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Moosejaw Mountaineering
Categories: Shopping Sporting Goods Outdoor Gear Shopping Fashion Sports Wear Shopping Sporting Goods Sports Wear Outdoor Gear, Sports Wear [Edit]
1445 W Webster Ave(between Clybourn Ave & Dominick St)
Chicago, IL 60614
Neighbourhood: DePaul
(773) 529-1111
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 10 am - 9 pm
Sun 11 am - 6 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
38 reviews for Moosejaw Mountaineering
Review Highlights
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"The customer service is impeccable both in store and online." In 7 reviews -
"Great selection and their rewards program is excellent." In 4 reviews -
"I love the store as well." In 2 reviews
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38 reviews in English
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Review from Dave W.
Chicago, IL
12/13/2011
This place is great if you're looking for a crazy advertisement company that sells mountaineering gear. Like them on Facebook or sign up for the mailing list and you will get a barrage of updates with sales/deals they are constantly putting on mixed with quirky, overly familiar, sometimes humorous messages.
I do find the moosejaw branded clothing to run slightly large so make sure to try it on, but don't dismiss their gear as it is on par with mountain hardwear, north face, etc.
When I have visited the Chicago location the sales people were always very helpful, knowledgeable, and generally awesome to deal with. I highly recommend shopping for all of your outdoor needs here.Listed in: Buying things
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Review from Jen D.
Chicago, IL
3/23/2012 1 Check-in Here
Moosejaw is one of my personal favorite shops in the Lincoln Park neighborhood, and considering it is the only location in the Chicago market, it is a favorite period. They fill such a small niche that you don't get from other stores, and always have the neatest equipment for extreme sports. Love The Madness!
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Review from Jayne K.
Chicago, IL
9/27/2011 5 Check-ins Here
Moosejaw is awesome! I've been shopping here for years both online and in the Lincoln Park store and I never go anywhere else for my outdoorsy type needs. Great selection and their rewards program is excellent. A decent percentage of all your purchases go back to your account as points redeemable for any merchandise available online. So far I've redeemed points for two sets of my fave Northface fleece pants and I'm working on a pair of Vibram Five Fingers (since I'm too embarrased to actually buy them.) Seriously, MJ way to feed my shopping addicition.
But to me what really sets Moosejaw apart is the attitude. I'd describe it as goofy and mildly absurd, which translates to pretty entertaining emails and a helpful laid back staff. Sort of like what happened to that kid in high school who was always playing hackey sack and listening to Phish after he went to Brown, became an environmental lawyer and figured out he couldn't get a job. But in a glass half full kinda way.
Seriously don't bother with the uptight jerks at Erehwon who judge you for not owning a Prius or the vast Costco like feel of REI. Come to Moosejaw, where the livin's easy and the parkings free. -
Review from Jenn C.
Chicago, IL
1/26/2012 2 Check-ins Here
This is my favorite place to buy northface gear! Everyone who works here is so sweet & knowledgeable too!
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Review from Marc G.
Chicago, IL
1/17/2012
My thanks to Paul and team.
I went in yesterday looking for some new ski gear as I am hoping that my upcoming trip will have more snow than our fair city does.
I walked in, was welcomed by staff and then asked if I needed any assistance. Paul, the man with the plan, listened to what I needed, and showed me great product and helped me with the decision process.
No hurry, no pressure, just great products, pricing and service.
Oh, and a sincere thank you for the football lessons you gave my son.
Moosejaw will now be my first stop when looking for gear. -
Review from Girl In RiverWest S.
Chicago, IL
12/28/2011
Buy all your outerwear gear here. The service is amazing - and hilarious. If you dont know the Moosejaw culture - get over to the store and check it out. Join the rewards program - free stuff all the time!
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Review from Sam K.
Chicago, IL
9/7/2011
This is an amazing store, and easily one of my favorites in Chicago.
I've done some work with the Sierra Club in locations around the country, and one of the problems we've encountered in Chicago, frankly, is that *super* outdoorsy people eventually leave, because the Midwest is not the place to be if you're into the outdoors. Many people have assured me of places in Wisconsin and Indiana, but they don't come close to the Ozarks or the Adirondacks or the Catskills, or even average regions like southern New York and Pennsylvania around the Allegheny or West Virginia.
