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REI
Categories: Shopping Sporting Goods Outdoor Gear Shopping Fashion Sports Wear Shopping Sporting Goods Sports Wear Outdoor Gear, Sports Wear [Edit]
1416 Platte StDenver, CO 80202
Neighborhoods: Highland, Northwest
(303) 756-3100
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 10 am - 9 pm
Sat 10 am - 7 pm
Sun 10 am - 6 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
Chip J. said: "I'm a noob just getting into bicycles. So far, every idiot question I've asked, they've answered patiently. I've made several visits now, buying tire levers, a mountain rack, tubes, and various other small sundries. One star off…" read more »
131 reviews for REI
Review Highlights
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131 reviews in English
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Review from Emilee H.
They have it all. They also offer a couple big sales throughout the year that are awesome. Let me tell you a sale at REI in CO means this place is going to be PACKED!
Sign up for the rewards program it is so worth it. They give you a percentage back at the end of the year. They also offer the BEST return policy in town, they understand that things go wrong or just do not work out. Those two reasons alone are enough to do all my recreation shopping with them.
The staff is full of knowledge and ready to help and answer all your questions. Go ahead and pick their brains! I was shopping for a backpacking backpack and the man that helped me was wonderful. We packed several bags full of weights and I climb the stairs until I found the pack that felt JUST RIGHT. What service! Now I can't wait to stuff the pack full and HIT THE TRAIL!
Thanks REI! -
Review from Manu M.
My wife wanted a jacket for the cold weather.I first thoght of going to the Northface store, but when i was online checking for Northface jackets, REI came up in results. They had all kinds of jackets, so we decided to go there.
We decided to check out the flagship store, since they would have the biggest selection.
The shop is in a restored 1901 Denver Tramway building with huge doors decorated with ice axes. The indoor decor is decidedly outdoorsy, and the place is huge.
One employee tipped off us to the big sale that was going to start the next day, and she told us about the membership.
Just $20 gets you a lifetime membership which has got 2 main benefits: 1) Every year, you get 10%of what you spend as cashback. You can either spend it in store, or get it as cash. 2) Year long discounts on everything.
We took the membership, came back and got the Jacket with lots of savings. The membership has already paid off itself with all the savings i got.
Later, we came back for a snow boot.An elderly employee helped us, who had a smile and twinkle in his eyes all the time.And this was the last hour of the shop hours. If there was a time to be cranky this would be it for me, but the experience was actually enjoyable.
When my friends came visiting Denver, i took them there before our ski trip and they are also REI-fans now. -
Review from Diana W.
you want it you got it.
They've got a full starbucks in here, you can rock climb here, they fix your snowboard and bikes here, you can RENT stuff here.
Just go here. -
Review from David P.
Denver, CO
This place stands as a fantastic testament to how active and outdoorsy I used to be. With all sorts of gear out and available for demonstration, it is rather difficult to not get caught up in the nostalgia of what things used to be.
Then I think, "I could just replenish all of my gear and get back at it!" and my wallet weeps a little bit.
Big. Old. Historic. Yet delightfully modern.
Men's attire could do with a bit more variety, however. -
Review from Dave B.
Denver, CO
Had the walking shoes I wanted.
Good service.
I love the building, but then, I am a sucker for trolley cars.
REI did a great landscaping job. -
Review from Reed N.
They don't call certain locations flagship stores for nothin'!
Generally speaking... If you need it, or just want it, they might have it. If you are looking for a super-specific item... perhaps not. But, hey... what's the big deal? The place can't stock EVERYthing!
Enjoy the beautiful building and location, the Starbucks in-house. The friendly service. And the goods. Great place. -
Review from Tres B.
Denver, CO
What a huge and wonderful cornucopia of somewhat over-priced out doorsy stuff! The extra costs come, I suppose, from all the labor. But its so nice to have retail people know about the products and seem to really care that you get serviced.
Plus, this location in an old roundhouse is incredible. BIG interior, soaring ceiling, old brick, on the river, ample parking.
GREAT PLACE!Listed in: Livin 'Large in LoDo
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Review from Dean S.
Santee, CA
This place is huge! It also has a star bucks thats a part of it!
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Review from Nick S.
The flagship is ridiculously large, well-stocked and crawling with knowledgable staff. It is mecca for travel geeks.
If you love REI, you must go.
Bonus points for the attached Starbucks! -
Review from JASON R.
The one good thing about staying at the Hampton Inn on Zuni St., is hearing your spouse say looking out the window, "Oh look, there's a giant building with an REI sign on it."
