It was my first time at an REI, and it was great! Employees were very friendly and helpful. They have an impressive selection of everything from hiking backpacks to sleeping bags to sports equipment. Also was very happy to see a gender-neutral bathroom. Highly recommend!

Staff is very friendly and helpful. I will certainly be coming back! Highly recommend for anyone looking for camping or outdoor gear

Great place to pick up camping gear as well as other outdoor stuff and you can join there co-opt and get a kick back in March on any purchases you made during the year, definitely a nice place to check out in person and online

We were driving from Minnesota to MIchigan and I was looking for a bike rack. We stopped at the REI in Appleton. The service provided by all staff - especially Chris and Ashley - was terrific - they were friendly and knowledgeable and helped us make a really good decision about the proper bike rack to purchase - the store had a great assortment of hiking - outdoor - exercise wear and it will be a regular stopping off point for us in our travels. Thank you all

An amazing selection of gear plus a friendly and helpful staff should make this the perfect one stop shop for anyone

First time customer. Went in for a pair of shoes. Was helped by a staff member named Ryan. Very helpful. He picked out a few pairs that he thought might work and the first pair was perfection. We browsed and were greeted by several really nice staff. The mask enforcement was one of the main reasons we chose REI. We were so pleased we bought a membership and will definitely be back. I cannot say enough about how pleasant this trip was.

What a great branch, REI should be very proud of the employees they hired at this new Appleton location. Stopped in to buy a new pair of shoes and a compass, Lisa was able to get me what I needed quickly and wad very polite and friendly. Lin at the cash register had the most upbeat and happy attitude, it was so refreshing. The store is immaculate and all the employees are currently following mask and social distancing procedures, but it is up to the customer...BRAVO REI APPLETON!!!

REI had a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. I was seen, assisted, but not pressured. It was a refreshing experience beyond what I am used to in this type of store. I will definitely go back.

First time shopping here and as soon as I walked in everyone was so nice and helpful. But I would like to give a shout out to Cheryl and Doug! I will be back to spend more money because of how awesome they were.

Everyone is so friendly! I couldn’t leave the store there was just so much to see:)

Really cute set up in the store. It was shockingly busy and the staff handled it very well. They were able to talk to everyone and answer every question. I saw some having in depth conversations with customers about specific trips and equipment. Very cool. Great service. I bought a really cute hat. If you even think that youre going to be back more than once the membership is more than worth it. The perks are great. All the items they stock are great quality. And you can usually grab some free stickers in the way out which I love!

I love their sales and they have some real quality brands. I enjoyed getting my backpacking, hiking & biking gear here, but have noticed staff avoids you like the plague when youre browsing the climbing gear!I live for the outdoors, exploration, travel & nature. Wisconsinites know how to truly embrace the seasons and finally having a store up here just makes life a bit easier. (I left a review 6 months ago & this is my update.)

It has been a long time since I have felt the kind of welcome that the employees in this store embodied. I left feeling good about the world again. This is truely how every store should treat you. Everyone was so helpful, kind, and had a passion for their job.

Great place for hiking/biking/camping enthusiasts. Staff is very friendly and helpful

Associates at this store are very kind, very helpful, and very knowledgeable. Provided me when a lot of helpful information and never felt pressured. When Im ready to purchase my tent and other gear,I know where Ill be going.

Excellent Staff. Came in tonight to get a tent. Doreen first talked me out of it in pursuit of other suitable options, then when setting the tent up to get a better feel for it, we both agreed it was the tent for me. Doreen took her time to make me feel listened to, important, and develop a personal connection. I look forward to using the tent, and remembering how sweet and helpful she was. The team at REI Appleton is really great, and more than happy to help.Im also very impressed and pleased that the store is following common sense-COVID safety measures and safe social distancing. We need more of that in this state.

Ive been a fan of REI stores for a long time, but I have to specifically compliment the Appleton store and their sales associate, Dani. We were struggling to find a multiday pack that would fit me well. Dani was knowledgeable and enthusiastic, but most importantly she was patient and persistent. She didnt try to shame me, rather, she thought that access to the outdoors should be inclusive to everyone of any body type. Thanks to her positive attitude, we were finally able to find a pack that I was happy with, fit, met my backpacking needs; AND I didnt have to place any special orders to get what I needed.

