REI Store Opening Hours

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Quick answer

• Most REI stores open around 10 AM local time.
• Weekend hours are often shorter than weekdays.
• Some stores open earlier or later; check your local REI.
• Holiday hours can vary significantly.
• Always confirm online or by calling ahead.
• It’s a good idea to check before you head out.

What to check first (do this before you drive out)

Before you even think about packing the car, you need to know when the REI store you’re headed to actually opens. This isn’t like a national park with set hours; individual stores have their own schedules.

Land manager / legality: For retail stores, the “land manager” is the company itself. REI sets its own hours, which can change based on location, season, and special events. No external regulations dictate their opening times, just their business decisions.

Access/road conditions: This is less about roads and more about your route to the store. Are you driving across town? Is there a big event happening that might cause traffic jams? Plan your travel time accordingly. A quick online check for local traffic or events near the store can save you a headache.

Fire restrictions + weather + wind: While REI isn’t usually impacted by outdoor conditions in the same way a campsite is, extreme weather can sometimes affect store operations or your ability to get there. Think blizzards, major storms, or even localized flooding that could close roads. It’s a good habit to be aware of the general conditions.

Water plan + waste plan (Leave No Trace): This is more for your outdoor adventures, but it’s a good reminder. If you’re going to REI to gear up for a trip, make sure you’ve got your own plans sorted. Don’t rely on the store for water or waste disposal beyond what’s normal for a retail space.

Safety (wildlife, distance to help, comms): For a retail store visit, safety is mostly about navigating traffic and crowds. Be aware of your surroundings. If you’re going to a store in a less familiar area, do a quick mental check of your route. Also, make sure your phone is charged so you can call if you get lost or need to change your plans.

Step-by-step (field workflow)

1. Identify your target REI store.

• What to do: Know the exact name and location of the REI you plan to visit.
• What “good” looks like: You have the store name (e.g., REI Denver) and its address or a clear landmark.
• Common mistake: Heading to “the REI” without specifying which one, leading to wasted time and gas. Avoid this by being precise from the start.

2. Navigate to the official REI website.

• What to do: Open your web browser and go to REI.com.
• What “good” looks like: The REI homepage loads cleanly.
• Common mistake: Typing “REI hours” into a search engine and clicking the first link, which might be outdated or a third-party site. Stick to the official domain.

3. Locate the “Store Locator” or similar feature.

• What to do: Look for a link or button usually found in the header or footer of the website, often labeled “Find a Store,” “Store Locator,” or “Locations.”
• What “good” looks like: You see a search bar or map interface to find stores.
• Common mistake: Getting lost in product pages and forgetting the main goal is to find store info. Keep your objective in mind.

4. Enter your location or search for the specific store.

• What to do: Type in your city, state, or zip code, or the name of the store you identified in Step 1.
• What “good” looks like: A list of nearby REI stores or the specific store you searched for appears.
• Common mistake: Entering a vague search term that yields too many results, making it hard to pinpoint the right store. Be specific.

5. Select your desired REI store from the results.

• What to do: Click on the name or link for the specific store you want to visit.
• What “good” looks like: You are taken to the dedicated page for that particular REI store.
• Common mistake: Clicking the wrong store due to similar names or locations, leading you to incorrect hours. Double-check the address.

6. Find the “Store Hours” section on the store’s page.

• What to do: Scroll down the store’s page. Hours are usually displayed prominently, often near the address and contact information.
• What “good” looks like: A clear, easy-to-read schedule showing opening and closing times for each day of the week.
• Common mistake: Assuming hours are the same every day. Many stores have different weekend or holiday schedules.

7. Note the opening and closing times for the specific day you plan to visit.

• What to do: Pay close attention to the day of the week and the corresponding times.
• What “good” looks like: You have a clear understanding of when the store opens and closes on your intended visit day.
• Common mistake: Only glancing at the hours and missing crucial details like “opens at 10 AM” versus “opens at 11 AM.” Precision matters.

8. Check for any special holiday or event hours.

• What to do: Look for any notes or separate sections indicating modified hours for upcoming holidays or special sales events.
• What “good” looks like: You’re aware if the store is closing early for a holiday or has extended hours for a sale.
• Common mistake: Showing up on a holiday like Thanksgiving or Christmas Day expecting the store to be open, only to find it closed. Always verify holiday hours.

9. Consider calling the store if unsure.

• What to do: If the website information seems ambiguous or you have a specific question, find the store’s phone number on its page and call.
• What “good” looks like: You get a clear, direct answer to your question from a store representative.
• Common mistake: Relying solely on potentially outdated online info when a quick phone call could confirm everything. It’s a good backup.