Naturally, stores in Chicago reflect the demographic. There is no EMS here, which is the store I grew up with and learned to trust. REI is the standard, but honestly, that big gorgeous REI store on Halsted just spreads out their worst products on two floors and gives the appearance of good selection without actually having it. The staff at REI is grumpy and never helpful, and have often given me statements akin to "you just have to go look around yourself" when I've asked for help.
The selection at Moosejaw is pretty small as well, and geared more toward comfy outdoorsy-ish clothes to wear in the city and weekend hiking trips than survivalist camping or trips to places like BC, the Amazon, Tibet, or New Zealand. That's fair - I'm not going to expect them to stack their store with shit no one in Chicago will buy. Anyone who expects them to is being unreasonable. I don't mind going to their website, which has an enormous selection of well priced, high quality, specialized gear. Don't believe me? Go to their website and search for ice picks for ice mountain climbers. Then do the same thing at the REI website. Get it now?
Not that I'm going to need an ice mountain pick anytime soon. But it's nice to know where I should go if the need for one ever arises.
The store itself is small, but actually has a well chosen sample of the gear and clothes that they sell. Additionally, their casual city clothing is awesome. One of my favorite brands, called Nau, which goes for a lot more money in Chicago boutiques, is sold at Moosejaw for less than I've seen anywhere. They also sell tons of Patagonia. Both brands, if bought in greys and blacks, are easy to dress up and can practically be worn to work.
But what really makes this such an awesome store is the staff. Moosejaw has fantastic customer service, both in the store and at corporate. In fact, they are a model for great customer service. Most are genuinely outdoorsy, as opposed to those midwesterners who brag about their hardcore experiences at their family's lakeside cabin in Wisconsin. And if they don't know about something, they actually admit it and go through the process of finding out what's necessary, rather than rolling their eyes and suggesting you just google it to try to find the right product (I'm looking at you, REI).
I first discovered Moosejaw with a groupon. The groupon specifically stated it can't be used for online purchases, but I had found something I liked on the website. I decided to call the store and ask if they had it in stock - if they didn't, I would have ordered it to the store for pickup. Well, they didn't have the item in stock - so you know what they did? They ordered it for me and sent it directly to my apartment, which is practically as good as using it online. In fact, they got me a discount so it was cheaper and I had leftover money on my groupon to spend. I hadn't picked anything out to buy, so they actually made some suggestions after chatting with me about my lifestyle (which at that time was nothing more than me blistering around in the Chicago cold and trying not to get run over. Future wilderness trips TBD. I'm becoming a real Chicagoan). Those suggested items have worked out great. More recently, I l placed a big order online and realized two days later that I forgot to add two little t shirts - when I called to ask if they could add it to my order, it was too late, but the rep waived the shipping charge and gave me a deal. He also made me laugh when he earnestly and seriously explained that their computers were slow because they were coal powered and coal was becoming a more scarce and expensive resource.
Getting five star service and great quality winter clothing for less than I'd pay at Salvation Army was a pleasant groupon surprise, but it doesn't surprise me, because the staff at Moosejaw seems genuinely cheerful. Not the crazy fake friendliness like the sort you see at Trader Joe's. The wacky humor they use in their marketing isn't over the top and stupid like in the groupon copywriting. I admit when I first called them and they answered with a "MooooOOOOsejaw!" I thought it was weird, but now I giggle each time i hear it.
Please support this store! -
Review from Amanda Z.
12/2/2010
I loved this store so very much.
We snagged groupons for Moosejaw, so we headed over there on a Sunday afternoon to check it out, hoping to pick up some gear for our upcoming vacation.
I'd already heavily perused the website to check out the goods and had fallen in love with the cheeky one-liners and silliness of the website. Man, do I appreciate cheekiness. And shenanigans.
ANYHOOOO...the employees were SUPER friendly and helpful, hooking me up with some seriously potent bug spray (YOU SHALT NOT BITE ME CHITRAS) and also a very nice base layer for our big hike. No 'tude was given over the usage of our groupons, which is always appreciated.
