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Category: Outdoor Gear [Edit]
Neighborhoods: Northwest, Highland
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I have been to many REIs, both in town and out of state, and this is by far my favorite. I love it here. I can find anything I need and then some. Clothing, backpacks, shoes, Camelbacks, freeze-dried food, and books...and so much more. And it's so huge! And pretty :) Even if you don't buy anything, it is a treat to walk around the big old building with a steaming Starbucks in hand.
So how much do I love REI? Let's just say I love it so much that when I got my 10% rebate back on my REI purchases last year, it was over 100 bucks. And I never even made a big purchase! Just lots of little things. So basically, I spend WAY too much at this store. But it's always worth it.
I give them minus one star for prices, but I guess that's because they're a corporate chain. But they definitely earn their other stars for quality, customer service, atmosphere, and variety.
Thanks REI! You make my outdoor life possible, and for that I will be forever greatful.
They were having a sale when we went here, and screening folks coming into the parking lot. Seems people try to park here when, amazing, the Broncos are playing down the road. There were signs that if you weren't really there to go to Starbuck's or REI, YOU will be fined $20. How would they know?
Such a big store, in a historic building, it is worth a look, even if you aren't interested in buying anything. A huge rock for climbing, gear for every sport you can imagine, and lots of shopping. We found some sox on sale, and that was good. I'd go back again.
In terms of REIs (which I'm a big fan of) this is definitely the best one I've been to. It seemed like everyone was an expert on anything and super helpful. I bought some trail shoes here and Katherine really spent some serious time fitting me and making me try so many different pairs of shoes. It was a really good experience, definitely the best shoe fitting experience I've ever had.
Overall really cool place, great to just browse around and check out all the cool stuff.
I love REI, and after shopping at the ones in IL it was a treat to come back to the Denver store, it made it that much more amazing. Plus they were having a sale so score! I got some great deals on supplies for my upcoming India trek, along with the obligatory things I never knew I needed but can't live without that always seem to appear here.
I came down here a couple of times while I was in Denver for work. I'd have to agree with Amanda G. I've been to many REIs all over the country, and this has been my favorite so far. They've got EVERYTHING, and the old building they are in is really cool! They've got a clearance rack up on the top floor, and indoor climbing as well. There's a test track outside for mountain bikes (which they've got a HUGE selection of too). They also rent a lot of gear as well. All of their employees really knew their stuff, and were very willing to help. REI's got a great return policy too. They'll take anything back or replace it. I took a pair of pants back that I'd bought years ago from another store that had a defective zipper, and they let me get another pair, no questions asked.
Nice store, great location. Tons of products. Just never can get any help there. Maybe they don't hire enough cause of the economy. Have walked out many times without buying my next pair of snowboarding boots cause they are always hung up with some other customer. The parking can be tight even in the garage. Street parking is ok, but with the way people drive around there your car might get plastered.
It's nice to know that if some apocalyptic event happened, that a place with such convenient cycling access has all of the survival goods I could possibly need. Tents, sleeping bags, maps, books, dehydrated meals, energy bars, water filters, bikes, shoes and of course long underwear. I could keep going but I'm sticking with a survival theme.
But if something like that happened I doubt they'd be open and the building is so freakin' cool that if I survived and made it here through the zombies I'd probably just stay.
Where else downtown can you get hopped up on Starbuck's, rock climb inside, boulder outside, or take a kayak or a bike for a test drive? Also, they let you try out camp stoves, so they let you play with fire too. There's probably somewhere else downtown for test driving a bike, maybe I'll find one and write a review of them next.
If you need some work done on your bike, and are cheap, go here. Yeah, I looked around at bike shops to chase the bottom bracket threads on a frame I just bought, and everyone said around $25, and some dude even said $50. Hells no, I'm going to REI, and paying $10 for that. What are you independent bike shops doing, charging upwards of $25 to run a tap in a bottom bracket shell? It's not like you have to adjust it, just run it through.