Very helpful staff, not much inventory in the hikers. Wish there were more to try on. Did find a pair of mens, that feel great. Thanks for the suggestion.

I’m so pumped REI is in Appleton. Been a member for years. The Appleton store is one of the best - staff is so friendly! Wish the ski selection was a little better. But they compensate by FREE MACHINE WAXES for members’ skis. WHAT?! Love these guys.

Weve visited multiple times since opening. Our daughter is too little to wear a mask and we have NEVER encountered any issues like those exaggerated in other reviews. The staff is always helpful and if an item is out of stock Ive utilized their free shipping option to pick up in store or faster to my home...again with no problems and easy exchanges and returns in store if a product doesnt work out. The customer service is above and beyond outstanding! Covid has been rough and stores are doing their best to do whats right and safe for everyone and I appreciate it. The membership benefits have been great as well, I get points both with the REI card and the membership, plus the sales Ive been able to get hundreds in discounts and free gear. REI Co-op is an asset to the community in Appleton.

Great Branch - staff is always so friendly and helpful, and atmosphere is clean and organized

This has been the best experience I have had in retail! The staff was very attentive and nice, and helped us find exactly what we were looking for. Isabel at the registers was great, she helped us for probably 15 minutes to make sure we got the best deal possible! She had so much patience, thanks Isabel!!

Employees are extremely helpful & courtesy, the prices, not so much.

Great store, even better employees. Its got a good selection of almost everything, and whatever they dont have at this location, they will gladly get from another store, or help you get it online.I went in looking for xc ski boots and we went through what they had there. When I decided I wanted something they didnt have in-store, we ordered it online on my account at the counter. When I got the boots, I needed a size larger. No problem, ordered them online and returned the originals at the store.The staff is very friendly, and I was offered help in each department I wandered into. Theyre a knowledgeable staff and great people to chat to about places to go and things to do!

Nice clean store with good brand merchandise

We went there to buy shoes and look at climbing gear, my fiance has a medical condition which prevents him from wearing a mask and the owner turned us away because of that. Very unprofessional and rude, will never come back. Dont waste your time or money at this location.

Love this place!Just pricey. But adventure in nature is worth it

Jumped on me as I was putting my mask on, wasnt even in the store yet. Some employees were very nice, others condescending and rude. Ill stick with Scheels! I get a very strong vibe that tree hugging hippies probably love this place, 2nd amendment supporters not so much. Not that theres anything wrong with either of those.

We are thrilled that REI co-op has made a home in Appleton! We love their strict health and safety protocols, #optoutside initiative, and focus on family outdoor adventures! Their climate neutral/zero waste pledge is admired by us and were proud to support a company that makes the environment a top priority. Thank you REI!

Awesome I love it there. Awesome staff

We went in to look at back packs for hiking, and chairs. Danni helped us, and she was absolutely amazing! She spent an hour with us, help us try on ALL the bags, answered all out questions, and even stayed later then her scheduled time to leave to help us. We have never walked out of a store feeling so informed on a product. She truly loves her job, and is very educated on the products.

I appreciate REI requires a mask. They care about the health of their employees and customers. Shop online if you choose not to wear a mask. Respect the employees and customers.

No hassle return of a canoe paddle I ordered online last summer. Small store, but decent selection nonetheless. About half the store is clothing, half is gear. Their gear section could hold more, but they have some displays such as tents set up. Wish this store was just a bit larger with some more gear, but with free returns, I can order it online, try it out, and return/exchange it in store.

Very helpful employees. Got what I wanted at a good price.

People are very friendly and knowledgeable. Best store around for camping gear and outdoor clothing. They require masks, but who doesn’t these days? My love of REI outweighs my hate for wearing a mask.

