Trek closed a bunch of shops near me or sorry opened a bunch of shops and I went in one and nobody helped us at all not even came to say hello it was only when we checked out they said word one and honestly if we didn't need to buy a helmet for the little guy I wouldn't have gone in. There was another employee who seemed busy and couldn't talk but the other guy just sort of came out of the back and was more of a basic cashier than anything. It was sad, that particular shop was quite nice some good people working there and now it felt barely alive.

I guess REI is better in some places but usually in more bike shop deserts in areas with a lot of shops they tend to be less great as a bike shop (though not everywhere) certainly it can be a good store I don't really have any major qualms and go in there usually once or twice a year these days for camping incidentals. Usually nice enough people but some maybe less knowledgeable than I would like but I am a gear nerd who has been in the industry a while and worked in a local based "REI"-esque shop so I cannot be mad.

I am mad at them for not hiring me and poor communication and picking someone way less qualified for the job (I worked with that person which is how I know) I would have loved that sweet $40+ an hour. Though I am having fun on my own way better than a corporate structure honestly but the money would have been sweet.