I like to support my local bike shop, but sheesh, not at a 150% premium for the same level of service.
This place is cool in that it has a lot of ways to test the equipment before you buy it. Take the… Read more »
I bought a bike here, which was a wonderful deal compared to specialty bike shops. The salesperson fitted me and let me test ride, and didn't pressure me to buy that day. She said she'd keep on record my measurements and which bikes I'd tested, so that I could come back and ride more.
I actually bought a bike that day--I was so happy with the experience that I didn't want to go anywhere else. I had been to two bike shops and when I told them my budget, they told me they did not have anything that would fit it. At REI, the saleslady asked me more questions to figure out which options might work for me, and wound up showing me several bikes I might not have thought about before.
For other stuff, they seem rather overpriced, but I'm not a huge outdoorsperson, so I'm usually happy with cheaper things.
This REI location is awesome. The people are super friendly but have tons of experience using the products that they sell. They will definitely tell you what sells well as well as what they like to use.
REI has the BEST customer service. They will take anything back or replace it. Customer is always right here. I think I have returned one item but I make sure to buy here in case I ever need to return something else.
I could spend all of my money and max out all of my credit cards in this specific REI. It's huge! Oh yes and size DOES matter ;)
There are several areas, floors, half floors, and sections for all of your outdoor dreams. It's easy and fun to get lost here. The store is very well organized and extremely well stocked, from the major items like biking and camping all the way down to the little items. I somehow broke the lid to my Nalgene and rather than have to buy a new Nalgene, this REI actually carries the replacement lids and they're only 2$.
The staff are incredibly nice, knowledgeable, and patient, without being pushy and they don't try to pressure you into buying things you don't need (I do enough of that without their help). Extra bonus points for being able to drop off gear to be fixed in the repair shop, while I shop and peruse for other fun miscellaneous things I probably don't need but for some reason really want anyways!
Only negatives are my credit card bill at the end of the month and sometimes I find better prices online or at other stores. Still though, the staff and the dividend make it well worth it for me to shop here!!
*Keep your eyes open for their monthly calender. Lots of free and informative classes for the outdoor enthusiast in each of us!
I just went to a great seminar, and I can't believe I've never reviewed REI before today.
Not only the best selection of indoor/ outdoor sporting gear, but the most expansive amount of knowledge in one place about everything outdoors. What are you into? Someone in this facility is an expert.
I went to a class on 14ers. Albeit, most of the info was pretty common sense, it was understandable for all levels, and Jack Daniels (yes really) gave humorous stories relating to different aspects of skill level and climbing outside of the basic "how to", "what not to do" class.
Of course, there was a smattering of retail talk in regards to what boots to wear, layering, socks, and packs, but it was done with the knowledge of the field, not with intent to smother with retail sales.
Very informative.
I recommend it.
From beginners to Experts, REI has the equipment, the expertise and the willingness to share it with the world. They also have amazing sales. love it!
You can perhaps find some of the items at better prices, but one of the main things I like about REI is the service. These people love their jobs, know their stuff, and are always willing and able to help you. Given the diversity of the staff, they also have good stories to tell, which also ties in with their experience with the products REI sells.
To give you an example of the service...I was at the Labor Day sale, and found a North Face "Surge" backpack for my laptop, but it did not have a price tag on it. I asked a saleswoman for help, and when she first looked it up, it didn't appear to be included in the sale, and was regular price. Ever the tightfisted bargain hunter, I put it back and went on searching for deals throughout the store. 20 minutes later, I was clear on the other side of the store 2 stories below, and the sales lady found me with the pack in her hand, telling me she did more research and it was indeed on sale. I want to say her name was Delores, but I am not 100% positive any more (I filled out a comment card the same day, so REI management would know how great she is), but regardless, she is customer service personified. This is not an isolated incident, either, it's REI's M.O.
REI is my first choice for anything I need for the outdoors. I LOVE that they have tall sizes since I am 6'5".
