I want to say I am an REI co-op loyalist; joined in the Berkeley store in '85, son worked for CA and OR REIs in undergraduate and graduate school, I've acquired more than my share of REI stuff over four decades and given a lot as presents. But is seems like they are more of a distributor for mediocre overstock stuff these days, and weak product offerings generally.
Take running shoes for example, they carry what I recognize as the worst offering of top companies, the shoe styles that can't sell from company websites or Amazon. REI's pricing and selection on their athletic clothing is ridiculous, and even then it's not the good stuff, it's stuff the companies are dumping. Look at their cycling jersey collection, they should be embarrassed. Royal Robbins, Patagonia?...it's the stuff that been on closeout for months on those company websites.
Backpacking gear? I think I can save some serious money elsewhere.
I think this enterprise has lost its way, and I find it depressing..
What am I missing here? Cheer me up.
End of rant.