thats not what I was originally told days before. I was told to just bring the email says it is ready for pickup. We ended up getting it cancelled and another order placed but what a waste of time. It was also a pain to call on the phone to REI to get a new order placed with free shipping (30 min!). Then I ask the phone rep to cancel my original order to be picked up at Berkeley but she cancels my new order! So I call again and spend 30 min explaining the situation and getting a new order placed. REI has really done a number on me today. Such a time intensive process that could have been avoided if the REI Berkeley workers here had the orders straight and only emailed once the order was assembled and actually ready for pickup.
Name: R***** R*************
Date: 2020-09-30 12:55:25
Rating: 5
Comment: Has what you need to be active and camp hike bike. Its on the pricey side of things. REI is a fantastic store.
Name: K***** D*****
Date: 2020-07-29 21:05:35
Rating: 5
Comment: Hands down the best REI store. All of the staff is extremely knowledgeable and helpful. I got fitted for a backpacking backpack, they gave me ample amount of time and attention to explain all of my options, fitted me for the backpack and answered all of my questions. Can’t say enough good things about the kind workers there.
Name: M** B*******
Date: 2020-07-26 16:37:48
Rating: 5
Comment: Even in an new erra where covid has changed retail this REI offers customers hope and guidance. Sparce inventory with quality is still more valuable then random online items that dont come close. Sometimes you need to really compare items and thier staff is there to help.
Name: E**** C**
Date: 2020-07-23 20:06:56
Rating: 5
Comment: Great service. Always friendly and helpful. Been coming here for the last 5 years and the experience here has always been really great. The co-op items are good quality. Although they are a little pricey, but they usually go on sale seasonal. You can find some real gems during their members only Garage Sales.
Name: S**** L******
Date: 2020-07-09 20:24:07
Rating: 5
Comment: Curbside pickup for online orders during lunch on a weekday went quickly and it was smooth. The signs made it clear where to go. There were just a few people in line and it moved fast. There are clearly marked spots to maintain social distance. The employees were friendly and efficient, and they helped us carry a big ol roof box to our car around the corner and unboxed it for us and placed it on the roof. It was on us to actually mount it securely to the roof rack, but still it was much appreciated.
Name: J******* R*****
Date: 2020-03-26 06:12:42
Rating: 3
Comment: The local branch of this retail chain has a wide selection of outdoor expedition and sporting gear. The prices, though, make it the last place to try for any gear needs. The staff try hard to answer questions and find sizes in the back, but its clear that they dont receive much support from their corporate headquarters.
Name: B****** S*****
Date: 2020-01-26 21:05:34
Rating: 5
Comment: I love coming to this location of REI. The people who work here really know their outdoor stuff. They have sales that I monitor and thats when I buy.
Name: K***** M*****
Date: 2020-01-04 21:25:07
Rating: 2
Comment: Constantly understaffed shoe department. I feel dread every time I have to walk into that section to try on a pair of shoes. It’s the same feeling I have when walking into a Home Depot. I started shopping at Road Runner Sports which has fantastic customer service.
Name: I*** G*******
Date: 2019-12-07 21:23:10
Rating: 5
Comment: I worked in Berkeley over the summer and was constantly in and out of REI looking to get new gear for trips and climbing, so I’d spend hours here sometimes. This staff was suuuuuuuper amazing, very patient and kind with me with what ever questions I had about anything. Also huge shoutout to one of the employees with these super cool white tattoos, she helped me pick out what is now my favorite climbing harness. Great staff, great support!
Name: L** K**
Date: 2019-11-22 19:46:14
Rating: 1
Comment: Horrible customer service. Store was a mess. Not all sizes were available on the floor and no one around was willing to help. Then, finally once they came around.. They just pushed me to not want anything and rushed me to leave the store! What a disappointment!!
Name: K** E********
Date: 2019-11-16 03:11:09
Rating: 4
Comment: Bought a work stand for my bike. They ordered it and i signed up for a membership. Then i biked back out for the used gear sale and used my membership refund or whatever its called to get a sun hat. So i guess you could say rei is cool.