One last thing I really appreciate is that I can take anything back, for whatever reason, and I get no slack whatsoever from them, but rather a smile and my money refunded. This alone makes me buy more things there because I know that if I don't like something, it's not money down the drain. Most things you can try right in the store, from camp stoves, to hiking boots (they have one of those things with different surfaces/inclines to see how the shoe/boot functions for you), a small trail outside to try bikes, and then of course, the climbing area smack in the middle (I am refering to the flagship store in Denver).
I always tell people that I live the REI lifestyle. Or, I tell them, at least I aspire to.
REI has created a relationship with their customers that is amazing. We, the customers, are proud of our relationship with this company. Like Apple and Google, REI shows us a new model for business.
The downtown Denver flagship store is a GREAT example of what makes REI special as a company. First, they chose a location that is perfectly central for cyclists. The city's most major bike paths converge at confluence park. Cherry Creek and the Platt river also come together at this spot.
REI built their store on the skeleton of the original Denver power plant. This building had probably been vacant for decades. The final product of the remodeling represents urban reclamation at its best.
It's an absolute pleasure to stroll through the cavernous interior. The modern products displayed inside are complemented beautifully by the loving restoration of this nineteenth century husk.
I think most companies would have simply scraped the power plant and started fresh. It almost certainly would have been cheaper that way. But revitalizing the old makes a meaningful contribution to the city's continuity.
As a Denver resident who plans to raise his children in this city, I am grateful for REI's contribution. Their business makes our city better. Imagine if all companies were such good citizens...
WELL DONE!
I miss you, O' REI Flagship store!
There is nothing like you. You're HUGE! Your architecture, both inside and outside, is incredible!
Yes you're overpriced but you fit the buck! I used to ride my bike to you. I used to bike along the river, watch the kayakers practice right next to you. I love the expertise that your staff, when not cranky, offers and I LOVE the outside area where you can hang for as long as you want, esp. when it's super sunny!
They just opened an REI here on the N. side of Chicago but it is sooo not the same. :(
This REI is cool and hip. A former train station or some sort of historic building converted to my favorite store! The only downside is the gargantuan size making it a bit difficult to navigate. On the other hand, the large size allows for a large inventory. Plus, they have this room with a ton of marked down stuff that may have been returned by someone previously. I wish all REIs had this room to peruse. I guess this REI is so huge that they have the space for this gift from the REI gods.
Three or four stars? I couldn't decide. If you asked me a year or two ago, this would easily be five stars. Now though, the brands I want to buy aren't featured much at REI. I've found several brands that are made in America, which just haven't been found at REI, namely Feathered Friends. If you don't care what brand you buy, where your products are made, or who made them, then by all means come on down. The rock wall is really cool, the selection is large, and you can get lost in this store it's so big. I do really appreciate the selection of Mary Jane backpacking food. Outside of buying online, I've never seen a better selection. The map section is very good too, although I wish there were more USGS quads available. Check out Mapsco if you want a good selection of maps though.
My love affair with REI is quickly subsiding, but I'll give it a bootycall every so often when I need to return an REI-purchased item. You cannot beat their return policy.
If I was in a higher income bracket (much higher!!) I would be in this store all day long! I have so much fun walking around the store and I sometimes get giddy. The only problem with REI is that it is somewhat expensive...but I believe they have a lifetime guarantee on their stuff. You should also become a member if you shop there.
Find stuff on sale such as during their yard sales, where you get barely used stuff fairly cheap. The only problem with this idea is that their lifetime guarantee doesn't cover items from their yard sales. You can usually get a lot of time out of stuff though so it might be a moot point.
things I like:
- The store is pretty easy to navigate assuming you can read signs.
- rock wall in the middle of the store for those who don't like being on the ground
- cool niches all around the store for different items, such as the heavy coat area with a cold room to test them out
- periodic sales where you can get stuff real cheap...such as a $240 tent for $80
- It is located where the Cherry Creek meets the Platte. Nice spot to chill out and look at ducks, or people "fighting" the rapids in their kayaks
- knowledgeable and helpful staff
I work a few blocks away and have to constantly fight the urge to go in to the store and buy buy buy. Fortunately, I don't make enough money to do that!
