As far as I am concerned, REI is just another non-local retailer.  The biggest issue I have with them is that money spent at REI does not stay in the community.  Another minor issue that I have is the lack of competent staff.  At our local climbing shop I would be able to talk with staff that I would also see when out in hiking&#x2F;climbing.  The staff at REI are just buffoons that could fill out a job application.