Rei coop Appleton. What a joke of a business, they should close their doors. They run in the store as if your buying online. I was in there to buy a couple pairs of sunglasses. Was going to spend over $600.00. They won’t let you try them on. I have been to other stores they let you try on still. When you spend this much money, I would think allowing someone to try on before you buy is key. So I should buy them take them home try them on. Then if they don’t fit return them, either way they need to clean the glasses to resell. Some place need to understand customer service is important. What they are doing doesn’t make them any better than online stores. I try to buy at local stores and except more out of them. I will even pay more to support local economy. Buy REI doe not deserve the support. I have a large group that is going to be getting gear for a hiking trip in Montana. I am in charge of getting gear. None will be from REI. That is gear head to toe for 20 plus people. Thank you REI for your horrible customer service.

This is what I sent to the national office. Wont allow 0 stars.Not a question but a complaint. I stopped at your new store in Appleton, Wisconsin yesterday and was greeted politely but turned away due to your mask requirement. I was politely told that even though I had a medical exemption, I could not come into the storebut was directed to shop online. I feel that this is a discriminatory act and this reflects a poor corporate design. I politely thanked her and left promptly. I realize she is only doing her job and quite well at that. But for a store that just opened and was not busy, I should think that your co-op would welcome people in. I understand the mask mandates and the fear that the media has generated, but I believe she was taught to quote the ADA requirements that are in fact there to prevent the very discrimination that was adopted by your co-op and enforced by your employee(s). I am very disappointed as I was certainly looking forward to shopping at your new store. At this point, Im not certain I will EVER purchase anything from your co-op. I am saddened by your co-ops stand on this matter and if it continues, Im uncertain of your future success.Sincerely and regrettably,Tim Hill Sr.

Great service. Very nicely displayed products. Wishing the store was larger.

REI excels in customer service at every location Ive ever visited!! Their staff go above and beyond to make sure youre educated and taken care of. JoAnn hooked me up with everything I needed and needed to know about a new day pack and head lamp at the new Appleton/Grand Chute, Wisconsin location! Dont hesitate to ASK questions! Thanks REI! And for real...the $20 lifetime membership is totally worth it :-)

First time at this location! Welcome to the area. Fun staff and helpful. Loved the selection of socks.... Cant wait to get back

I havent shopped at this location however as a retail employee masks should be required everywhere you are around other people. Glad to see via other comments that rei is not making exceptions for people that just dont want to do it. If you cant wear a mask stay home!!!!! I dont want your germs!!!! Thanks for keeping your employees safe.

Friendly people and great service, as expected with REI. Didnt catch her name, but the woman working in the footwear section was very knowledgeable and helped me find exactly what I wanted in a hiking boot. Very excited to have this new location Appleton!Edit: Just wanted to add that Ive been to this location probably 5 times since they opened. Everybody that Ive interacted with has been super friendly and willing to help. Not to mention, REIs customer service is top notch and its refreshing to talk with energetic and friendly people on the phone whenever I have a question about a purchase or my membership.

So happy to finally see and REI in the Appleton area! Was a bit disappointed to find out they do not carry downhill ski gear at the Appleton location as skiing is fairly popular in our area and things like rock climbing are not so much.

I have visited REI on two occasions and had positive experiences each time. Staff was friendly and very helpful. I don’t mind wearing a mask and am disappointed people have left negative reviews based solely on this.

Today I went to REI in Appleton, WI for the first time. Alice very skillfully worked through a warranty problem for me to my complete satisfaction!All the staff are very knowledgeable. I found the Covid safety measures completely reasonable.I look forward to shopping here again and would encourage those who are looking to get outthere to do so now!

Very helpful employees and great selection.

Awesome place. Stephanie in the pack area did a great job helping me find a new pack (flash 55). Definitely going back.

Beautiful location & helpful staff. I went in to get fitted for a hiking backpack & their staff went above and beyond to help me find the perfect backpack and accessories for my camping trip.

Nice selection of outdoor gear. Super friendly and knowledgeable staff.

Thank you for caring about our communitys public health and enforcing the state wide mask mandate. My husband is a disabled combat vet and we love REI. To say theyre not veteran friendly is ridiculous. Sorry for the all the anti-maskers bashing yall due to their personal vendetta.

Very friendly!! Definitely recommended as a good place to get outdoor gear!

