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Rei
Rating Details »
Categories: Bikes, Outdoor Gear, Restaurants
1955 County Road B2 WSaint Paul, MN 55113
(651) 635-0211
- Hours:
Mon-Sat. 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Sun. 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
9 reviews for Rei
Agreed that the Bloomington location is far superior, as far as choices goes, but this locale is fine. I bought some killer shoes a few weeks ago and an LED key-chain light, and had a very helpful girl during the fittings; she was actually juggling 3 customers with the greatest of ease. So kudos to the staff.
Also agreed that you should do most of your own research to know basically what you want to buy before showing up, then get some on-site answers for anything you may have missed. The stuff there is or can be insanely expensive so don't buy if you're not 100% clear that it suits your needs; it's easy to get wrapped up in the latest Alpine Lowe vest then end up never wearing it... that's a lot of $$$ to throw away.
Otherwise, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend.
Totally fine for what it is: the smallest REI I've ever visited.
Three things of note:
1. Smartwool socks are totally overrated.
2. Silk long underwear is totally underrated.
3. This particular location is small and practically worthless; go to Bloomington.
REI's famous return policy is pretty much BS. On two occasions I bought jackets here where the zippers failed and on both occasions they were no longer carrying the item in current stock so I was SOL. That is a pretty lame loophole if you ask me.
I haven't had great luck with their customer service in their Roseville store. Maybe I just come on week-ends when they are busy, but it's always hard to find someone. I personally prefer Midwest Moutaineering because of the service factor. We did buy most of our backpacking stuff here and most of it has held up and been really good for our needs. However, I went in having read a lot of reviews ahead of time and pretty much knew what I wanted. If you haven't done your homework, you might end up with something you don't like out on the trail and that's no good.
I'm updating to say that a potentially unpleasant Christmas shopping errand was made bearble by good customer service. They had extra people on for the holidays and they were friendly and helpful. And one lady spent a good deal of time explaining the ins and outs of ski gloves and hand warmers to my mom. Pretty much any retail location that can deal with my mom gets a four star minimum review.
I like this location, in no small part because it doesn't have a shrieking children play area. Seriously. I've bought a lot of stuff here over the years, and am an REI fan/coop member. My only real gripe is that the women's clothing section always seems to have very limited sizes, or in other words, a plethora of XS and XL. Cmon people, after all these years, learn to order more of the sizes that run out first- especially when said items aren't on sale or clearance because FYI- I have been known to run to Midwest Mountaineering for my needs, rather than Bloomington, to avoid the lil monsters at the play area!
This place is fantastic!
They've got a huge selection of outdoor gear for Backpacking, Biking, Kayaking, Canoing and just general camping.
The thing I like most are the people. They've all been on numerous trips and know about the gear they sell. The people there will gladly spend hours with you.
In addition, they have an area for testing water pumps and filters, a hood for lighting stoves, a couple "terrain walks" for testing out backpacks and boots, and a rocky surface and carpeted surface for testing out sleeping gear.
They sell lots of name brands, as well as their own brand (which is actually quite good).
We bought a lot of backpacking gear there in preparation to go to Philmont Scout Ranch. Most employees know about Philmont, and know what gear you need, etc...
When we bought our backpacks, the guy in the backpack department literally spent two hours with us, showing us the ins and outs of all the model, helping us adjust it just right, giving us advice on how to pack them, etc....
People in other departments have also done the same for us.
Yes, the prices are a little higher than other places, but their definitely cheap, considering all the top-notch service you get.
The being said, if you know what you want, and have no reason to look at it, Campmore has better prices and a slightly better selection.
A sports and outdoor mecca!! Also a big box with unknowledgeable employees. Oh well. If you have a sports need, they can likely help you with it. I agree the one by MOA is far better.
This is the best place to shop for camping equipment and clothing. THE BEST! REI is a little more expensive than some of the discount camping stores but that is quickly made up for with the quality of products and return policy. I cannot tell you how many times I've bought something, beat the crap out of it, broke it and then returned it. You'd think I'm trying to take advantage of their return policy but I'm not. I use everything I buy at REI to its fullest extent, and if it doesn't hold up, it gets returned. But with that said, there is a lot I have not returned because the quality is so high, and the products have withstood years of wear and tear. I recommend becoming a member. 10% of what you spend gets returned to you in the form of store credit they call a "dividend" in exchange for a 1-time fee (around $15) good for life. I bought a $1,800 canoe from them. The following March, I received a dividend for $180 that I used to help buy a pair of $190 hiking boots (my last pair from REI lasted 10 years). $10 for $190 boots can't be beat! If you are really into camping, go one step further and get the REI Visa card (1% from all purchases).
The best place to get that climbing backpack or sleeping bag that (if you're like me), you may use once. Staff is really friendly and helpful, prices aren't bad. However, for the ultimate REI experience, head over to Bloomington--just west of MOA, it has a climbing wall and huuuuge (yes, that warrants 4 'u's) selection
