REI in Santa Cruz

Great variety of gear but a little expensive

Their store brand packs are the greatest. They are overpriced on the other brands they carry.

People there are friendly and helpful. This is a large place with plenty parking in front.

Always helpful staff

Rei is rei. Solid source for my supplies.

Very attentive to my questions and needs. Very good and honest information from the sales staff.

Not up to the REI standards that the company used to be! Most of the customer service reps here are unknowledgeable and mostly unhelpful, just a bunch of walking zombies with green vests on. The female manager/trainer (I dont recall her name) is amazing however.

My cycling shorts that I bought in Fairbanks, where the seams are now coming apart after 2 months, were taken back without any problems. My cracking on the bike was also eliminated. Thank you very much for the quick help and friendly manner.

Found the hiking shoes I was looking for!

For your expedition, theres no better place. And this location has a helpful and very friendly staff.

Oh yeah, go here for the bike shop!!!! Edit: fully trusted them for a tune up and new bike seat bought in house, and they installed it for me! Got it done in a few hours on a Saturday, couldnt have been happier! Edit: there is so much choice of clothing here, and water bottles Edit: greatest bike coop team ever. Helped me get my multi-tool set, a spare tube and a patch fix kit on top of installing new grips for me!!

Amazing store, great staff and they have all the camping and outdoorsy gear you could want. My girlfriend and I are planning to start backpacking and our first stop was REI. They had everything we needed. We werent able to get most of the stuff we needed from here because all of the gear and clothes they sell are very high quality and are expensive because of this. Being college students much of the gear was out of our budget. This is my favorite outdoor and camping supply store in the area. Absolutely recommend coming here for any of your camping needs.

Amazing service in the for my broken bike. I went there hoping to get my bike fixed got told I can pick it up the next day, but because of amazing service it got fixed in about 5 hours. Incredible fast and good service thank you.

Staff was available and helpful, plenty of parking, quality items, no complaints.

Great place to grab gear last minute

Excellent

The best service anywhere.

Best customer service Ive ever received from a business. Their bike department is outstanding and has some very experienced employees. Thank you Klace for going beyond a standard good service. Theres several good bike shops in the county but REI has been the best. They excelled in what I expected and went beyond which I didnt expect. Highly recommend their bike service more than other shops Ive been to. REI definitely doesnt fit the common corporate mindset that demands profit over service and customer service. Here I observed that customer service is first. Pleased to know that theres still corporations, although few, that value honesty and integrity over profit and even greed.

Love it Im so overwhelmed when I walk through the doors sometimes, its too difficult to make up my mind on what camping items or clothes but what I think is theyre all worth it and working the way I want them to.

Just tried to use my 20% full priced item. Lady at the counter told me its not eligible, but it is. Green Guru organizer shows eligible online. Wasted a drive to the store. So much for biggest sale of the year.

Great store for outdoors products !!!

I ve been a member of REI s coop for a couple years now and had nothing but nice experiences until coming into this store. Went in on a rainy day to buy a knife for my husband s birthday. It took ages for anyone to come by and help me out. When they opened up the case finally for me to peruse the knives: i said to the fellow I m looking for a nicely weighted, spring assist knife. He had no clue what was what so I was to test the knives to see if they had what I was looking for. When I took my gloves off to handle a knife this guy tells me he isn t comfortable with me handling the knives??? I was in disbelief. I said excuse me? And he repeated himself. I said I was not comfortable with the way he was standing so close to me and he proceeds to take the tool from my hand. And lock the case. I could not believe it.

Dirty location. Bad experience with Brennan...

Lame. Was gifted a pair of pants that don t fit. I tried to exchange them for a pair that does fit. They wouldn take them without a gift receipt. Brand new. Still had all the tags on it. Be warned if you gift someone pants from REI also get a gift receipt. I have to take this perfectly good pair of pants to the goodwill. Hopefully someone will find a brand new pair of pants with tags useful. Super disappointed. I pretty much hate them now. I didn t really like them before. Their stuff is way too expensive and not as well made or dependable as north face or Patagonia. Definitly made an enemy out of me.