Only saw about a quarter of the store because one of the employees, guessing assistant manager/shift leader, came up to my wife and very demeaningly told her to pull her mask up over her nose. He could have made a simple gesture to inform her it had slipped down but instead his only interaction was a condescending and insincere verbal interaction. The other employees seemed nice enough. The irony was when we were leaving, shortly after his comments, we had to walk through 4 of them gathered by the entrance/exit not exhibiting proper social distancing. There are online retailers that offer much greater selections, actually put inventory on clearance and with no hassle returns I’m not sure why anyone would shop in a store that chooses to interact with its customers in this way. Best of luck in your brick and mortar!

First time in but great place and quality merchandise! Definently will be back

Not a huge store but so great to see one in the Valley

Staff is friendly, and helpful. Experience here was positive.

Hello Im writing this after I visited your beautiful store I very much appreciate all the Saftey measures in place to protect your customers. No mask no entry. Its that simple it should be this way everywhere, regardless of medical exemptions, if you have a medical issues that make it so you cant wear a mask in these times you shouldnt be in public anyway, shop online and dont out the rest of us at risk claiming medical exemptions are typical of trumpets. Stay home and quit politicizing the trump flu. As to the store its beautiful and filled with top of the line gear for the outdoorsman. I will come back again. And thank you for keeping me safe.

Super friendly staff, nice open floor plan, and lots of rugged wear.

Awesome help from staff in picking out backpacking equipment for my trip. Knowledgeable, encouraging and helpful!

Great place!! Love the gear! Trusted brands, friendly customer service and wonderful atmosphere.

As a veteran who doesnt expect the world to bend over backwards for me, great experience with REI. Glad to see theyre following state and federal guidelines to keep their customers, and Appletons community, safe! Will definitely come back for more camping gear in the future.

I was a little disappointed, expected there to be more gear (boots, camping, hiking). Half to 3/4 of the store was clothing.

Masks are a mandate not a law. No longer shopping with you. Theres plenty of other options to get the same products.

Very helpful staff.

Thank you for requiring masks. I am happy to have REI in the fox cities.

Very poor service all the employees are standing around and talking to each other.

We are longtime REI shoppers utilizing both the Milwaukee location and online shopping. We were excited when REI chose Appleton for a new store; however, it has been brought to our attention that people who are unable to wear masks are not welcome in the store. This is contrary to the governors orders which state that those not wearing masks should be assumed to be exempt and SHOULD NOT BE HARRASSED. So sad that REI is not accommodating those who are unable to wear masks.

Will be going back for sure!!

REI IS NOT VETERAN OR DISABILITY FRIENDLY. My family was refused service because I could not were a mask due to lung issues from my service, I was told to go shop online. REI will not be getting any business from myself or my family.

Great staff, extremely helpful and will pass on knowledge from other shoppers as well.

This place is NOT disability or Veteran friendly. They do not allow medical exemptions to come in their stores. They told me I need to “shop online”. I didn’t know REI discriminates. Do not go there to support these animals.

Love the store. Theres just too many anti-mask snowflakes out there....

Fighting a bacterial lung infection due to wearing a mask, tried to explain this to them.... didnt care one bit.... rei lost more then just me as a customer today!

So happy to have a local REI. Was impressed with the selection for being a smaller store. Very friendly staff

Very friendly and knowledgeable staff!

Manager told me tonight that I couldnt be in the store nor would he check me out if I didnt wear a mask. Never asked me once if there was a reason why.

Great service, great store. A bit smaller than most of the others

Great store, friendly and knowledgeable staff

Very helpful.

Not impressed by their ridiculous mask mandate. Not a large selection of gear, and prices seem much higher on multiple items that can be purchased online or from another company.

Worst store I ever visited 1 star is far to gracious for this place.

Expensive but high quality products that will last a lifetime.

They didnt have much selection for racks for kayaks/bikes

Love the knowledge staff

Thank you for requiring masks! I know others will not shop your location due to this; however, as a nurse it is so important for masks to be used in all public places. For this, I will shop locally!

Do not bring your special needs children here. Rude staff

Was turned down at the door with a medical exemption! That’s not what the mandate says! Your now in the same category as Menards! Will never ever go to either one again!

Im here at the parking lot waiting for the store to open. I had time to read ratings. After reading some of them, I decided to leave. Im a firm believer that pushing mask on everyone is wrong.

I cant wear a mask. They dont care. Wont be shopping at REI.