As soon as you walk through the main door, briskly head to the stairs to the right. Don't waste your time with the elevator. Charge up to the third floor and skiddaddle your way around the walkway to the first open room that will be after the conference room on your left. Ladies and Gents, this is the SALE room and this is the first place I head to no matter what my mission is for REI that day.
You can fall upon great sale-icious treats in this sale room... Mostly because a lot of people don't even know that this room exists in the Denver location... I am only telling you because I care about you and you are my best friends. (Ok, that is a lie; I am just seeing how many people are actually reading this post.)
You can find hats, jackets, sometimes Patagonia bras, hiking pants, shorts, fleeces and more (And yes, men's clothes too... minus the bra thing, well you know what I mean.) The room is different every time I go in and they have those beautifully discounted prices on the price tags! I like it when I find Columbia skirts.... These skirts are sporty, but still cute with a little zipper that gives a little peek of your athletic thigh. Grrrr.
* Our first star is awarded to REI because this is actually a store that will suck in my boyfriend for a good two hours = No nagging to leave
* * Our second star is for being an outdoor store in general
*** The third star is presented in high definition for their co-op opportunity. Join for $15 and once a year you will get 10% back on purchased items
**** A four star shout-out for the awesome Denver Flagship store architecture... It used to be an old train station!
***** Our final and fifth star is awarded to the store for its nice landscaping, which is inviting and fun to play around in when you are testing out new bikes
When I go into REI, I feel like I've died and gone to...REI.
not quite heaven, but damn close.
My only complaint is that I always spend too much money when I go there!! Their sales are phenomenal (I got some leather Keens for $35!) They have anything you could possibly want for most activities people do in Colorado (except skateboard, but hey! that's what TS is for) and the people know what they are talking about. Also, they really stand by what they sell.
Even better, my kids love to go because they can be hands on with the climbing wall and all the other cool stuff. Not only is the store kid friendly so are the staff.
The last part that I love about this REI is that they are on the bike path so we can ride on down, get some exercise and have a little shopping fun when we get there.
I love REI! I'm not a regular shopper, but I am always happy with their service and their guarantees. I bought a Yakima roof rack system back in April and just haven't used the thing. It's been on the top of my car for months.... I took it back today for a full refund, every penny. I didn't even have the boxes.
I then turned around and spent half of what I got back on stuff I was going to use.
They gave me the same deal on a sleeping bag that got a hole in the washing machine. Yes, it is not wise to wash a down sleeping bag, but the label said you could. Three years after I bought it they gave me a full refund. Glory be! I love REI!
REI, o rei.
REI is the mecca of outdoor equipment.
I've dreamed of spending a week living in tents and cooking on the camping stoves.
If I made enough money to spend on pleasure items, it would all go to REI!
I've never been let down by the staff at REI. The place is an absolute maze to figure out, but once you've got the top-o-map in your brain, it's fun. I go from women's outerwear down to the sock section, sometimes I try out the sleeping bags on the first floor, and I usually stop and watch whoever's trying to climb the wall inside.
No matter what's going on inside, REI is a great place to go for whatever outdoorsy needs you have. Sleeping bags, camping gear, Starbucks coffee... they have it all.
The staff is extremely knowledgeable. I'm talking, they've seen it all, done it all, experienced it, and walked the plank. To the moon and back. Everyone I've talked to has real-life stories to tell me about the item I'm considering purchasing. I highly suggest going to REI if you have no clue what's going on and just need some serious input. You can trust those people!
I love REI, I do. The store has everything you could need for hiking, camping, skiing, etc. etc. etc. And, I love comfortable clothes and theirs definitely fit the bill. Their service people are also wonderful. They are knowledgeable, helpful, and available. I'm a sucker for stores that have their merchandise well displayed and they are wonderful at that. While I'm not a fan of overly large stores, I'm really glad we have a flagship store here in Denver!