No clue this was a flagship store. Went inside, ooohed and awed at everything, read the really cool interpretive display about how a husband and wife started to coop. Really cool.
Seeing a Starbucks built inside of REI was weird though. -
Review from Andrew A.
Denver, CO
I frequent this place a lot. I mostly ride my bike here and enjoy just marinating out by the the river after I'm done browsing.
The main department that I frequent is the bicycle area. Always looking for accessories and possibly a new bike. Best time to shop here is when they have coupons or members sales(being a REI member also helps). They also have another sale which I forget what it's called but it's mostly on stuff that's been returned and they are marked down dramatically. Didn't get a chance to check out the last one.
Besides purchasing stuff here, they also hold various classes for all types of outdoor activities. That too, I haven't had a chance to go to a class since my work schedule conflicts on the ones that I'm most interested in. -
Review from Pamela C.
So friggin' awesome!
I don't have time to verify my facts right now, but this seems like the biggest REI...EVER! It was awesome...albeit, a bit overwhelming. I totally had to take a moment to stop and try to collect my thoughts about what I wanted to see/look for...
This place must have everything imaginable. If you have the resources, this is a great place to buy whatever it is you were planning on buying...they will have it! (I guarantee it!) If you have more limited resources, ID a couple small inexpensive items that you have been wanting that are hard to find and not common to all REI stores...
Anyways, so friggin' amazing! Definitely worth a visit if you are in Denver and have some hours to spare.
Pros: Selection, store size, variety, friendly & knowledgeable staff.
Cons: Parking can be competitve, maybe a bit overwhelming. -
Review from Shalan G.
If I ever need to introduce Denver to an outsider, all I need to do is take them here and have them wander this historic building.
This building represents everything Denver to me. The fact it houses REI makes it quintessentially Denver in every form - the architecture, the history of the building, the location, the confluence of the Platte River and the Cherry Creek.
Located in the restored 1901 Denver Tramway building, the REI is every outdoor enthusiast's dream come true, no matter what the season. A climbing wall, three floors filled with everything imaginable for outdoor recreation, friendly, knowledgeable staff, fantastic customer service, equipment rentals, great sales events, generous return policy, classes and events, and fantastic specials for members - and plenty more that I am surely missing.
A landscaped courtyard, free parking, bike paths, the Platte river trolley, proximity to the water, and even a very decent Starbucks make this a beautiful and very popular venue.
For my 100th review, I chose the REI. It's my favourite building in Denver & the store is par excellence!Listed in: Oh Denver, I miss thee...
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Review from Demitri R.
Denver, CO
Informative staff to guide you and get you everything you need geared towards your activity. Mine is snowshoeing. Sign up for the membership. REI is a co op. This is the flagship store. Prices range from ok to that bike is more than a car lol. They rent just about everything and have classes every month on different things.
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Review from Todd K.
This REI store is very cool. The architecture of the building, the grounds and the location are interesting and unique. When I was there the store was very busy at 1PM on a weekday but it was during their annual sale. The store has plenty of parking - above ground and below in a structure.
They had a large selection of merchandise and their sales personnel seemed to be very knowledgeable, helpful and friendly. Floors full of outdoor recreation equipment and clothing, plus meeting rooms and a climbing wall. You can spend a long time browsing through all of the stuff that they sell. -
Review from Duane M.
Denver, CO
REI is a great place! I love the flagship store for many more reasons than just the vast array of merchandise. Knowledgeable and well educated staff roam the floors in their super casual outfits. Where else can some one go to work wearing Chaco sandals and shorts?
The drawback to this store is the enormous crowd and limited parking availability. That makes those casual employees so difficult to find since they are constantly helping someone.
I remember an occasion where I spent more than a half hour waiting for someone to help me in the bike shop. -
Review from john W.
This place makes the best cupcakes!!!
Wait, what? no they don't well they might I dunno. If they make cupcakes they probably make crazy rugged granola lazed dual suspension cupcakes.
It's an REI. This one is a flagship so it's extra REI-ish.
On any given day it's full of portly Lance Armstrong impersonators, outdoorsy Denverites, hippies. A good mix i suppose :)
It's REI there's not much to say really. The staff is crazy awesome and helpful the store is packed with fun toys. -
Review from Freddie S.