Additionally, they were having a deal on the day we went where if you spent more than $49 on a single item, you got a free hoody. And anyone who knows me knows I LOVES free stuff. Especially when that free stuff is a $50 hoody. (Or beer or wine.)
Some more serious perks:
-If they are out of stock, they will order it for you. AWESOME.
-Good sales.
-Free parking in the lot.
-The way they answer the phone. SERIOUSLY awesome.
I'd go back WITHOUT a groupon. They are really that great. You really do get what you pay for...here, it is high quality outdoor goods and fantastic customer service. -
Review from r. n. m.
Chicago, IL
5/11/2011
I'm not really the outdoorsy type, but this store makes me want a life of less air-conditioning and more sock-tans. Staff is very helpful.
My only qualm is that its expensive here. -
Review from Brett D.
7/12/2010 2 photos
Move over for this Mountain Woman!
Great selection at this outdoor outfitter, even more so now since their expansion has made this Webster Place locale large, lovely, spacious and chock full of good stuff.
Expect your standard gear like North Face apparel, Patagonia backpacks, CamelBak hydropacks, Mountaineering equip galore and, of course, your fav in ultra soft Moosejaw hoodies, t-shirts, yoga pants and jackets. I looove those shirts, as far as comfort and fit go, they're even better than American Apparel I tell ya! Typically here you can find them on sale which makes things even far more stellar... more cheddar to spend on a new Marmot sleeping bag?! Mmmm... who doesn't love a new sweepybag?!
Fabulous finds like sexy beachy dresses, Element brand skirts, Roxy tanks and an array of swimwear make this typically tomboy spot even more femme shopping friendly. Grab an ice axe and an icy blue mini skirt and call it a day!
Helpful, knowledgeable service and a phenomenally user friendly online store make Moosejaw my preferred packmaster. Highly recommend!Listed in: That's Miss Mother Nature to…
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Review from Emily K.
Chicago, IL
2/19/2012
I went to Moosejaw to purchase some rock climbing gear for the first time. The female sales associate who helped me was very knowledgeable and helpful. I also like the fact that Moosejaw is small and not very overwhelming. I will be back after I get my next paycheck!
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Review from Lulu J.
Chicago, IL
1/31/2011
Being new to the north, I went here on a whim not ever even hearing about it. To my surprise, i LOVEd it. I ordered a NF jacket online and it happened to be from Moosejaw. When my jacket arrived it didn't fit like I would have liked to so I took to MJ to exchange it.
I found a different one I liked but they didn't have the color I wanted so they ordered for me online. Long story short, FedEx is retarded and it took my order longer than expected to arrive at my house. I called Moosejaw and asked if there was anything they could do about it. Since it was Fed Ex's screw up they couldn't do anything but because of the inconvenience they offered me a FREE hoodie! How awesome is that customer service?????! I came in, picked out an awesome hoodie sweatshirt and they were really really nice about it.
Oh and I forgot to mention the first time I had been in there a week or two before the guy helping me was really nice and helpful as well. So after all that I will definitely be coming back =) and taking my boyfriend there when he moves up here this month to get some cold gear =) Thank you Moosejaw! -
Review from Mari K.
Chicago, IL
10/9/2008
So this is how it goes...
Setting: My friend and I are at the register making a purchase
My friend: (looks down at a box full of cute, assorted t-shirts and picks one up) Whoa, these are really soft!
Guy at register: Yeah, they're free. Take one.
Us: (We look at each other in shock) Really?
Guy at register: Yeah, they're old and so we're giving them away for free.
Us: Wow, thanks!!
Another customer: (holding up 2 shirts) I kinda like both of these. Can I take two?
Guy at register: (with an ever-so-cool attitude) Yeh, go ahead!
Us: WOW (we walked out with 2 t-shirts each)
Totally cool sales people, great location, awesome assortment of backpacks, incredible MooseJaw experience. -
Review from Stacey P.
10/9/2008
Regarding Mari K.'s review- I concur.
haha no, but seriously, it was so frrrippin awesome, the guy just let us have these incredibly soft and comfy shirts for FREE. i am wearing one now. it is lovely. i feel all snuggly, i think it reminds me of the womb but... that was almost 30 years ago.
also they have a lot of backpacks, which i like. -
Review from Min C.
