Has Anyone Else Lost the REI Mojo?

[Rockskipper]

Big sale just started, took a look and didn't see anything I wanted except Jelly Bellies, which of course aren't on sale.

I could use the 20% off one full-price-item coupon, but it ends up being only 60 cents for a bag at 3 bucks. Kind of a waste of the coupon. I did see some backpacker's creme brulee..

 

[Bob]

Nope, never had it.......l always find a better price somewhere else..... but Jelly Bellys ?? at REI. Try all a dollar store

 

[regehr]

yeah, it wasn't all that long ago that the SLC REI had a big bucket of long spoons for 0.99 each. now they're individually wrapped and they're at least ten bucks. that's not inflation, it's just catering to a different kind of customer

 

[Bob]

Or gouging.

 

[Rockskipper]

I don't actually buy jelly bellies at REI - actually, I don't buy anything there anymore. I used to love that store, but it's changed, and I haven't.

 

[balzaccom]

I still shop occasionally at REI, but the mojo I have lost is the lust for new gear. I have good gear, and I am happy with it. If anything, I'd like to use it more often. But window shopping--either live or online--doesn't appeal to me.

 

[Jackson]

It's still my go-to for a lot of stuff when I need it faster than I can get it delivered. Consumables like gel chews for cycling, backpacking meals, and backpacking fuel mostly, and other stuff when I need it in a pinch. I'll buy an article of clothing or a pair of shoes there maybe once every other year. It's pretty much never a great deal, but it's convenient at least for where I live.

 

[wsp_scott]

I only buy stuff from REI when there is a sale, just ordered a new sleep pad yesterday. It was marked down and then 20% off.

 

[Kmatjhwy]

Now occasionally will shop at REI, but they are soooo expensive it seems anymore. Often can find good gear cheaper elsewhere. Plus there is Amazon. But again do go into and shop there occasionally.

 

[TractorDoc]

I've never had a physical REI that was local/close enough to visit often. When I do have the opportunity to visit one I usually browse two places.

1. The camp food section -- to see if there is something new I have not yet tried.
2. The clearance section -- if I've ever bought anything in store it has been from there.

I will give the website a look when the REI brand apparel is on sale for 30% off. I find the Sahara shirts comfortable and wear one to work nearly every day.
I try not to pay full price for gear if I can help it, I used to check out Sierra Trading Post from time to time but the selection there has been less tempting lately. I am also fortunate in that I have most everything I need for my backpacking/outdoor trips these days. I probably have enough jackets, packs, sleeping bags, etc. to last me well into the future.

 

[TheMountainRabbit]

I've never had a physical REI that was local/close enough to visit often. When I do have the opportunity to visit one I usually browse two places.

1. The camp food section -- to see if there is something new I have not yet tried.
2. The clearance section -- if I've ever bought anything in store it has been from there.

I will give the website a look when the REI brand apparel is on sale for 30% off. I find the Sahara shirts comfortable and wear one to work nearly every day.
I try not to pay full price for gear if I can help it, I used to check out Sierra Trading Post from time to time but the selection there has been less tempting lately. I am also fortunate in that I have most everything I need for my backpacking/outdoor trips these days. I probably have enough jackets, packs, sleeping bags, etc. to last me well into the future.

I get cooking gas and bear spray when I visit Alaska - and occasionally I'll grab some of the REI brand clothing on sale. Otherwise not much to get there. And I'm fortunate to have local options like Neptune Mountaineering that I'd rather give my money if I need specialty gear.

I am a huge fan of the Sahara shirts, too - the problem (for REI) is that their old ones were too high quality. I've been wearing the same two shirts on the majority of my trips since 2014.

The one piece of gear I might finally replace this year is my backpack - and I won't be looking for that at REI.

 

[Janice]

It's strange - the only backpacks that work for me are REI brand. I've tried numerous others and none of them are as comfortable on me. Don't know why!