Bought shoes and had help that knew what they were doing

brought back a defected ( bad glue) pair of hokas that i had been running in for 6 months. they were worn but i wasn t 100 percent satisfied with them. i decided to take REI up on their 100 percent satisfaction policy . i was completely harassed and embarrassed by dennis and bobby (store manager ) implying that i was just trying to get a pair of free shoes. they also were stating a unwritten policy that i could only return a product within it s expected life span. i held my ground though and kept reading the return policy to them. of course they had no solid footing and just were assuming i was trying to get a free pair of shoes. in the end they returned them but i imagine any other customer would have capitulated and not be granted their right to return because of their bullying. i also told them to look at all of the shoes i had purchased over the years and if i had returned any (they didn t). anyway, thanks for making me feel like a scam artist in front of the entire store for simply following REI s policy. lame.

Not the best selection. And I noticed everyone ignored me when I walked in , yes and they were all still paranoid wearing masks.

Always a good choice for out door gear

Great selection of outdoor clothes and gear well displayed. Uber helpful associates. I loved it so much that i joined today.

REI is like the Disneyland of camping and outdoor activities. Everything you want. Tents, backpacks, bikes, sleeping cots, sleeping bags, pads, hiking boots of every brand. And the return policy is one of the best in the land. On top of all that the customer service at the REI building in Santa Cruz was a perfect 10. Fantastic super customer service. So whatever youre outdoor needs maybe please take the time to check in at REI and see what they have for you. Become a member and get deals that are unmatched almost anywhere.

Great place to shop for outdoor gear!

Best customer service, REI is the best

This store is relatively new. The inside is clean and organized. The staff are friendly and helpful. I like to browse around and find new and interesting products. I am usually able to find gear I need in store however the clothing is sometimes not available in my size. This could be due to my most recent visit coming directly after a long sales period. That said i often buy online and ship to store or to home and easily return items if they dont fit right. The return policy at REI is the best! REI

Walked in just to browse and was greeted warmly midway through the store. Not bombarded I got to the sho department and bam them people were all over like a car salesman If someone is on the spectrum take heed and put your shields on The associate that attended to my concerns the most was just returning from vacation and I am so glad I was help ed by her otherwise this company would have lost a sale Didn t get her name but if corporate is reading this. Inquire and make sure she s recognized She keeps people coming back Forget the certificate. Boost her wages She represented your company In a way customer service was meant to be

Great Customer Service

Very helpful staff

Staff was very friendly and available to help with questions

Klace in the bike shop is super knowledgeable and will get you setup with everything you need.

Great staff, they were knowledgeable, friendly and attentive.

Great place to get hike/camp/bike/climb/etc gear

I went in to get help removing a bike rack from a car I bought, which involves trying dozens of keys until you find the right one, and then even when we found the right key, it took some trouble shooting to get the thing off. All the team members were so helpful and friendly!

Very friendly and helpful staff. Too many good things to buy that are essential!!!

REI has has all the needed accessories and gear for your travels and outdoor experiences. What more can you say about the staff- they love giving their own experiences and helping you accomplish yours. Just to go in and experience the stories and added classrooms that you can sign up for - just adds to picking up some quality gear! The return policy is awesome - look in to that! And the selection to inventory is vast. The prices are what you pay for, but for the outdoors (or indoorsman), you wont need a back up plan!

Nice store, selection but not cheap

Its an okay place but the quality is not what it used to be.

So glad theres an REI in Santa Cruz. Good selection - not the largest REI, but you can generally find what you need and the staff are great!

Very Friendly Staffs

Many places are lacking in customer service however Alani in this store specifically the shoe area was phenomenal. She consulted on how to try out new shoes I was looking for and made sure of my comfortable fit. Thank you again for your help Alani!!

Great experience at this REI! Willem went above and beyond to find the perfect roof rack system for us. Great staff!

Staff went above and beyond searching entire store for a pair of pants I was looking for. Really impressed with the customer service here

No fishing equipment... Lots of climbing equipment some clothing

This REI has it all. Nice and friendly staff, amazing outdoor gear, sale rack options. Watch out, it gets really easy to overspend.

My sister and I came in for a couple pairs of hiking boots and had a wonderful experience. Nancy was amazing and patient as we tried on about a dozen pairs. Thank you.

Fun new location. Staff was super friendly and receptive to us setting up equipment inside the store.

Was shopping for shoes at the Santa Cruz REI. Had excellent help from Nancy. It was really busy and she was running around helping everybody, with a kind attitude. Going above and beyond. Must ve been at least 6 groups of people all wanting help, and she did it with a smile. Great job Nancy! Thank you!

MICHAEL, Michael, Michael! I just purchased a sleeping bag from perhaps the best sales rep I HAVE EVER MET IN MY LIFE. Never have I had someone adapt to my pace and needs (I was moving quickly to get back to work) and also be so genuine, product and price conscious, and simply a lovely human being. Thanks, Michael!

