Definitely don’t go to REI if you’re in a hurry. But also Don’t go to REI expecting prices to be listed correctly. Don’t go to REI expecting what someone said on the phone when you call to match what’s available/going on in the store. Don’t go to REI expecting them to have what you need. Actually, just don’t go to REI. The staff is nice. I’ve had continually bad experiences especially at this location, but also at others, so seems like a corporate issue. Can anyone suggest a reasonable bike shop in DC? Have also had really bad experiences with bicycleSPACE. frankly I’ve had better experiences with car mechanics and I hate cars…

As a company, REI should not inflict their political beliefs onto customers. That said, they carry good gear and this particular location is fantastic. Every time I have come here they have exactly what I need. The staff are friendly and helpful and generally knowledgeable. I don’t know who makes REI branded clothes and gear, but they do a good job.

The stores great, the reason for the knock off 2 stars is for the service at the bike repair shop. They ask you sign into a queue to wait for a specialist to work with you, I’ve been now about 4 times and every single time I end up waiting for about 30 minutes despite there being no one else in line. Generally I just look and see the employees standing around talking to each other, and whatever, that’s fine, but today I was sitting for another 30-40 minutes waiting and really just got sick of it. I get it’s a co-op with chill vibes and such, but seriously, REI is very much not a cheap store and I’m willing to pay it because of the expertise of the employees and to contribute to the co-op. It would be nice to see a little more respect for the waiting customers time, knowing they chose REI over any of the competitors in the area.

Very spacious, beautiful store in a historic building. This location is very close to the NoMa metro station - take the south exit to M Street and you're basically right there. This REI Flagship store has just about anything outdoors-related, but you can call ahead if you're curious about whether a specific product is in-stock. There's also a La Colombe coffee shop inside!

The bike service has been mediocre and slow the past three times. The coop staff are nice enough but routinely turn a quick maintenance visit or bike pick up into an afternoon ordeal. Last time they assured me that installing a kick stand on my new bike would take 10 minutes. It turned into 1.5 hours due to line mismanagement. The kickstand looks like a friend put it on. I need better service for the kind of money I’m paying. I should be able to quickly get in and out and enjoy my Sunday. Hope they do better.

Please note that they DO NOT offer ski services despite their website claiming they do. Only after going to the store and speaking with sale associates were we told that no store in the Washington DC metro area does ski services. This is not what the website says on any of the stores in the area. If the flagship stores do not offer services, the website should reflect that.

Large store, backed by huge online business, where you can find new and used equipment and clothes/footwear - tried and tested. Unlike other retailers, staff are also tried and tested and my experience is that you often learn things after coming here from people that have lived the adventure you are seeking. Formal learning in the way of classes and actual tours are also a thing. REI stands behind their merch with a generous return policy; furthermore, they work with their customers - I have heard multiple hikers now getting mail dropped items while they were on long distance trails. They also have a nice coffee shop and clean bathrooms. This is the real deal!

Love this store! I was so happy to come upon it when my friend recommended getting coffee in the store attatched. Even more so, I was happy to know it’s a coop and offer reselling at great prices. Would love to come back on my next visit to dc because when I say they had everything, they really did.

I've been to lots of REIs. This is hands-down the worst one I've ever been to. The store is disorganized and a lot of the staff tends to be aloof or even rude. A month ago I brought my bike in to get a flat tube fixed. The technician installed a long-stim tire tube for some reason on a bike tire that didn't require one. I figured maybe he was just having a bad day and it wasn't a huge deal. I brought it back to have it fixed and they comped me for a new tube, and then fixed it up. No big deal, but as I was checking out, the girl who fixed the flat asked a guy who I think is a manager to open up on a register and please check me out because she was busy and they had previously screwed up my order. The guy threw a temper tantrum in front of me about it and said he didn't want to do that and it wasn't his job. I thought it was very unprofessional and rude, especially given that they had screwed up my bike previously. I was there on Wednesday night and the same manager was assisting me with a question about a potential return of a bike I bought in the spring but hadn't ridden yet. He was extremely rude with me and just acted aloof and put off by my questions. It also took 30 minutes to check out for a purchase. There were only two cashiers and I am assuming he could have easily opened on a register. The guy is African-American and has a beard. I don't know what his job officially is but I dread any time I come in there and an associate defers me to him.

This store is massive - totally didn't expect it to be so large from the outside. They have a little bit of everything you'll likely need for your outdoor adventures, but it might not be immediately obvious where that will be. Finding a staff member to help can be a bit of a challenge as well. Other than that, be prepared to spend a decent amount of money here because it's certainly not cheap!

I like this store for so many reasons. First: they have excellent customer service. Today I walked in with my bike to get my flat tire fixed. A woman approached me and signed me in. Then a man walked up to me and asked if I would like to him to park my bike. I was appalled by this gesture. Second: This establishment has everything here. I mean like… leave that bike area if you want to. You will be buying anything from energy gel to underwear. Third: conveniently located right beside the metro.

This particular REI is very nice and not too overrun like a mall REI. Housed in the old Washington Coliseum, you enter into a cavernous stop. I will warn you that there is absolutely no parking here but there are several nearby buildings where you can park. They also have a pretty descent bike repair shop although I can't speak to their turnaround time. They do sell cargo bikes here so I assume you can repair them here also. A good selection of snowboards and cross country skis here abound. On top of that, there's a good selection of clothes and shoes which honestly don't look trail rated but maybe brunch-rated. Stop on by, you won't be disappointed!