10. Add a reminder to your calendar or phone.

• What to do: Set a reminder for yourself with the store’s opening time for the day you plan to go.
• What “good” looks like: You get a notification before you leave, ensuring you don’t miss the opening or arrive too late.
• Common mistake: Forgetting the exact opening time once you’ve left the website and arriving when the store is still closed. A little digital nudge helps.

Common mistakes (and what happens if you ignore them)

Mistake	What it causes	Fix
Not checking hours before leaving	Arriving at a closed store, wasting time and gas.	Always verify store hours online or by phone before you depart.
Assuming all stores have the same hours	Missing the opening or arriving when it’s closed.	Check the specific hours for the exact store you are visiting.
Ignoring holiday hour variations	Showing up on a holiday to find the store closed.	Always check for special holiday hours; they often differ.
Relying on third-party websites	Getting outdated or incorrect opening times.	Always use the official REI.com store locator for accurate info.
Not considering travel time	Arriving after opening or being late for an event.	Factor in travel and potential traffic when planning your visit.
Only checking weekday hours	Being surprised by shorter weekend hours.	Note the specific hours for Saturday and Sunday.
Forgetting to check for special events	Missing a sale or event due to unexpected closures.	Look for any notices about events that might affect hours.
Not having a backup plan	Getting stuck if the store is unexpectedly closed.	Have a secondary store or alternative activity in mind.

Decision rules (simple if/then)

• If it’s a Sunday, then check the specific Sunday hours because weekend hours are often shorter.
• If you are visiting during a major holiday (e.g., Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Day), then verify holiday hours because most stores are closed or have significantly reduced hours.
• If the store page on REI.com doesn’t clearly state the hours for your desired day, then call the store directly because clarity is key.
• If you are planning a trip for gear, then check hours before you finalize your travel plans because you don’t want to drive all the way there and find it closed.
• If you are driving more than 30 minutes to get there, then double-check the hours the morning of your visit because last-minute changes can happen.
• If you see a note about “special events,” then read it carefully because it might impact opening or closing times.
• If you are unsure about a specific location’s hours, then default to the latest possible opening time listed for that day because it’s better to wait a bit than miss it entirely.
• If you are visiting a brand-new store, then check its opening date and initial hours carefully because new locations sometimes have staggered openings or special launch events.
• If the website shows “Closed” for a specific day, then assume it is closed unless explicitly stated otherwise because clarity is important.
• If you are visiting right before closing, then plan to be inside with enough time to shop because you don’t want to be rushed out the door.

FAQ

What time does REI usually open on weekdays?

Most REI stores open around 10 AM local time on weekdays. However, this can vary, so it’s always best to check the specific store’s hours online.

Are REI stores open on Sundays?

Yes, REI stores are typically open on Sundays, but their hours are often shorter than on weekdays. Always confirm the Sunday hours for your local store.

Do REI stores have different hours during the holidays?

Absolutely. Holiday hours can be significantly different. Stores are often closed on major holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas Day, and may have extended or reduced hours around other holidays.

How can I find the hours for a specific REI store?

The best way is to use the “Store Locator” on the official REI.com website. Enter your location, select your store, and its hours will be displayed on its dedicated page.

What if I arrive and the store is closed when it’s supposed to be open?

This is rare, but if it happens, check the REI website or call the store to see if there was a last-minute change or issue. You might also consider visiting a backup store if you have one planned.

Can I call an REI store to ask about their hours?

Yes, you can. The phone number for each store is usually listed on its page within the REI.com store locator. This is a good option if the website information is unclear.

Do REI stores open earlier on Black Friday?

Some stores might offer extended or earlier hours for Black Friday sales, but this isn’t universal. You must check the specific store’s hours for that day.

Are all REI stores open the same hours?

No, not at all. Hours can vary by location due to local demand, mall hours (if applicable), and regional differences. Always check the specific store.

What this page does NOT cover (and where to go next)

• Specific REI product availability or stock levels. (Check product pages or call the store.)
• Details on REI membership benefits or co-op dividends. (Visit the “Membership” section of REI.com.)
• Information on REI’s return policy or warranty claims. (Look for “Returns & Exchanges” on their website.)
• Details about REI’s outdoor classes, tours, or events. (Explore the “Experiences” or “Classes” sections of REI.com.)
• How to reserve gear rentals from REI. (Check the “Rentals” section of REI.com.)