Denver, CO
Just got on my first bike in over 10 years. After 4 separate trips into REI, and countless other bike shops, I am so happy I made the decision to spend the extra money at REI. (I probably spent about $150-$200 more on a bike than I should have, but no other place made me feel as confident in my purchase.) I am able to take my bike back whenever, tomorrow, 4 years from now. If it's broken, if I change my mind. I like that. I like that promise of satisfaction A LOT.
Big shout out to RYAN who helped me weed through the mess of options for a bike that is just right for me. He never made me feel stupid, menial, or like I was wasting his time. After a very traumatic bike accident when I was a teen, I was left physically scarred, and mentally freaked out by the two wheels. Ryan went above and beyond, and even helped me find the right bike already assembled at another store. -
Review from Justin A.
This store is awesome. The only reason keeping REI from a five star review is the price. Yes, things are a bit higher priced then elsewhere; however, they do have awesome items that can't be found elsewhere.
I came here for a very specific item. I wanted to take my dogs skiing with me at Berthoud Pass. There is a mandatory leash law and things can get complicated with having two leashed dogs and skiing down a mountain. I asked for a specific leash and the employee knew exactly what I was talking about. I needed a leash that attaches the dogs to my waist and allows me to hike, ski, etc without having my hands tied up.
The guy directed me to the right item, and within 5 minutes, I was checked out and on my way. -
Review from Adam K.
I'm a huge fan of REI and have been for years, and just love this store. It's a great location and building with a huge amount of outdoor equipment. The prices are good and the annual members sale are crazy busy (starts 20th of May this year).
And of course brave kids can climb the wall or play upstairs in the playground, good times all around. -
Review from Travis H.
Englewood, CO
Let me start off by stating I've been a loyal REI member for over 20 years. That being said, this "Flagship" store is a joke and seriously lacking.
I've been here 3-4 times this past year for shoes (hiking, biking, watershoes, etc) and every time it's a chore trying to find someone to help. I was here today for a simple (I thought) shoe exchange. Waited for about 10 min for some assistance. I was patient since it was the last day of a major sale. Not one employee was in sight the whole time. I saw at least 6 people leave that wanted shoes. If I wasn't here for an exchange I'd have left too. I was told they had 4 people working the shoe departments. I did see 3 of them finally, all helping in the women's department.
Second item of the visit was for a new mountain biking helmet. I only came to this store because another store didn't have both items I needed. They had looked in inventory and confirmed the helmet was in stock. When I arrived they told me they hadn't pulled it when we called. But they showed 6 in stock. Well, they didn't have them on the shelves and they couldn't find them in the back.
A climbing wall and a Starbucks in the store can only get you so much return business.
I would much rather go to the Park Meadows store any day. They always seem to be more knowledgeable of the gear and more friendly. Plus, better parking and less traffic to get there. -
Review from Nicole W.
Confusing floor plan - kinda like an echer print but with outdoor clothing.
Love REI, just wish it were cheaper!
Staff is always happy to give you info, more info than you could ever want, and to make an informed decision!
Great location, close to confluence park, great people watching, so so parking - so take care during weekends.
Get a membership card and shop the sales! -
Review from Brad K.
Muncie, IN
Great googily moogily. I'd been waiting my trip to this REI since the day I booked my flight, and I wasn't disappointed.
The store sits in the old Denver Tramway Building, which gives it an amazing look and feel. There are different levels, hideaways, meeting rooms. It's like a wonderful maze of merchandise and people. I wandered in the place for about 4 hours (on 2 different days) and I didn't want to leave.
Also: it sits right on the running/bike paths by the river so people roll into this place with roller blades, bikes, running gear.
There's a Starbucks attached as well. It has a massive inside and outdoor patio. People shop for a bit, then retire to the store to drink and talk. It's the friendliest place I've ever been.
Add to that, I showed up on day 1 of the 10-day sale, usually an insanely crazy time. Still, everyone in the place -- customers included -- were just friendly.
I could go on and on (and I'm told I do), but if you're in Denver, take a walk along the river and stop by this place. You don't be disappointed. -
Review from Evan A.
Ok, 3 stars for REI.
I should just go in my cave and hide because all of Denver will hate me for not absolutely loving this place.
Don't get my wrong, this place is great. Always parking, pretty nice staff (though I do feel like they judge if you don't look mountainish) and fun place just to look at things.
Ok, so it's all great and wonderful. Well.... I can never find sizes here which I admit are not there fault. Though they are a flagship store so I would hope they would carry just a little more than the other REI's in the state.
Next tiff, the selection. I see all of these great things online and can't find them in the store. Again, as a flagship there should be mucho product here.