Chicago, IL
12/15/2010
The parking lot is validated for 90 minutes and cramped. The store is somewhat small and cramped, with limited selection.
When I purchase a Groupon for a location, it's to check the place out and see if they can treat me well with a discount that THEY willingly offer. If they can't handle what they sign up for, I'm out.
I think they're losing a lot of profit, because my experience there was stank. Ran into pretty unfavorable attitude using the Groupon, excluded from any ongoing deals, and was pretty much forced to buy more than I was willing--which I did just to get out of there as fast as humanly possible.
The employees were somewhat friendly and offered fresh baked cookies, but when I asked for some help and suggestions, they pointed me towards the most expensive stuff and then pretty much said anything in the store was good--which honestly didn't help my decision process at all.
Not even fresh baked cookies would have me want to go back, and that makes me pretty sad. I'd rather head over to REI. -
Review from Alyssa F.
Seattle, WA
12/18/2007
Witty, helpful and friendly. Once I used their live chat feature on their website as I was looking for a rain jacket in an XXL Tall for my dad - a size that is pretty hard to find. They didn't have any but the guy called up all of his vendors looking for one and promised to keep looking after we were done. My 5 minute question ended about an hour and half later with a devised plan of how to make money grow on trees. In addition, that same day in the afternoon I received and email from him about the jacket.
I love Moosejaw, if it were a guy over 6 ft and jewish I would marry it.
and I do love the madness! -
Review from Emily Z.
2/24/2010
This is your Northface go to place, and if you want to look like everyother woman in Chicago and have some form of Northface jacket like me... I have 3... this is definitley a place for you !
Super helpful staff, I ordered a parka online becaues I wanted a color they didn't have at the store but it was too big, I brought it in to the store and they exchanged it with no problem. They can also order things to the store if you want a color or size they don't have.
Definitley recomend the Metropolis parka... its winter heaven !! -
Review from Brad C.
Chicago, IL
11/1/2007
Went here twice this week and the employees were very helpful and friendly. Ended up going here the first time just looking for some non plastic water bottles, but walked out with a arm full or merchandise. (Save a tree don't use a bag.) I got a great hat that I am happy with, their winter hat selection is the greatest I have ever seen. The second time I went this week was to exchange a jacket for another color. They didn't have the size hanging up, so one of the employees checked the computer and it showed some in the back. It took him awhile to come back but when he did he was carrying a new box full of jackets with the size needed.
They offer the option to have your receipt emailed to you. Great idea, and always nice to save a tree.
I'll be going here again soon to pick up some x-mas gifts for family. -
Review from Mike E.
Chicago, IL
2/19/2008
Great staff, good prices.
I'd like to give it 5 stars, but the store is kind of small and doesn't have a lot of inventory. That said, they are moving next door to the Kozy cycle location in April of 2008, and should be much better stocked.
I bought about half of my winter camping gear here. They directed me to other nearby stores to get the rest of my equipment. -
Review from Mara S.
Chicago, IL
4/3/2008
Oh Moosejaw, I love you - in a totally platonic way, of course.
I have to be honest, Moosejaw stores are great, but the selection is much better online and they're pretty witty with their website.
That said, I really like the staff at Moosejaw. They are extremely helpful and knowledgable about their clothing and gear. I appreciate that they didn't make me feel silly when I didn't know exactly what I needed for my upcoming ventures. I wish I could remember the salesperson's name that I worked with because he was great. He actually was pushing a less expensive item than I was looking at because he said the quality and design was much better for what I needed.
The customer service is impeccable both in store and online. That is really important to me and I am a big fan.
Long story short - this is a great place to visit if you need any outdoor clothing or gear. Oh, and another bonus is that they give you points for spending money there that you can use towards future purchases. Highly recommend. -
Review from Carl D. S.
Chicago, IL
7/11/2010
As a backpacker, I've had the luck of always living within a short walk or trip of a Moosejaw. Although some prices are a little inflated, they make it a point of hiring the friendliest of staff. The customer service goes above just making you feel at home, but their insite into the gear your buying is amazing. These people are fellow outdoor folks who use the gear they sell. Everything is of the highest of quality and in a very fun environment.
