Rei Recreational Equipment Incorporated

I absolutely love this store. The sales staff listen to your needs then find the right product. Even on weekends when crowded the shoe guy divides his time amongst the customers, giving them shoes to try on and checking on their needs. I purchased to folding chairs and they recycled the boxes for me, I didn't even have to ask! Very knowledged staff when it comes to items on shelves. I wasn't sure what type of insect repellent, but they were able to help me find the right one there too. Cannot say enough good things about this store! Pros: Helpful, Friendly, Value, Quality, Savings Cons: going to other stores first trying to find what I wanted more

If you have outdoor hobbies and shop this type of store frquently, seriously consider paying the $20 one time member fee. You get occasional coupons, notification of sales, and a rebate check at the end of the year; I made the twenty bucks back in overall value pretty quickly. If you can't find an item in the store itself check the website. REI offers free shipping for in store pickup, which is a huge savings on larger items, like kayaks. The North Carolina stores also offer rental of camping and paddling gear if you just want to try it out or have a short term need. (No bicycles though, somewhat surprising given their full service bike repair facilities.) Pro tip: Call ahead to the store if you need a particular type of rental or repair, (i.e. tent poles re-corded), each location is a little different as far as what they offer for these services. The one area I've found to be inconsistent is customer service. Sometimes you go in and nearly every employee greets you, asks to help you, walks you to what you're looking for, offer advice based on their experience, etc, etc. Other times I've gone in and not been able to get someone to help me find something or even get me to someone who can. I'm pretty low maintainence at REI, I usually know exactly what I'm looking for, but when I do need help it's nice to get it without having to poke my head through 'employee only' doors to ask for someone. Pros: Rebates, selection, prices, excellent gear Cons: Inconsistent customer service more

This is my husband and I's favorite store. We could spend a lot of time wandering around looking at all of the stuff they offer there. We are members and really love getting our end of the year refund from them. We spend it right away of course because they always have the things we need or want. If you are looking for durable good traveling clothes or most outdoor equipment outfitting this is the place to go. They have a fantastic refund policy and great deals on the REI outlet too. Pros: Great gear and knowledgable staff more

I have just returned from the REI in Cary and I am always happy with my purchases there. The staff is always helpful and patient in this store. They are well trained and can help any level of outdoorsperson find what they need. I live in Raleigh, but I am always willing to make the drive right past north hills to this location because I know will get excellent service at this location. All locations have a full guarantee on all items and I have been happy with all of the products that I have purchased at REI. Pros: Great Staff, Product reliablilty and guarantee Cons: not cheap, but everything I have bought lasts! more