So there, my tiffs with the REI store. As much as I like to order online, I'd like to see the $300 jacket in person. -
Review from Rick G.
Denver, CO
Be warned!!
You will never, no strike that and let me say that you will NEVER FUCKING EVER get out of here without being gleefully, wonderfully and amazingly teased out of lightening your wallet of some of your scrill.
Yes, it DOES have a Starbucks located therein, but that is like saying you would not marry Troy Tulowitzki because he chews with his mouth open. $15 million per year, handsome mug and perfect body be damned!!!
Aside from the fact that it is located in a historically significant building and it has a climbing wall and most everyone who works and shops there are just pictures of Coloradan sexy outdoorsy ruggedness and whatsuch, they have a great return policy and they are NOT A HUGE MASSIVE CORPORATION.
All this being said, if they ever choose to colocate a Whole Foods here, I am utterly, completely and supremely fucked.Listed in: Where The Beautiful People…
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Review from Stephen W.
Dallas, TX
This place is enormous! I have never seen anything like it before. We shopped and looked for what seemed to be hours. The staff is friendly and helpful. And they seem to actually know something. If REI does not have it, it does not exist. The one and only place to go for outdoor stuff.
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Review from Lindsay A.
Denver, CO
With the beautiful weather on Tuesday afternoon, I had this awesome idea to ride my bike all the way from Glendale to the REI on the Cherry Creek bike path! I was on my pink Schwinn with the basket on the front.
It's about 5.5 miles door to door so I decided that REI would make a great stopping point to rest my legs. I walked around this HUGE beautiful store for about 30 minutes and then decided to grab a smoothie from Starbucks. I sat outside on the deck and enjoyed the sunshine in February!
If you are ever on the Cherry Creek Bike Path, REI makes a great resting point. There are plenty of places to lock up your bike and just relax. You get amazing views of the skyline and the creek is flowing right there too. I am enstating this into my work out plan this spring when it gets a little warmer! -
Review from Dan R.
This place blew my mind. I had visited the one in Seattle years ago, but I had forgotten what a killer store REI was. I was mainly there scouting out some camping gear, but was really stoked to find a HUGE and well stocked bicycle shop.
If you're in Denver this is the place to go for just about anything you could think of for camping, hiking, or anything outdoors -
Review from Bryan V.
Los Angeles, CA
This place HUGE! Flagship REI store, totally worth checking out, they have EVERYTHING! A bit pricy, you can get stuff online for cheaper, but the selection and return policy makes it worth it.
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Review from Mary H.
Eugene, OR
Is it weird I took all my visitors there? Mostly as an excuse to get to go and make up an excuse to myself why I needed another TimBuk2 bag... Seriously though, the building is so amazing! You can read all about it upon entering the large, wooden doors with ice pick handles (don't worry, they aren't sharp). Everyone who works there is really nice and they have the most AMAZING exchange policy! Become a member, smartest thing ever to do. Okay yes, you can buy cheaper gear online but the sales staff here really know what they are doing!
All REI stores have calendars for events, but the flagship store in Denver gives you kayaking and rock climbing events. Not many stores can say this. If you love REI, then living in Denver is the best place to be! -
Review from Matthew A.
Aurora, CO
This place is huge!
I need to use the idea of the other post and get on my bike, on the path right by this REI, and just ride all day long.
Cool REI here. Definetly is a full service flagship store. Also, there is a lot of other stuff right in the same area. -
Review from Alicia G.
Denver, CO
REI is my spot. I go here for hours on end, looking at things I would never buy, asking hypothetical questions, and touching and opening packages just to check gear out. I try on things, ask a million questions about them, put them back, and play on the kiosks.
AND the REI staff loves it. Okay, maybe they secretly want to strangle me, but they seem to genuinely enjoy their jobs and talking about gear, excursions, sports, etc. So because of this, I bought the REI membership. At first I thought I was a sucker, but then I saw the benefits as I began shopping more frequently.
I've started spending about $60 a month there on average just on crap I don't need but really like. But I'm cool with that because with the membership, I actually get a 10% return!! Love it.
Plus, the pro shop guys and gals are so nice and know their stuff.
I love this place and I hug at least one piece of merchandise everytime I go. Seriously.
Oh and tip: Check out http://REI-outlet.com if you want some good deals. Ships free to the local store!! -
Review from Curtis B.
Go during non-peak hours if you need help with anything or if you want a parking spot. I'm sure the staff is great, but there aren't enough on Sunday afternoons during a sale.
The building is cool, but it can be hard to find things or maneuver the layout when it's crowded.