Name: M******* P*******
Date: 2019-10-17 00:26:13
Rating: 5
Comment: Thanks Karma, for incredibly useful advice on choosing running shoes. He analyzed my used shoes and the way I walked to recommend specific shoes, I had no idea there were so many subtypes of running shoes.
Name: S** W*****
Date: 2019-09-25 03:35:57
Rating: 5
Comment: A great camping and outdoor store with everything any outdoor enthusiast could wish for. Store is well laid out. I am a tourist from Africa and make a point of visiting REI whenever I come to the States. The range of goods on sale is incredible and the staff knowledgeable and friendly. Was happy to find the exact Yeti flask I was looking for!
Name: S****** B***
Date: 2019-08-05 01:37:42
Rating: 1
Comment: Waited ten minutes to get some help in the shoe Dept, but no one was available. After asking an employee from a different part of the store when would be a good time to come back to get some help, his response was Honestly I dont know... were always pretty busy.... Sorry not going to drive all the way back to roll the dice for a chance to have someone maybe help me... Hey REI- How about hire more people?
Name: J****** P*********** M*****
Date: 2019-07-03 19:27:10
Rating: 3
Comment: Sometimes, I like to give this store 5 stars, other times zero...Many of the employees are really nice and knowledgable, but other sales representatives, who you want to rely on to buy something that will work for you, are utterly clueless and treat you like youre an idiot. The part I was really unhappy about was that some older male Green Jacket thinks that just because youre a woman, you know nothing about what you want or need and they make you feel that by the way they talk to you and the stuff they want to sell you. It wasnt only me who was treated like that but also other female customers in the shoe department that I observed while waiting. Some quality assurance with their employees would be nice before they get hired.
Name: p****** b******
Date: 2019-04-24 23:05:43
Rating: 5
Comment: Tonnes of good quality outdoor gear, great advice too. Best return policy makes it even better AND dividends at the end of the year!
Name: R****** C***
Date: 2019-04-16 04:52:32
Rating: 4
Comment: Great selection of outdoor gear and clothing, but its a little pricey. Helpful staff and convenient parking, however.
Name: L*** C*****
Date: 2019-03-16 17:47:29
Rating: 3
Comment: Over priced as is typical with REI stores but usually good quality. Limited selection of womens clothes and gear compared to other stores. Parking is widely available and easy. I only shop sales. They also frequently have garage sales but be prepared to line up before 7 am to get the objects you desire.
Name: J*** K********
Date: 2019-03-14 03:43:30
Rating: 5
Comment: The gold standard of Outdoor Co-ops with decent prices, good sales, great return policy, 10% dividend for members and the most friendly and knowledgeable staff of any place Ive visited. Nobody beats REI at their game and as a member you get a phat coupon twice a year as well! Never a regret shopping here even though they are often not the cheapest. Good bike shop too, not the best, but plenty good.
Name: K****** S****
Date: 2019-02-17 04:56:55
Rating: 4
Comment: Great for outdoor equipment to purchase, has a lot of varieties for most sports (climbing, mountaineering, ice sports, snow sports, cycling, running, etc) Lotta safety gear from high end to day and day equipment available. Staff is really helpful and friendly!
Name: B**** Y******
Date: 2019-02-17 04:50:16
Rating: 5
Comment: The shoe sale representative, Kyle, was so incredibly helpful! he had so much experience in backpacking and help me pick the perfect pair of shoes. I love REI for this reason. Theyre full of experts you really know the ins-and-outs of outdooring, so that the average customer like me can make an informed purchasing decision. Very rare than another place can do something similar.
Name: C**** R*******
Date: 2019-02-04 01:52:11
Rating: 5
Comment: The staff is always helpful. Great layout in the store. Great selection. The staff know thier subjects/gear really well and give you great advice
Name: D***** M******
Date: 2019-01-03 02:20:38
Rating: 4
Comment: Expensive but worth the price. Good friendly available and helpful service that will let you alone if that is what you need. Only 4 stars because there needs to be some more common stuff such as quality bungee cords.
Name: d********
Date: 2018-12-30 01:52:07
Rating: 5
Comment: Fantastic sales going on right now. The place to go if you need outdoor clothing--sensible, fashionable, and affordable. Try REI, you wont be disappointed!
