REI

There are many brands that I truly enjoy, some for quality, some for price, some for convenience. But there are not many that I will go directly out of my way to make sure I purchase accept one. And that one would be REI. I tend to be one of those “deal finders” and hate paying full retail price for things. But when it comes to any outdoor equipment, I go directly to REI.

For me, I like to understand what I am purchasing but I also don’t like being sold to. REI is one of those places I walk in to and I know that the people there know what they are talking about. You feel like they do not just work there to work there, but that they have experienced and embody the core values of what the company stands for.

Their customer service is amazing. From returning something without a receipt and getting full price back for it, to being able to return a 4 year old jacket for a brand new one because one of the seams tore. They treat their customers with loyalty, respect, and value.

I know that the selection they have their will be vast and they will not try and push one item over another too me but rather, ask what my needs are and then present several viable options, presenting the pros and cons to me.

The perceived quality of their products I think for me lies in their return policies. The comfort of knowing I can return an item for any reason, but at the same time trusting them because you think they must be pretty confident in their products if they will give you your money back if it doesn’t function the way it should.

There is also the obvious identity that comes with shopping at REI. Corporate responsibility, the northwest identity, adventure, excitement, and the ruggedness of the outdoors. It really is a place that offers their customers and identity to latch on to, especially with offering their customers a card that pays them dividends back and allows them to be apart of the REI ‘Community’. They have done a great job of being customer oriented and providing products people can trust and truly enjoy.