I am not impressed with REI. They just opened one here in Tampa about 18 months ago, so I went in. On the walls is things about global warming, and then everything in it is made in China. I asked the manager, who looked like he was rejected at Starbucks for to many tatts, if they are so concerned about Climate Change, why isn't their products made here.
We got an REI in Charlotte. I was excited because I remember their catalogs. Unfortunately, I’ve never met a bigger bunch of condescending, holier-than-thou sales people in my life.
A couple years back, just before Christmas, I asked a sales person if an item would be on sale after Christmas. “Oh, we don’t have sales. But you can join our membership and get a discount.” (No sales was a lie.)
Another time...I was in to buy a Nalgene container. The girl at the cash register asked if I was a member, I said “No.” She said “Would you like to join?” I said “No. I just want to buy this.” She said “Do you have a friend or relative that’s a member that you can call?” I said “No. Can I just buy this?” Another employee, standing to her side asked “What do you not like about saving money?” I said “What do you not like about selling your products?”...left the container on the counter and walked out. Bought a Nalgene at Amazon.
At this point, REI is just an Amazon sales floor for me. Need a pair of boots? I’ll try them on at REI...and buy them at Amazon.