Name: M
Date: 2018-12-11 02:03:18
Rating: 1
Comment: Was short on time and ordered something for pickup. I never used online pickup at rei before so I waited in line at the cashier to be told I had to go to customer service. The customer service area is buried in the back corner of the store with a small sign you cant see because of the displays. I ended up wasting another 10 minutes waiting in the customer service line. Probably wont use online pickup ever again as it is pointless.
Name: V****** Y*****
Date: 2018-10-03 20:38:59
Rating: 5
Comment: Love this store. Been going for 20 years. My main complaint is that it has gotten so expensive. But staff is very knowledgeable and helpful.
Name: M****** R******
Date: 2018-09-22 22:24:28
Rating: 4
Comment: Love REI. Great employees, always positive and helpful. There are also a lot of classes, including some free ones, help people learn about camping, hiking, kayaking, and other outdoor activities. The selection is pretty good, and while prices are not cheap you do get a yearly credit that is a nice bonus. I wish they wouldnt discontinue some popular items (hello, Keen Voyageur hiking boots!), theyll help you find others.
Name: E**** S****
Date: 2018-09-07 02:33:17
Rating: 5
Comment: Staff is always helpful and greet you at the door. Cant beat their return policy and they have everything from supplements to GPS. My main supplier when I need good advice on conquering the great out doors.
Name: M*** G
Date: 2018-09-04 03:41:07
Rating: 5
Comment: Beautiful rei store. Large inventory and many different events that take place here. Well designed and full of knowledgeable staff, Berkeley rei is a flagship.
Name: B** A*** F******
Date: 2018-08-26 00:32:46
Rating: 4
Comment: Theres other REI stores that are better, but this one is close. Pair of shoes I wanted to buy were used. I told the clerk, but he didnt agree with me even after I showed him the worn tread. Other than that, its a good store.
Name: J*** G*****
Date: 2018-08-24 22:10:52
Rating: 4
Comment: Very good selection of outdoor goods -- clothes, bicycles, shoes, packs, tents and other camping, hiking and mountaineering gear. Prices are high, except for sales (which are frequent). Staff are knowledgeable and helpful -- but tend to be fully occupied when the place is crowded. Their website is very good, and if you order from it you can pick up at the store to avoid shipping charges.
Name: K****** P**** J****** * K*******
Date: 2018-08-15 00:38:07
Rating: 5
Comment: I love REI. The sales people are so helpful there and although its kind of expensive sometimes, they guarantee everything for a year and I just feel good about the quality of the products that I purchase from there knowing that I have a whole year to return them if theyre not up to par. And also if you get a membership and a credit card you get discounts and the credit card even gives you dividends. You can get cash back for all your purchases anywhere of 1% and then I think its 5% on REI purchases.
Name: C****** S****
Date: 2018-07-24 07:43:40
Rating: 5
Comment: I have been to the REI at Berkeley on several occasions and always found myself thrilled with both the customer service and the expansive selection of gear.
Name: A***** L**
Date: 2018-07-08 17:43:07
Rating: 5
Comment: Great experience! I was in the bags sections looking for a hydration pack for hiking and an REI person approached me. He not only pointed out other places in the store that sell hydration packs, in talking to him I realized that I could use a pack for biking too! I left the store with an Osprey bag from the bikes section and am very happy with my unexpected purchase, which has served me well for both hiking and biking! Bonus points too for the communication between the staff that let me walk out the store with an opened online purchase and be greeted with a smile at the door instead of feeling like I was stealing something.
Name: N******
Date: 2018-06-14 02:44:46
Rating: 5
Comment: Love this place! Ordered a rashguard to be picked up at store. If youve ever tried on rashgaurds... you know it isnt easy! Needless to say it didnt fit. Julian at the desk was super helpful anout the return and helped me order the next 2 sizes all to come in time for a trip. Another fantastic experience. My wallet can attest that I love shopping here
Name: N**** A********
Date: 2018-05-25 16:11:10
Rating: 4
Comment: Great outdoors clothing & equipment. Only affordable during sales. Fast checkout. Great staff but avoid rush hours. Parking shared with other businesses and only adequate outside of rush hours.