The reputed largest REI store in the whole wide world, this REI is large and in-charge! Pulling into the parking lot, the first thing you notice is the building's surroundings. Surrounded by amazing views of downtown Denver, the building's landscape juxtaposes the urban picture with mountain bike trails, trees, grass, and even a river!
Walking in it gets better, just look up! There's a huge climbing wall, tailoring to all different abilities--try out your new climbing shoes and gear. Or, just get newly excited about the sport!
Not done yet?
Go try out your new mountain bike on the outdoor trails or your new kayak on the Platt. Confluence is the place to be right outside of REI! Swim with the little ones (just watch the current) or go crazy and flip your self upside down in excitement in al the eddies!
Plus, little secret, REI is a great location to pick up your Buddy Pass, Colorado's top ski pass to the key snow slopes during the winter!
I strongly suspect that god invented REI so that we could get the advice we need to stay alive on real rock.
Rock shoes, Aliens and harnesses excepted, you can buy almost all the climbing gear you want online nowadays without taking much of a risk. And sports stores being notoriously unreliable about stocking or even identifying gear (I've heard a sales clerk in Cincinnati call webbing "rope," and another tell me that his store didn't sell cordolette when there were at least five spools of it hanging right behind him), why bother driving to the store? I usually pay the shipping and suck it up.
At REI, a few things happened that don't happen online:
We ogled an historic landmark. The Denver REI is in a restored Tramway building. It's really neat.
We also got to touch things before we bought them. Pretend to place the gear. Snap the gates on the biners. I could have tried shoes out on an indoor wall if I had wanted.
We got ideas by just looking around at things: Water bottles with biner holes and straws, spider web rags. Lots of little practical objects that make life outdoors easier appeared in front of our noses. All we did was walk by.
Most crucially (and coolly!), we talked to sales clerks who CLIMBED. Themselves. They didn't have a brother who once tried it or aspirations to learn or whatever; every clerk I spoke to climbed regularly on gear! So they could discuss the relative merits of passive versus active trad gear, the disadvantages of water knots in cordolette versus its advantages in webbing, and the having-fun-versus-pushing-it philosophies out there in the remote world of climbers. I was amazed.
REI sells camping, biking and kayaking gear, and lots of other outdoor stuff. I didn't ask about much outside the climbing & camping gear, but the workers are there because they love the outdoors (and they get a discount) so I'm guessing they are as knowlegable about other outdoor activities. If you spend any time in nature and you have the opportunity to visit an REI, stop in.
I love rock clinmbing and hate the great outdoors.
My solution?
REI - an indoor climbing wall with air conditioning.
Perfect.
REI has all of the equipment you need to survive in the wild for eternity. luckily for me, i do not plan to leave my "safe" little city. i have everything i need: video games, a refridgerator, and my bed.
but HYPOTHETICALLY if i were to leave the cement and streetlights behind I would go to REI first
REI Flagship in Denver is great place to get lost in. That is if you have you're wallet and a few plastic cards that aren't declined.
Sometimes they're so busy that it's difficult to get a sales person to help you out with what you need. If you are purchasing items for rock climbing for the first time, or anything that might need a little savvy experience to ensure you have the proper equipment, make sure you get a hold of someone who knows what they're doing.
They have a great area outside for the kids to play in, children kids and adult kids. I wouldn't recommend that the kid kids play with the soft rapids.
Walk across the bridge afterwords and go grab a bit or waltz through Denver.
I think enough has been said about the incredible selection available at REI--especially the flagship store in Denver. Rather than regurgitate all that, I'd like to point out their quality of service.
I have rented camping gear here, and I've purchased skies here. Not only have the products and services been excellent, but on one occasion they went above and beyond. I purchased a set of skies this past winter--at the last minute, as I'm wont to do. I was going skiing the following morning, and the anticipated time for my skies to be ready were for the day after. After learning that I was going skiing in the morning the technicians made sure that my skies were ready in a few hours and I was breaking them in on the slopes less than 12 hours later.