The best part, even if your are not going camping, they have a lot of great clothes and coats to keep you warm in the Chicago winters. Check it out and have some fun, you may even walk out ready for a trip.
Thanks to all who recently helped my wife and I get ready for our honeymoon. It's going to be a great trip! -
Review from Asia B.
Chicago, IL
12/28/2010
Went here on my sister's suggestion so I could find a sturdy pair of boots for winter. The guy that helped me was really friendly and asked all the right questions for helping me find what I needed. I didn't end up getting the boots because they didn't have my size but I did leave with some new yaktrax.
In any case I have so much fun shopping with them in-store and online. Their employees are really chill, the phone call answers are hilarious, and they've got great products and deals if you need to stock up on new gear. -
Review from Alayna H.
Chicago, IL
4/15/2009
Generally I'm an online shopper for more expensive items, but I needed climbing shoes and was very hesitant to buy some without trying them on. The staff was really knowledgable and helpful about climbing shoes, and they even have a small wall where you can try them out (which is a must if you ask me...)
I bought some shoes and realized after climbing that they were WAY too big...brought them back to the store with no hassle whatsoever. Unfortunately they didn't have them in a smaller size, but they helped me pick out another similar pair and the guy was very patient considering I needed to try on 4 different sizes before I was sure what I wanted.
When I went to check out the shoes turned out to be about $50 more than the last pair (eek!), but they were having a special sale that day so I picked out a card and ended up with a 20% discount! All in all a very friendly and knowledgable staff. -
Review from Chris P.
Chicago, IL
12/12/2010
Moosejaw is a small step above a Dick's sporting goods, but a few large ones below R.E.I. or Erehwon. When you walk through the doors you feel as if you are the butt of an inside joke between the employees there. Aside from all the incompetence and blatant disregard for customer service that is fully embodied by Moosejaw's employees, the store is simply lacking substance. If you are going to merely dabble in an outdoor activity or just in search for a single piece of Quench gum sold at the register I would recommend this place. However, if you are just getting into an outdoor activity or looking to expand your level of experience, there are way better places to choose from. It would definitely pay to check out R.E.I. or Erehwon and skip out on Moosejaw.
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Review from Matt C.
Aurora, OH
6/19/2007
I am giving this place a 5 based on their employees and the business in general. Everyone who works here is awesome. I went in with my friend's sister, who was looking for a climbing harness, and in the end she couldn't find one. The guy at the desk started chatting with her and before we left he ordered 10 different harnesses over from their warehouse for her to try on knowing full well she might not buy any of them and he would have to ship them back.
The business is cool in that they have a reward system that lets you earn free gear. They give you points for shopping in their store and they also give you points for simple things as submitting reviews and chatting with them over e-mails (you will know what this means if you ever purchased anything there). Yeah they might be a little more expensive then everyone else, but when it comes to gear you might as well have the best. -
Review from Kari J.
Chicago, IL
1/25/2007
This place is awesome. If they don't have what you are looking for in the store, simply go online because you will find it there. I had a little problem with my order, which was my mistake, and their customer service was so so so friendly and helped me to get the free shipping I was supposed to receive. I love the store as well. The staff is very helpful, and there is so much stock that you can definitely get lost imagining your backpacking trip. Great place. :)
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Review from Daniel H.
New York, NY
12/10/2006
Lot's of outdoor supplies to browse. Primarily I order online. I usually only order from here after I have searched other retailers looking for what I need. I have typically found http://Campmor.com to have the best prices.
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Review from Sam G.
Chicago, IL
11/25/2008
Amazingly incompetent staff. There is one guy who works here who actually knows things about gear. The rest of them are all morons. And seriously, what kind of outdoor store doesn't carry maps. I never thought I would say this, but thank god we've got an REI.
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Review from Kane K.
Chicago, IL
9/7/2011
I've been shopping at Moosejaw for years, both online and in Michigan, and I absolutely love this store. They have a great selection, helpful staff, great online writers, and awesome deals/sales. Highly recommend.
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Review from Sarah B.