Name: M******* B*****
Date: 2018-05-01 19:24:32
Rating: 5
Comment: I love REI, but I especially love this REI. I have had many wonderful experiences with the knowledgable employees here, and even when I am clueless they end up directing me to what I need, and never sell me too many things.
Name: L*** G****
Date: 2018-04-08 02:34:29
Rating: 5
Comment: The staff here is extremely well informed and know their product very well theyre extremely enthusiastic and are very good at helping you find what you really need and not pay as much as you would have otherwise Wii shop here occasionally and have never been disappointed in the products we bought from them if you want good quality and you want knowledgeable staff this is the place to go
Name: M****** P*
Date: 2018-03-10 19:32:24
Rating: 5
Comment: Excellent selection and helpful staff. The shoe department has some people who know their stuff, others not so much. Overall, good experience.
Name: A***** M******
Date: 2018-03-06 04:19:08
Rating: 5
Comment: REI is pretty much always a great experience. The staff is helpful and friendly and they know what theyre talking about because that is what they do when theyre not working. Hike, climb, camp, ski, bike - there is a lot of wisdom there. Plus it is a pretty ethical and responsible corporation as a whole. Have to give my money to REI and get great gear and fantastic service in exchange!
Name: N***** G****
Date: 2018-03-05 02:47:07
Rating: 1
Comment: They are strick in their return policy. Do not care to understand the customer even when proof of purchase has been established. Pete the return drone, considers an equal exchange a blackmail experience, and continued to put my last name in the first name field box and say he couldnt find me. I spoke with Gary and another M.O.D. They too, were not understanding. An equal exchange is simple to me, but they are not. On a kind note, Moe was kind as I was leaving the store. REI feel free to reach out for excellent customer service, otherwise be like Pete and Gary, who mad bad judgement calls.
Name: R** D***
Date: 2018-01-13 20:47:45
Rating: 2
Comment: REI has decent clothing & equipment and pricing is reasonable. Sales staff is not typically very knowledgeable and are thinly staffed so dont expect much help. Do your research before going to store. Sizes in shoes /boots tend to be a bit limited, if you need wide sizes, you will need to buy online as they do not typically carry wide sizes in stores.Ive gone to REI for many years and it isnt the store it once was, primarily because they dont seem able to retain their knowledgeable sales staff.
Name: J***** C****** H***
Date: 2018-01-08 20:29:55
Rating: 4
Comment: I needed a waterproof jacket right now. The problem is that I wear a XXL, of which REI did not have in abundance. With the assistance of a helpful associate, we were able able to locate a couple of jackets in XXL tall that had me out the door quickly. Dont large men need outdoor clothes too?
Name: K*** B*******
Date: 2018-01-04 05:41:05
Rating: 2
Comment: The store is much bigger than you might expect from the outside! They have a good selection of the usual REI fare, however, theyve also got the rudest employee Ive ever met in retail. Immediately after the were closing in 5 minutes announcement an older woman with glasses marched straight up to my girlfriend and me, saying Its time for you to leave now and basically dragged us out of the store.Ive worked plenty of retail, and I know its annoying to deal with stragglers, but to be rude before the store has even closed is a surprising low. Hopefully shes just a bad egg, but I still wont be going back to this REI unless I dont have another option.
Name: K**** Z********
Date: 2017-12-15 02:46:50
Rating: 5
Comment: If you like REI shopping, investigate becoming a member. I think its either cheap or free depending on circumstances, and members get an annual refund so it can more than pay for itself over time. So about the Berkeley store: most everything here is superbly practical and well-curated over a wide price range. I like the blended web/brickNmortar retailing model, so I can when needed touch or try on stuff. This is especially important for matters of fit and style (and there have been times when Ive thought that this very store was selling the, ahem, official uniform of my city), and critical for those of us who shop here to buy things for really serious adventuring or to go in harms way or survive the rare, unknowable, but truly disastrous event. The staff generally has strong knowledge of putting the merchandise to use due to personal interest and direct experience; they love to answer questions and they make good recommendations in my experience. There is a great monthly sale of returned merchandise (some of it damaged but of that, much is repairable if you have time and some skills). The existence of such a sale is evidence of how serious they are about customer satisfaction (within limits, of course), and I would guess they also value their employees since they have been leading the nurture yourself in nature not consumerland movement among retailers (closed on Black Friday), but more importantly because the staff almost universally seems both happy and engaged - I like to support businesses like that, especially local instances. Thanks!
