I do wish the prices were lower at REI, but I must say that their products are high quality and they stand behind them with an excellent return policy. I have made some excellent sale purchases, and also some impulse buys, but I am always impressed by the durability and design of their products. Some things that I use all the time are a light weight backpack and some marvelous hiking boots. The sales personnel are never pushy and always helpful. I enjoy their climbing wall from time to time, but also it's fun to watch kids take the challenge of climbing to the top. If you are an REI Member, you get a better price, so I advise you to join, plus there is a nice rewards program. I do have one story of a wonderful experience I had with my bicycle at REI. The quick release lever had fallen off my front wheel during a ride, but because I was an REI customer, they gave me the part free. It didn't matter that I had not purchased the bike in the store.