The store is fine / legit. You get exactly what they advertise - a heavy made in China no name bike frame with decent branded components. Maybe 5-8 pounds heavier than a nice $1200 range name brand bike.
For commuting, who cares about 8 pounds. Heck, it gives you more exercise. If you wanted to enter a bike race, I would advice against it ;)
My only tip would be to not get a hybrid. They really are kind of crappy at everything. I got one as my first bike, but it is pretty terrible. What kind of surfaces do you commute on? If all or nearly all pavement, you will do way better on a road or cx bike (with slicks) vs a hybrid. If you need to carry a lot of weight, then I would mix up and do more of a touring type bike. Hybrids LOOK tempting to a new bike buyer as a do everything bike with a comfy seat, but really they suck at everything.