Name: H**** M*** S****
Date: 2017-12-02 20:30:41
Rating: 5
Comment: My go to place for hiking/camping and travel related gear. You can try things for a year and if they dont work out, you can return them. If you buy online from their website and have it sent to one of the stores you can see, while you are there if it fits/meets your expectations. If it doesnt, return or exchange is super easy right there. People who work there are generally friendly and helpful and the store is orderly and clean.
Name: O*** W****
Date: 2017-11-29 23:53:36
Rating: 4
Comment: Nice branch, cashier payment line move fast and efficient, but there were not enough salesmen available to help me find what I wanted, I had to wait 10 minutes to grab the attention of one, who was busy with many customers.
Name: f****** c***
Date: 2017-11-14 04:12:57
Rating: 5
Comment: All the staff are friendly, knowledge and willing to answer any questions or concerns you might have, no matter how inexperienced you are with outdoors stuff.
Name: P***** l* R***
Date: 2017-11-05 00:16:03
Rating: 1
Comment: Went to buy some items for myself and the dog for a trip in two weeks time. Except I was not able to take the dog. The hall monitor at the entrance said no dogs unless they are service dogs its California law. I guess the Orange County REI isnt following CA law. Dog went there no problem. Its Berkeley and they sell products for dogs...?!
Name: D***** D******
Date: 2017-10-23 02:44:15
Rating: 2
Comment: Generally in the past Ive had good experiences at REI in general, but my experience this weekend renting camping gear from them has soured me. I went camping with friends at Yosemite and I decided to rent gear since I havent camped in a while.The experience renting the gear on Friday was fairly poor to average. The lady there had an attitude problem and did not explain to me even a single thing about how to set up the tent or provide any other useful information outside of how to avoid being responsible for fees afterwards. From a store that basically sells full retail price for everything, the service needs to be much better than that.For the camping, I spent $84 and the tent was set up for about 18 hours over the weekend. The tent suffered from incredible condensation issues, which Im sure is partly due to insufficient ventilation, but again they explain zero about tent setup and clearly only inexperienced campers are RENTING camping gear.So the tent was wet literally due to me and my wifes body heat and breathing, not due to elements. Condensation like I mentioned before.I go to return the tent. It has to be returned by Sunday at 7pm, which is frankly too early. Sure the store closes, but there should be a grace on return time because many people are trying to squeeze extra hours on Sunday at the campsite, not rush to return gear. The tent is still wet from previously mentioned condensation. I didnt think to bring a towel to wipe off moisture from a tent when California is basically the most bone dry place in the country. And this was not just a little moisture. The tent was dripping water onto our faces from the inside. Despite the poor ventilation in our setup, this is about the least breathable fabric in history.She wants to charge me a cleaning fee of $25. Yes, that same lady. Not only that, she doesnt ask anything about the experience, doesnt care whether I enjoyed my time at Yosemite, and makes a snarky comment about how it mentions wet tents in the rental agreement and maybe I should read it before signing. We talked her out of paying the stupid fee, but I was upset.I will not be shopping at REI anymore. I could sometimes pay the prices knowing the service is top notch at least. Now theres simply no reason whatsoever to shop there in my mind.
Name: S*** P****
Date: 2017-10-22 21:48:50
Rating: 4
Comment: Good help on the sales floor. Decent selection. Just be warned this store is always hit hard. You have a better chance finding product at other locations.
Name: Z****** K***
Date: 2017-10-11 03:06:02
Rating: 5
Comment: This is definitely my favorite REI! And Im not just saying that because it is the closest one to to where I live! But seriously, the people who work there are always friendly and knowledgeable, while the facilities are very well maintained. What more can you ask for?