Chicago, IL
12/29/2005
A lot of cool, expensive gear in this place--excellent for browsing, not so good for finding something specific and affordable. Go to Uncle Dan's instead, which also offers more selection.
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Review from Kara G.
Chicago, IL
1/13/2008
This place reminds me of some of the offbeat stores I used to shop at in Berkeley. And I love it. Went in once to buy a gift card, and they were having some major issues figuring it out, but cracked me up with their wisecracks and fumbling. Fun people, knowledgable, and great selection of gear. Plus, their t-shirts are a must! Super soft and comfy, and great colors as well.
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Review from leah c.
Chicago, IL
9/3/2009
pheonomenal staff, limited selection...
i love the moosejaw logo and you will one day see me dressed head to toe in mj gear :) i agree that the website has a better - actually a VERY good selection - in comparison to the store. it is hard for me to find petite camping/trekking clothing and mj is the only place i can ever find it. i normally go to the store to chat it up with the staff (so so so so fun and so so so so helpful) and "touch and feel" a prospective purchase but they never have my size so i go back home and order it online and hope that it fits. i don't mind as i love reading through their quirky website and it normally has better sales than the store. for actual "gear," i'd maybe hit up erehwon instead (or a REI in the suburbs - REI in the city has slim pickings). -
Review from bridget l.
Chicago, IL
2/2/2010
Pretty cute. Good selection of clothing, staff is friendly, and parking is not-too-shabby. Usually pretty easy to get a spot. The staff is really helpful also and able to answer most every question. I love the t-shirts here too, sooo soft!
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Review from Carolina P.
Los Angeles, CA
Updated - 4/17/2010
I'm still in love with this store. The sales associates are great their sales make me want to shop and the parking is free. I always tend to find one or two super soft t-shirts or sweatshirts that I live in for years.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/28/2008
I love this place. I like how everyone is friendly yet doesn't hound you when your are trying on a… Read more »
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Review from Dawn M.
Chicago, IL
8/23/2010
From the first time I walked into this store, I was hooked. Aside from the fact that I love their selection of outdoor and surf brand names, I actually keep going back because of the store experience. I'm always warmly greeted by an employee. I am often "made" to play games of some sort while there - easter egg hunt, Jenga, etc with prizes including a percentage off my purchase. The employees are genuinely interested in me and whatever my next trip may be. I've been given a Moosejaw flag to take pictures with on my trips. They will hang your Moosejaw picture in the store if you bring it in. The weekly Moosejaw emails are actually one of the highlights of my week. I look forward to seeing it in my inbox. Probably the only store that i look forward to getting an advertising email from. They are so witty and funny, I often laugh while reading them and then subject my friends to reading them as well.
The Moosejaw hoodie is the most comfortable sweatshirt I have ever owned in my life. -
Review from Jaclyn J.
Chicago, IL
6/25/2010
I just bought an entire summer wardrobe at Moosejaw's summer sale. Everything was under $40 and it is all very cute. The people were friendly and there is free parking. The store is big and clean and is easy to navigate. It's easy to find what you want so stop on in after you go to Barnes and Noble or the movie
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Review from Garland B.
Chicago, IL
12/31/2008
The staff here is super friendly and extremely helpful. There are so many awesome things for sale inside this store!
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Review from Amanda B.
Chicago, IL
7/29/2008
We was greeted with attitude right when we walked in the door, and then was passed to another sales associate....hint #1 that this place would suck. I was looking for a pack and thought I'd check some out here. The sales person that we were transferred to really didn't seem to know too much about packs. They are doing construction, so I will say the experience might have been slightly better in other circumstances because every time she went to the back to look for another pack, it took a long time. The first pack she had me try on, didn't have the waist belt attached, and I informed her that I will need the waist strap attached otherwise I won't know if it really fits. The final time she took a trip back there, it felt like 10 minutes, and then she came out and said that they pack she was looking for the whole time was on the sales floor. slightly irritating. That pack didn't fit at all. It would have been nice to get fitted for 1 first, before wasting my time. After that pack didn't fit, I was about to be transferred to another employee, and that's where I drew the line. Drive a bit, but get better help and a better selection at REI.