You have the run of the place at 8PM on a weekday so go then. -
Review from Jason J.
Everyone knows REI. Well, everyone out West. Even some back east. You're basically an LL Bean shopper, or an REI shopper. Or in my case, you're both. Because if someone offers you ice cream AND a cookie, why are you not gonna double down?
I've been to REI a hundred times before (Okay maybe a couple dozen) mostly to window shop, or for something fun to do when it's chilly outside, or to...you know...actually buy outdoor gear. Their customer service is always pretty good, with helpful people who both know the products they help to sell and seem to enjoy them in their leisure time. Buy climbing ropes, snowshoes, or biking boots and you'll probably get to hear a story about when that sales rep was outdoors enjoying similar products.
The store itself (their downtown flagship store) it's large, fantastic, and a beauty to look at. It's comfortable, if a bit spread out and can be occasionally difficult to navigate as the building setup isn't terribly conducive to a really simple layout, but that is barely a detriment if at all.
This review, specifically (and after several paragraphs of rambling!) is for their bike department. I had my old bike jacked, and after getting some REI gift cards for Christmas and recently getting an REI Visa card I figured it was the best bet to head to REI and pick up some new wheels. The salesperson that helped me was named Ellen and she was fantastic. What I intended to make a half hour trip with a test ride turned into a full fitting, three test rides, lots of questions and talking about bikes and then a purchase.
From start to finish I thought the process was pretty good. It's a big decision so I feel like I could've used a tiny bit more hand holding but I'm really satisfied with the process, the personnel, and the product. I love the bike, have no regrets about the experience, and I'm also comforted by the REI 100% guarantee (I had no idea it applied to the bikes as well.) If at any time I'm dissatisfied, I can bring it back. How's that for reassurance.
REI I love you, could I take you out to dinner sometime? -
Review from Angela A.
If I had money, I would give this more stars, but I am broke and can not fathom spending $70 on a camel back or a cool summer dress :( And $70 is on the low end...yowza!
This really is a great store, and after our visit today, I've decided I am not missing the next garage sale! I love to wander around here and dream....maybe someday! But really; great gear, great clothes, great location, and the staff is so knowledgeable. You could spend hours in here. It's nice to see so many people that are passionate about getting outdoors and being active too, staff and customers. Colorado is such a great state, and REI really encourages taking an active role in what Colorado really has to offer. -
Review from Kenny N.
Denver, CO
A monument to all things outdoors, REI is the bomb! Make sure you become a member. Not only do you get an awesome dividend, but it will record all your purchases in case you want to make a return.
I find they have excellent customer service. Sometimes you have to pursue them during the busy hours, but they're very informative. I've spent hours before trying on backpacks or purchasing a new versatile midweight jacket for an Australia trip. I was even able to return a North Face jacket for a full refund when it broke its zipper after a year. Pants I ripped in a hiking accident I received a 10% discount on the new pair.
You'll also receive honest answers to your questions. I appreciate service that doesn't try upselling you. I definitely recommend REI. -
Review from Andy L.
Denver, CO
For how large this place is I have been consistently disappointed in their lack of selection and how inconsistently knowledgeable their staff is. Location is prime and worth the visit for that alone.
Example once was trying on climbing shoes and the guy fitting me had climbed once before (really!?! can't staff with anyone else with specific understanding of how a climbing shoe fits?). Have had a few rare encounters with highly experienced staff.
I prefer the REI near park meadows as there always seems to be better deals without the massive crowds, plus the staff down there appears to be much more knowledgeable. -
Review from Steven M.
Denver, CO
I love REI, but this isn't one of their better ones. It seemed that it was a little picked over in terms of having good selection, and navigating the store is a bit of a chore, perhaps it's better once you've been a few times.
But a cool building and a cool location makes up for it a little bit. I'll probably be back to ogle the toys. -
Review from Lauren A.
Denver, CO
I love you REI.
Sure, I pay a premium price for your stuff but today it was all worth it when you took my (uncomfortable) ski boots back after 2 years, gave me the full price in credit, fit me for another pair and then tipped me off that they would be on sale tomorrow and to bring my receipt back so I could get $200 back!!!
Thanks for the great service.
XOXO -
Review from Iris B.
Los Angeles, CA
OMG!!! This place is an outdoor enthusiasts dream!!!!!
1) It's HELLA BIG!
2) They have EVERYTHING!
3) It's in a great location.
4) Did I mention how huge this place is?????
The REI's in California pale in comparison to this one.