Name: M** (****
Date: 2017-08-29 17:22:00
Rating: 1
Comment: I give this a star because the manager there was incredibly understanding of my situation and truly tried to help me. Otherwise REI as a company wouldve gotten no stars from me.Last year alone I spent 1000$ + in this store, and frequently spent lots yearly here, until now. Background- On this particular day, I pre-purchased Squaw lift tickets thru REI for 2 people, x2-3 days. a ski rack for my car and some other odds and ends for a ski trip happening MLK weekend. My car was broken into an hour after I left the store, and among things stolen were the lift tickets. I called REI right away to report them stolen, I had the receipt that shows proof of purchase and how many days lift were purchased. Hundreds of dollars right! Clearly, the lifts were not used yet. and I asked if they could cancel those lifts and reissue me new passes. The manager really tried to help as he understood that there was no way I couldve used them but his upper manager said no she would not help me. He even called Squaw for me to see if they could help because when I called they wouldnt until he kept pushing. The best Squaw would offer was 50% off of lift tickets bought thru them, and gave him a direct line for me to call their person. This happened over MLK weekend. It is now almost Sept. I have tried calling the lady at Squaw weekly no response ever. I will never use REI again, for anything. Theyre great..till you actually arent satisfied, then its not about the customer. Its about their bottom line. I can get all their product lines elsewhere and often so much cheaper, AND delivered to my door. Bye REI
Name: D**** A****** P********
Date: 2017-08-04 04:36:36
Rating: 5
Comment: Super friendly staff and cashiers. A lovely lady even told me the story about the store and REI at the time I was becoming a member. The store is super stacked with very cool merchandise, top of the line...
Name: D** H*******
Date: 2017-08-01 23:38:51
Rating: 5
Comment: Very helpful!3 months ago I purchased an packageover the shoulder, crossI asked for Fanny packI was told to 3 monthis laterI returned by GeorgeI was disappointed, and unhappythe Fanny pack never made to two Berkeley on San Pablo and Gilman
Name: G***** A***
Date: 2017-07-09 16:04:30
Rating: 5
Comment: REI is a coop that pays dividends to customers-which is unique. They had several packs in stock that were hard to find. High quality merchandise, staff is very polite & courteous. The whole place has an upscale appearance & selection.
Name: W***** H***
Date: 2017-07-08 03:28:56
Rating: 4
Comment: REI rocks. Mainly its the people who work there - knowledgeable, experienced, pleasant, helpful, cant say enough good things about them. REI membership is permanent, and they have nearly everything you might be looking for. They are somewhat pricey, but the quality of their goods is excellent, and they have a GREAT returns policy.
Name: D****** L***
Date: 2017-07-01 20:52:19
Rating: 4
Comment: The inventory was a little sparse for rooftop boxes and bike trailers, but the customer service was great as usual.
Name: D** D*********
Date: 2017-07-01 03:01:02
Rating: 4
Comment: Nice staff, lots of products, clean bathroom. Wish they carried some sports drinks.
Name: A**** T**
Date: 2017-05-10 04:39:46
Rating: 5
Comment: I bike by here almost everyday heading home. I stop by once in a while to buy little things. Every once in awhile I would run into minor bike problems and the bike mechanics would help me out. They have excellent service.
Name: J*** A*****
Date: 2017-05-04 01:31:32
Rating: 4
Comment: Pretty typical REI store, though with friendlier greeters than I’ve experienced at other locations. I don’t like how the dressing rooms are locked by default (meaning you have to find someone to open them for you to try stuff on), but thankfully there was a helpful woman working in the men’s department. I was here looking for hiking pants and found a few that I liked, but the high prices left me leaving empty handed - I figured I could find them cheaper online.
Name: E*** S*****
Date: 2017-02-21 03:05:30
Rating: 1
Comment: Employees Ive dealt with here dont seem to know anything about camping, and they certainly have zero retail experience.The salesperson I spoke with on the phone (from the camping mat section of the store) had never heard of the brand Therm-a-Rest before.Later that same day, customer service had the Therm-a-Rest on hold for me, but it took 5 employees to find it... apparently because it was labelled clearly with my name and sitting at the front of their hold shelf (!!??!!??)First, however, they refused to check the holds and explained condescendingly that customers dont really know our system and Id have to go look around the sales floor myself to see if they had any left, since I didnt pay for it online. Of course, the lady on the phone earlier told me I got the last one in the store for my hold, so I tried to explain that there was nothing on the floor to find. (I also dont understand how I could have paid for something online via a phone call?)I have been in here several times, and always a similar, confusing experience.Oh, and for a co-op, the prices sure are equal to the HIGHEST prices anywhere else. I feel like a total idiot for buying a Therm-a-Rest from REI.Only a fool would shop here more than once.
