HikeArizona.COM

I was expecting a few bucks, but was pleasantly surprised to see I had built up a $100 dividend! DADDY GOT NEW BOOTS! $125, deduct the 20% for one single item...made them $100, applied my dividend and viola...FREE BOOTS!

My birthday is March 23, and my son always gives me an REI gift card, and sometimes my daughter does, too. I wait for the big sale, and combine it all together with my dividend. This year, due to sojourn in Oregon, I didn't spend very much, so my dividend is only 6 bucks!

Mine was only $6.38 ... I save way too much online to shop at REI, but I still enjoy browsing the store when I'm in the big city.

I don't know whether to be elated or horrified at the size of my dividend. Backpacking pack, camp stove, yet another pair of shoes or just save it for when I really need something. Just kidding on the last one! It's already burning a hole in my pocket.

Am I the only one that waits until July or whenever it is to get a dividend check mailed to me? Using your dividend at the store is not a dividendable purchase so I never want to do that. There isn't a whole lot at REI that I want or need anymore either, but that's beside the point.

My dividend was $109, and I already requested to have a check cut for it. I don’t plan on shopping there again.

@lindaagm
lol you show them!

Don’t forget to add Hertz, Avis, Enterprise, Delta, American Airlines, Walmart, Ralphie's Red Ryder, Kroger, L.L. Bean, Mountain Equipment Co-op and the state of Florida to that “never again” list of yours, all those bastards trying to push for sensible gun laws too! SOBs

@friendofThundergod You do realize that some of those companies you mentioned are in no way trying to introduce legislation to change gun laws? They may be setting a corporate policy, which is entirely up to them, but they aren't trying to change laws. I spend a lot of money every year, so I try to choose to spend it at places whose values most closely align with mine. I've only ever spent money at two of the places on your list(Walmart & Kroger), so I'm already in pretty good shape. Generally speaking, just walking into an REI annoys me, and the new one in Chandler is terrible. I find the one in Paradise Valley to be slightly more agreeable, but I’m not driving all that way to give my money to an obnoxious company. Most of the money I spent there was boredom impulse shopping, so it’s not a big deal to no longer go there. I already requested to have my dividend check mailed to me when it’s available, then I’ll cancel my membership.

curious where y'all buy gear other than REI
gotta love a good gear store, like gearheads in moab
sierra trading post has some great deals
I was bummed when REI moved to chandler; the southern location was very convenient
they were the only place that carried my trail runners
usually buy them on sale, so my dividend is mostly from credit card use
haven't needed a big ticket item in awhile

These days, I try to buy most of my gear direct from the manufacturer websites. Can usually get sales codes from them via email.

@lindaagm
I feel your annoyance at REI, mine is just due to their high prices. I still go there, but honestly most of my dividend was from using their credit card. Sale items, or occasional 20 percent coupons are still a perk there for me though...

I use REI to figure out what size I am in certain brands and then buy online.

When not REI, I'll shop online at Backcountry or EMS if the deal is too exceptional to pass up but generally I do my best to support my local economy-- if not through locally owned businesses than at least through a business that supports my community with jobs and revenue.

trekkin_gecko wrote:curious where y'all buy gear other than REI

Local stores: Bass Pro (Redhead boots have been great!) & Sportsman's Warehouse (because it's close & a good friend works there)
Online: Began years ago with Backcountry.com & Sierra Trading Post but now mostly Amazon

Haven't set foot in REI since probably a year or two before they moved & that's not likely to change... I'd rather have lower prices up front rather than a 'reward' for paying higher prices.

REI's Chandler Store is terrible... They really ruined a good thing with their Floor Lay Out there. I go to PV now, it's about the same Distance as Chandler... However, I'm getting more and more disenchanted with them. Seems like half their Entire Inventory is Water Bottles in 800 Colors and Styles and 75.00 Flip Flops in 700 Colors and Styles.... But I will still use them for some things, just because I like to actually look at a Product before I buy it especially Shoes, since the Sizing, Brand to Brand is nowhere near consistent... No Clue what my Dividend will be this Year, but I do have their Credit Card too, so we'll see where I end up. I try to get a big Ticket Item with the combo of Dividend plus their 20% off. I got a 450.00 Tent that way for 140.00 a couple of years ago...

outdoor_lover wrote:REI's Chandler Store is terrible...

I don't like it so much, either. I miss the Tempe store. I'm more likely to shop in Flagstaff or Tucson.

@trekkin_gecko
Pro deals ... experticity, goxv, etc.
Just got a new BA Copper Spur HV UL1 for $300 including tax and shipping vs. $380 before tax/shipping at REI.

BobP wrote:I use REI to figure out what size I am in certain brands and then buy online.

REI loves when you do that! ;)

@cactuscat
popular outdoor outfitters

trekkin_gecko wrote:@cactuscat
popular outdoor outfitters

The first outdoor retailer I worked at! The one in Mesa, then a couple in Phoenix in like 2002-2004 ... I miss those ratty old stores.

@trekkin_gecko
The first few years after moving to AZ in '02 I bought all my gear from Popular Outdoors... was sad to see them go.