Noticed a difference at REI

[dogstar]

I don't know how many states have REIs, but I've been to stores in CA and MT. Anyhow, it's been a while since I've set foot into one (they are damned expensive these days).

I noticed they carry a ton more knives these days, mainly SAKs, Gerbers, and Leathermen. In a glass case were some Benchmades and Bucks. There were even some "tactical" knives (as labeled), which I was surprised to see at an outdoors store. This tells me selling knives is lucrative, even if it doesn't really fit the character of the store. Also, I guess more people are getting knifed up these days.

 

[Dan57]

I don't know how many states have REIs, but I've been to stores in CA and MT. Anyhow, it's been a while since I've set foot into one (they are damned expensive these days).

I noticed they carry a ton more knives these days, mainly SAKs, Gerbers, and Leathermen. In a glass case were some Benchmades and Bucks. There were even some "tactical" knives (as labeled), which I was surprised to see at an outdoors store. This tells me selling knives is lucrative in CA and MT, even if it doesn't really fit the character of the store. Also, I guess more people are getting knifed up these days.

My local REI recently downsized their knife selection. They went from around seven Benchmades to around three. Most of their other knives are cheap Gerbers, though they do have a few Bucks and CRKTs. (The upside to this is that they've expanded their multitool selection. )

 

[Pilot1]

REI has got to be the most overpriced stores I have ever entered. I have been a co-op member for 20 years there, and just refuse to buy anything anymore. Even their sale stuff is overpriced. Unbelievable. It is certainly not the place to get a knife or multitool.

 

[SideTracked]

My REI has a pretty small selection of "decent" knives, however the ones they do have in the glass case are mostly Benchmade. I've actually never bought any knives from them but do buy plenty of gear. I can honestly say that when they do have sales they can sometimes be competitive with a whole range of discount online sites. Their return policy for members is excellent as well, I will always be a patron to REI

 

[flarp]

I have noticed an increase in multi-tools and decrease in single-bladed knives as well. The local stores near me used to carry a couple models of Kershaws and several different Benchmades. The Kershaws are gone now, and the Benchmades are down to just the Griptilians (551 & 556) and the 530 (their web site lists other models, but the local stores here don't seem to carry them). Most of the single-bladed ones are now the various Gerber models and a couple CRKTs.

 

[Shotgun]

I think it's a fad due to the survival tv shows which is fine. More people carrying knives is a good thing. I just wish they got something better in than gerbers and a few benchmades.

 

[jackknife]

The biggest change in the REI near me is the same as killed Eddie Baur and L.L. Bean. They have turned into a hip outdoor clothing store for yuppies more than an outdoor gear store. Not too bad yet, but I see the trend starting.

 

[akula83]

I'm a REI member. Easy returns and the yearly dividend with 20% off sales, you can knock off a good bit off on a pair of shoes or boots. I got a pair of Keen's that run around $100.00 for about $55.00 with this, but I avoid the higher prices on the general merch they carry. On topic, I saw a whole display rack of mostly Gerber crap recently and some LM, a couple of Benchmades in the display case. They don't carry the amount of SAK's they used too either.

 

[silenthunterstudios]

The biggest change in the REI near me is the same as killed Eddie Baur and L.L. Bean. They have turned into a hip outdoor clothing store for yuppies more than an outdoor gear store. Not too bad yet, but I see the trend starting.

Yeah, I noticed that in the one I go to in Timonium. I've got a nice size rebate coming to me, and I already have enough flashlights and camping gear. I might go for a water filtration system, just to try it out, but they are really focusing on yuppie clothing. Their watch and knife selection has gone down too. I've told them about Moras, specifically the guy in the knife/watch/optics department. He said he liked Moras, but that they'd probably never get in the store. They would sell dozens of Moras and Opinels a day, but then people wouldn't buy a crappy Gerber every time they walked in.

I may be biased, as I am a Big and Tall man myself. Not much selection for the big and tall . Not even online ordering/instore ordering.

Their return policy is rock solid. I am a big guy, and understand that I will wear out shoes quicker than the average Joe. But in a month? I brought back a pair of Merrells, I wore them in the store, and wore the replacements out (I was embarassed, but the heel was ready to split and I was mad). Merrel mocs. The mocs replacements are still going strong after a summer and fall of wear outside of work. When they give up the ghost, I am not going to return them either. That first pair should have lasted more than a month!

I am going to get all of my hiking boots/shoes from them. I got a pair of Keen shoe/sandals from them, extremely comfortable for my diabetic feet, and the price was very good, I used my rebate and coupon. Same for a pair of Merrel hiking boots, and the aforementioned Merrel mocs. If I am fortunate to someday lose some of this girth, I plan on getting some coats etc from them. That return policy has made me a customer for life.

 

[jkarp_53]

Agreed, REI is no bargain store even with their member dividend. They do carry a lot of stuff, but from Benchmades to SureFire batteries better prices can be found elsewhere...but I also agree with SHS above; their return policy is as good or even better than Costco, and do sell my favorite outdoor brand, Marmot.