Name: S**** G C*******
Date: 2016-10-28 22:13:11
Rating: 4
Comment: Place can get mobbed on a summer weekend, but go during week day lunch for a nice mellow experience. Staff is great and helpful but often they just dont have the sizes I need. I swear I went in there once and there wasnt one pair of pants with less than a 38 waist!
Name: m******* b*
Date: 2016-09-12 22:08:28
Rating: 1
Comment: Ive been shopping with REI for a long time and Ive never had a bad experience until I went to this store, it was over $8!!! My girlfriend and I have spent hundreds, if not thousands of dollars with this company. I brought a Black Diamond RockLock Carabiner to the register that was listed for $10.95; it was locked behind a glass case. It rang up for $18.95. I showed the friendly cashier that it was in fact $10.95, it turned out they had stocked an entire selection of the carabiners in the wrong place. They then asked me if I wanted a different carabiner, and I replied, Honestly no, I was under the impression that it was $10.95, can you honor that for me? They told me no. I then spoke with the manager Jamie to explain the situation, and to see if he can honor me the price as a loyal customer. He replied no and that he had no authority to help me. I was quite offended by the situation and Jamies negligence to make things right. My girlfriend and I will now shop elsewhere.
Name: L**** K
Date: 2016-08-04 16:51:01
Rating: 5
Comment: There is so much good stuff at this store it can be dangerous to your wallet to browse around. They have a helpful greeter by the front door so you can get directions to the area of the store youre looking for.
Name: v******* s******
Date: 2016-07-17 02:21:39
Rating: 1
Comment: Ive been to many Reis stores in different cities and Ive always been impressed by the service and the knowledge of the sales people, NOT in Berkeley! Not only were they not able to assist us finding a bike rack but they proceeded to tell us to figure it out ourselves!!!! Like a jigsaw puzzles said the assistant! And then after you figure it out we can install it in a week. Very disappointed in REI! After that experience we went to a local bike shop, got the rack, had it installed for free (REI wanted $65) and we were on our way!!!!
Name: M** M*********
Date: 2016-07-13 17:28:00
Rating: 3
Comment: Customer service not what it used to be. Especially for rentals. Still my go to place for outdoor gear though. Good selection of stuff.
Name: T B******
Date: 2016-06-06 04:15:18
Rating: 4
Comment: A huge store with many different goods. Check out the travel section and pay the one time fee to become a rewards member. Its worth it. :)
Name: C**** T***
Date: 2016-03-29 20:48:10
Rating: 4
Comment: One of the bigger REIs Ive been to, with an excellent selection. The staff are fairly friendly when you have questions, and returns are no-hassle. I took one star off because the parking lot can be a bit of a mess during the busiest times of day.
Name: J** G****
Date: 2016-02-21 21:17:28
Rating: 4
Comment: I am glad this REI is here. Its a little bit hit-or-miss if they will have what Im looking for, but if I come here it means Im looking for something that isnt at every Target. Its great to be able to see and feel gear in person, rather than ordering off the internet and crossing our fingers. Staff are helpful.
Name: J*** H*****
Date: 2016-01-13 06:14:18
Rating: 5
Comment: Great staff, quality products, and quick service. Yes, the stuff is expensive. But when your tent isnt leaking in a rain storm youre going to think thank god I paid an arm and a leg for this!
Name: A***** S**********
Date: 2015-11-17 15:50:17
Rating: 5
Comment: My go-to store for camping gear. Friendly and knowledgeable. Being a member is a bonus. This location is great for classes, rentals, and general questions about gear.
Name: G***** M****
Date: 2015-04-28 21:42:28
Rating: 5
Comment: This is a shout out to the Berkeley REI employee Pete J.He provided great customer service on Sunday, April 25, 2015. He was really nice, enthusiastic, and knowledgeable.
