The store used to be my go to spot for camping gear and anything I need for my many outdoor hobbies. These days going to REI though is kind of like going to a Dick's Sporting Goods.
Staff with the exception of one or two people (One guy in particular with longhair is very knowledgeable
the backpacking department) at this location particular aren't that knowledgeable about the products they sell.
The general manager is kind of a tool, he gave me an incredibly hard time about returning a bike. Despite the fact that it was 90 days later and I am an REI member which allows returns anytime without receipt. He scolded me in front of other customers about returning an item I was unhappy with because it was used. Like many REI customers one of the main reasons I still I'm willing to pay the higher MSRP price is because they advertise that they back all of their products to 100% customer satisfaction. However as the general manager at the TEMPE location educated me that day this is no longer the case. He informed me that all items are subject to employee discussion and will be excepted for return on a case-by-case basis. This is fine if it's REI's prerogative however they need to stop falsely advertising the return policy and need to offer refunds to the members that purchase their membership based on this return policy.
Arizona hiking shack is where I go now for any of my hiking needs