No bags offered, had to carry heap of $400 clothes out the door in my arms after wasting hour looking through poor size selections with zero staff to help and pay large amount to park in garage since no other way for me to get there in this insane crime cluster of an area. Really insulting and aggravating experience.

Full disclosure, I don’t think I’ve ever been met with customer service like this. Everyone was so helpful and thorough I left the bike service lane thinking “WOW, that was the best customer service I’ve experienced.” No fluff, seriously. Thanks REI, my wheel was repaired in a few hours and it took me 3 days to pick it up. You were thoughtful, helpful, and I won’t bring my bike anywhere else. Dusty was my bike technician.

I had a wonderful experience getting my bike fixed up here. Keon was very kind, knowledgeable, and efficient in tuning up my bike and advising me, as a new biker, on what were necessary purchases. I’m so appreciative of his efforts, as it made my start to biking much easier! Thank you Keon!

The store is clean and easy to navigate. We needed hiking boots and we had a wonderful experience. Mike did a great job at assisting and educating us on hiking shoes. He was very knowledgeable and very friendly. We would very much recommend.

Will start with the floor staff that helped me were perfectly nice and helpful. However, I am more than disappointed in the management. I purchased a Half Dome SL2 just shy of a year ago. I had not gotten a chance to use it until recently. During its first use, one of the tent poles snapped at one of the junction points. I took the tent into to see options to exchange, warranty, repair, or return. Other part to this is I put my tents in compression sacks and I could not find the original stuff sack that I'm sure is buried in a closet somewhere. Upon the return, the cashier contacted a manager to confirm the return could be processed without the original stuff sack. It was determined that I would have to give REI my personal stuff sack that I used to bring it in because they wouldn't be able to resell it without a stuff sack. Annoyed since no one at an attic sale will care that a tent doesn't have a stuff sack, but okay. But to add to that the manager Dan, through a phone call, had the cashier tell me they were already making an exception as it was in issue due to user error. I've been an REI member for 20 years. Was an REI employee for 4 years and have extensive backpacking/camping time under my belt. I know they can also see my member history that clearly shows I rarely return used products. To say I was offended by the comment would be an understatement. To call an issue a user error from a chair in your office without seeing the issue is a pretty spineless move. Appreciate the cashiers help and sorry he got stuck in the middle of that. Apparently treating customers with respect isn't a priority of the store's management team.

Came to return some clothes…Gabriel was quick, efficient, and friendly. This flagship store has a great selection of clothing and outdoor gear and the return policy is generous. Wish more of their Men’s brands carried XS.

Always friendly and helpful staff and a large selection of gear make visiting eventful. However, limited space means seasonal selections and not every product at every store. For large sizes I shop online. Ship to home is usually free, or pick up at store works for large stuff.

Thank you Jeremy in cycling for taking care of my bike I commute on. Haley assisted and was down to earth and happy. High five to Micah in footwear who helped me find a size in a scarpa I haven’t been able to find in stores in 4 years. He’s super knowledgeable and was connecting with all the customers. Thank you REI DC!

Great selection of hiking gear. Incredibly helpful staff. In particular today Sam and Andrew V were outstanding. The store is spacious, never crowded, and today every time I turned around someone was there to offer to help. I could not have been more satisfied with every aspect of my visit.

Bicycle repair not not not good. Also they charge for everything. AND they do more work than you need when repairing bicycle. They'll hold your bike and either you pay or don't. Oftentimes when they're diagnosing bike with slight of hand they move things around in order to oversell. I have videos. Over priced items.. everything is about 400 percent higher. It's a nice big place but trust me I'm a handyman. I've been fixing and building since I was 2. I was born into it. Thr mechanics aren't real. Noone there is.

Make sure you ask for Dusty was my Bike Technician at the Co-Op. I was in a pinch trying to get my e-bike set up and he “masterfully” placed me on a path to success as a novice rider. I went back to get some extra gear a few days after my initial visit. He remembered me and even pointed me in the right direction about which bike locks to get among other needs. This location is lucky to have him!

This was my first time in this store. The staff was very helpful, courteous and professional. The store was beautiful designed out and arranged. There was so many items that I did know they carried and offered. I will have to come back when I have more time to shop around.

Flowers and Charlie were lifesavers. Fantastic customer service and a sincere willingness to help me with my flat tire. As a member for many years, this has been one of my best REI experiences! I highly recommend this location!

This is the DC Flagship Store and it's beautiful! Feels like a sprawling space with something for every person who enjoys the outdoors. In their community room, they have a little memorial to commemorate one of their employees who passed in 2020.

Absolute 5 star place. Huge store - well stocked. Everyone is always so helpful. The bike shop in fantastic and does great work. Really appreciate this place.

I have good experience here and employees are very friendly and helpful. Products changed according to seasons CoVID caused problems with vendors and products shipments. I can't expect to find the same things such as food, bags, etc. It is not the company or employee fault.

Caught off guard by the weather changing while on the road, I sought out an REI to pick up a hat and gloves. I knew REI would have lightweight and warm gear. Good selection at the DC store, no wait and everything was great

Rose is the best bike mechanic I have ever met! Rose really helped me out. I saw Rose walking around the store with a REI uniform and asked them to help me find a jacket I was looking for. They helped me find the jacket and then helped me fix my bike. Truly great customer service. This employee is why I come back to this location.