Name: L***** O******
Date: 2015-04-12 03:11:45
Rating: 5
Comment: Very good quality merchandise that doesnt fall apart, break, rip or tear the first time you use it - or the tenth, or the 12th. Im a member, so I always get about 10% back on my purchases in dividends, and the sales can sometimes be insanely great.
Name: K**** J*******
Date: 2015-02-11 01:03:31
Rating: 1
Comment: Quick summary: REI has gone down hill as they seem to be hiring minimum wage staff to replace the old extremely knowledgable staff they used to have. This new staff in turn are acting like they are being paid minimum wage. Go to other stores if you want staff that are passionate and care about their products and therefore are willing to pay the in store premium. Otherwise stick with the internet.I used to love REI. It used to be my favorite place to go. The Berkeley store has traditionally had knowledgable staff that were passionate about their department.Long story short. I was in the bike department. The staff member working the area was talking about getting laid and shitfaced with his coworker at some party a night or two before while they were both (she was helping the winter area) ignoring customers in their section. The two cut off conversation and went to helping customers. At this point its more like okay, I get it, slow day at work, both friends and conversation got a little out of hand and I happen to overhear it.I was exchanging shoes. They were a gift and the wrong size. The REI employee goes to the back and gets a new pair for me and then leaves. Luckily they ended up fitting me, but I seriously couldnt find him when I had a question after I tried on the shoes.I then decided to go check out skis and overheard another employee giving out advice on boots that while wasnt patently false, certainly was not correct nor beneficial to the customer. I was an outdoor professional for 4+ years and been in the mountains for 3 years.At this point I was pissed. The bike guy was entirely unhelpful/absent and it was clear this salesperson had never spent a season on the mountain, or had even gone up to ski in the past 5 years. What happened to all the awesome employees that were passionate about the gear they were selling.Anyways I go to outdoor stores (vs online) when I want to talk to somebody who knows more about the product than I do. Otherwise why would I pay the marked up prices? My experience at this REI, and from things I have heard since, leads me to believe that REI is going the classic corporate route of cheaper, more inexperienced staff. There are plenty of other shops in the Bay Area with staff that are knowledgable in their fields and if all else fails at least the internet provides massive discounts. I will not be back with our without REIs golden return policy.
Name: V******* W***
Date: 2014-10-21 19:26:47
Rating: 5
Comment: I dont shop anywhere else for outdoor gear. Why?I never know how outdoor gear is gonna stand up till I use it, and REIs amazing return policy means I can try it and (like that tent I was woken up in because raindrops hit me *through* the tent) return it even after I use it, no questions asked as long as its within 1-year of buying it.Also, their staff are SO knowledgeable and SO helpful on everything, from water sport equipment, to hiking shoes and socks, to camping gear. Theyre paid by the hour, not on commission. Also, they have used gear sales 1x/month where you can sometimes get amazing deals, and they have multiple free events every month (film screenings, talks on local hikes, etc).Yes, they can be more expensive than other stores, but I want them to stay around forever so I am gonna keep shopping here! Plus, if you become a member ($20 for a lifetime membership) you get a rebate every year on full-price purchases.
Name: M******
Date: 2014-01-10 22:36:47
Rating: 5
Comment: Excellent customer service. Everyone was really friendly especially Ethan who set me up with some new laces and a couple of new pairs of Sanuks. I also ran into some cool local climbers.
Name: P*** N*
Date: 2012-08-26 16:46:18
Rating: 3
Comment: I came in needing some screws for my snow board bindings because they were quite old and worn out. It took 2 or 3 minutes for guy to come help me, and he was shaking his head the whole time I was explaining my problem. When I was done, he apologized and said he cant help me. I was like are you serious? you guys have a repair shop right there. Another employee stopped by and told us they had the correct screws available and went and got them. So back to employee number 1 (the other one went to help someone else - I asked him if I could get a second set, and he tells me again in a snobby voice that he cant sell me any more because they need them for the shop. Give me a break! I just bought the one set of screw and got out. Never coming back again unless I have to!
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Name: B**
Date: 2024-06-11 00:17:11
Rating: 2
Comment: Ive had the same issue with two different REIs now: they dont center the logos over the valves when installing bike tires. Its a small thing but its just not professional. If theyre sloppy with that, theyll be sloppy with more important things too. I wont be coming back