Assists in outdoor fun :) Been a member since early '80's & their co-op brands have always excelled, usually cheaper and as good as or better than named brands. Now days I'm usually ordering online and I'm always satisfied, fast shipping & well packaged. Being a member has some perks that if you're quick & know what you want, you can get some fabulous deals.

Great in person and online Great in person and online. I'm not super outdoorsy, although I usually train for at least a couple of half marathons each year, and occasionally go hiking. I've found high-quality merchandise here every time, and often at sale prices lower than what I can find elsewhere. I recently found a pair of shoes I'd been considering on clearance, and they arrived right on time and in perfect condition.

Shameful business model. Refuse to exchange defective products Off-season I bought my wife a REI brand "organic clothing elwy bib snow pants" online for her birthday in April. This winter on our first ski trip we realized that it was defective (the zipper was put on wrong). We took it to the hingham MA store and they agreed it was made wrong and could not be fixed but refused to exchange because we didn't pay to be members and it was more than three months after purchasing. Of course its more than three months, it was summer time and these ski pants for the winter! This is the most shameful business model: "We don't stand by our products because they suck, therefore you should pay us more and buy a membership for the honor of returning the defective trash products we sell you". I will never shop here again!

Customer Service ... None Same as most of the reviews here for customer service: fuggeddabouddit. Took in a pair of socks that should absolutly not have failed no longer than I've had them and no more than I've worn them. Conveniently "...just ourside our window for replacement or credit..." Yeah ... right. DONE with REI!

DONT by a snowboard from REI Bought a brand new Jones board from REI that blew out its side wall on the 4th ride without any significant impact. REI is an authorized dealer for jones but refused to get me in touch with them even though that is the only way to address what I felt was a defective board. Most frustrating experience of my life!