I am bored and though I'd start a new REI bitch thread.   
  
I think its only a matter of a few years and this store will become the next Eddie Bauer. 
  
The other day I went in there to buy a basic hat, thin one that fits under a helmet.  I was told that it was not hat season and that all the winter gear had been on sale, etc... 
  
I tried to explain that this is not "winter" gear but to no avail. 
  
I hate their so-called retail "seasons".  Ever try to buy a bike tire in November?  Sorry, its not bike "season".  With a store the size that it is in Seattle, there is no excuse to be out of stock on something.