I've hit the Motherland! I wish that this REI could magically be transported to Chicago! And I came at such a fabulous time. During a huge sale. Thank God I had the willpower to only purchase a pair of really cute Teva shoes.
It's true that REI has everything, but I couldn't believe the breadth and depth of their apparel offerings! On second thought, REI, thank God your flagship isn't in Chicago, otherwise I'd be broke.
I'm from California. The REI's I know are in strip malls. When I visited this Flagship store, I was completely blown away. This was not the REI I knew from home; this was so much cooler.
Once you park in their parking deck and head to the store, you pass through a mini mountain biking path where customers can test bikes before purchasing. Inside the store, a huge 3-story rock climbing wall greets you while the products spread out as far as the eye can see. Exploring the multi-level store, I found crevice after crevice of goods for any outdoor and indoor activity imaginable.
The people were friendly and the store had more than enough to keep you occupied, and clean out your wallet. Although it may not be top on the list of sites in the Denver area, I highly suggest a visit if you're in town.
I'm a bargain slut. Now, REI is certainly no bargain, but best part about REI is buying online from their outlet (insane deals) and then shipping it to the store for FREE. Otherwise, about the only thing I can afford here are the nalgenes and energy bars. And even that is stretching it.
Exactly what Mit B. said. Used to be very good. Too many house brands now that they've managed to put all of their competition out of business.
They stand behind EVERYTHING they sell. period.
There isn't any item in the house that can't be exchanged for good reason (they've been known to frown on bear-mauled-tents.)
Who else does that...?
In addition- being a member means store money back in the forms of dividends. I wish more national companies had this policy.. it's like Christmas for outdoor loving agnostics!
When the large doors swing open, a golden light shines down upon me followed by joyous music. Just bought my first road bike there, and although they weren't the most polite, they knew exactly what they were talking about. I would rather have a perfectly fit bike than smiles on every face. If I worked there, it would be hard not to have a smile on my face.
Definitely gone downhill for the more hardcore athlete. The shift to the mainstream brand (Novara) has displaced shelf space of better and higher end brands. The staff is hit and miss with respect to product knowledge. It is has become the Walmart of outdoor apparel. It is cheap due to its dividend policy and sales, but it has lost its touch from when I first became a member in the mid nineties. It definitely still works for the mainstream outdoor type but if you require higher caliber equipment and knowledgeable advice, this is not the place for you.
Trail running shoes, bike, water bottles, backpacks, socks, innumerable Christmas gifts and stocking stuffers, dog's water bowl and biodegradable doo-doo bags (still for the dog) -- I have bought all of these things here with great success. When shopping for a bike, they let you pedal around in their practice area. Very cool.
But what I can't find here is clothing that doesn't fit me like a tent. (And no, smarty pants, I wasn't shopping in the tent section by mistake.) This is the reason they lose a star with me. Short girls gotta hike, too, REI! And, although no one else seems to want to admit it, their prices are a bit high.
If you EVER shop here, it is worth your while to become a member. Your dividend pays for the membership cost quite quickly, especially if you pay by cash or check -- your dividend percentage is higher than if you pay with non-REI credit cards or debit card. And you don't need to carry your membership card around with you all the time, they can look you up by your phone number.
Wow, biggest REI I've every been to. Private trail to test mountain bikes. Rock climbing walls. Varying rock formations to test shoes. Not to mention it's located inside the historic trolley power station next to the Platte river.
The Starbucks there is also really nice. It's also located inside the REI building. It has pictures all along the wall of what the trolley power station use to look like back in the days. I love how they kept the building the way it was. You would see a lot of random stair ways that goes up into the ceiling wall. Thats how untouched the building is.
Neighborhood: Northeast
Neighborhood: Northeast
Category: Shoe Stores
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