I went in for snowboard boot fitting and a team member named Robert helped me. He was really knowledgeable, friendly, and did a good job of juggling multiple customers at once. There was a customer there at the time who seemed to have some mental disabilities, wanting to try on snowboard boots, ski boots, and was laying out equipment on the floor. The customer wasn't being disruptive, but was requiring a lot of attention from team members, and he was more or less playing with the equipment. Again, he appeared to have some mental and/or behavioral challenges. Robert, the team member who was helping me, also helped the other customer. Robert was so kind and patient, and treated the other customer with respect and grace. It could have easily been a scenario where an employee would ask that customer to leave and perhaps cause some greater issues. But Robert was cool and nice, and eventually the customer wandered out of the store. Kindness goes a long way, and I for one appreciate Robert treating the guy with dignity. I also appreciate REI for having good team members like Robert. Oh, and the boot fitting was awesome.