Hey sorry I looks brand new! I walked in here and this may be one of the biggest area is that I ve ever been in to except for visiting the headquarters in Seattle. This one is located right off the one freeway. It s easy to get to and it looks like it s a new shopping center. When you see the front of the store I think you ll be pretty impressed. I walked in and it was super spacious. Pastor was very clean and well taken care of. It was sectioned off so I could find what I needed easily. I went in to get my son a shirt and to check out the in-store garage sale that they re having all the time right now. The staff was extremely friendly and there was barely any line to check out in. The parking lot is also really nice and that s a huge plus.

i had a return today and the staff was extremely helpful and i was given a full refund in store credit! i expect nothing less. great cutomer service, thank you beth:)

Theres no stores like rei. Quality adventure gear I trust from brands I respect. This store has a large bicycle section. Clothes, shoes, tents, backpacks, and those little/lightest essentials (stoves, headlamps, sunglasses, water filter.)

So happy to have an REI here but unfortunately, the staff member Beth gave me quite an unpleasant experience. She was short and unfriendly when I was returning an item that was certainly returnable and refundable. After leaving REI, I usually go into the day feeling happy and satisfied, but my experience with Beth really left a bad taste in my mouth and I m not too thrilled to head back and run into the possibility of interacting with her again. However, the young gentleman (her coworker) at the next door register was incredibly friendly and engaging to his customers and their transactions. I really love REI but Beth has made it so I am hesitant to even visit the wonderful new store here in Santa Cruz.

REI in general is pretty good, staff is friendly, knowledgable, fast. This REI store in Santa Cruz in particular though has two staff at least that are pretty hostile with returns. On two separate occasions when processing returns, two different staff were hostile or seemed impatient to help with the refund. They seem to either be unwilling to pull up the receipts online via the account (who keeps receipts these days when its online), and also keep recommending that I talk to someone before purchasing (online purchase, size or form does not fit; another case another staff recommended I buy two sizes and return em, to which the older staff later mentioned that is not recommended... ok how else do I try on shoes that are not in store?), and seem impatient in general that Im returning items. Sometimes, we have to try things on before knowing if its a good fit. In general, dont be so hostile and impatient when processing returns. Two separate staff on two occasions make it seem like a pattern with bad customer service.

Nice store alot of equipment and outwear.

Easy parking, not crowded, clean & well-organized, friendly. Quality stuff.

Friendly and attentive staff with a solid selection of gear.

Finally, our own REI in Santa Cruz.

Glad to have an REI in Santa Cruz county. The store is not very big and therefore has a more limited selection compared to other REIs. My reason for taking off a star is the employees who give people a hard time when trying to make a return. With such a limited selection on hand, it is often necessary to order online without being able to try items on first. I have had to return an item twice and both times the associate at the checkout gave me the 3rd degree about returning the items (brand new still with tags).

I assure you; there is a bike shop.

I assure you, they have a great bike shop inside. Good prices and solid service.

Brand new and awesome. Has all the usual departments but seems like maybe there is more stock still coming in. Excited to have one in town finally.

So great to have an REI so close by! Good selection and atmosphere. I was helped by a few staff but Scott was by far the most helpful and knowledgeable when it came to questions about camping and backpacks!

Nice

Lots of good outdoorsy stuff and friendly staff.

Love having a local REI in town (finally). Friendly staff and excellent selections!

Very nice customer service, easy to talk too and well informed. The sales floor is large, clean and well organized

Wonderful Staff!!

Went in to return and exchange some items I bought online. Leslie Morelie was the associate and was super helpful, patient and sweet!! Can t wait to wear my super cute refried bean colored puffer lol

Awesome store. Nice to have something like this and not have to go to San Jose or anything.

I realize this location just opened, but the inventory they stock is pretty sad compared to the other locations. Hopefully that improves after they do some market reconnaissance in the area.

REI is such a nice outdoor store with quality products. Im so happy we have one on this side of the hill because I love their products, and the store is so cool that its fun to just cruise around and check things out. I went to check it out and ended up buying an REI brand down puffer jacket that I love. Super nice store thats welcomed here.

REI rocks (member since 1983). This new store is now well established.

The friendly guy in the bike shop fixed both my flats and installed new tires for free. He worked on it right away and only charged me for the tube I needed. Excellent service. I will be doing all my bike work here from now on.

They have quality gear and the staff is super friendly and knows about the equipment