Choose REI: Unleashing Your Outdoor Adventure Potential with Top-Tier Gear
REI (Recreational Equipment, Inc.) is a renowned American retail and outdoor recreation services corporation. It is a one-stop shop for everything that an outdoor enthusiast might need, offering high-quality gear and clothing for camping, climbing, cycling, fitness, hiking, travel, and more. In addition to products, REI also provides services like outdoor-oriented vacations and courses. Being a consumer cooperative, it gives back nearly 70% of its profits to the outdoor community. REI is not just a store, it's a lifestyle choice for those who love the great outdoors.
Brand | REI (Recreational Equipment, Inc.) |
Type | Private |
Industry | Retail |
Founded | 1938, Seattle, Washington, U.S. |
Founders | Lloyd and Mary Anderson |
Headquarters | Kent, Washington, U.S. |
Number of locations | 165 stores in 39 states and the District of Columbia (2021) |
Products | Outdoor gear, Sporting goods |
Revenue | $2.75 billion (2019) |
Number of employees | 12,000 (2019) |
Website | www.rei.com |
CEO | Eric Artz (2019-) |
Membership | Yes, Co-op |
Sustainability Initiatives | OptOutside campaign, product sustainability standards, Green Energy for All Initiative |
Services | Outdoor experiences, Bike shop services, Gear rental |
Subsidiaries | REI Adventures, REI Outdoor School |
Values | Authenticity, Quality, Service, Respect, Integrity |
Brand Reputation
When it comes to outdoor gear, REI is a household name. With a longstanding reputation for quality and durability, their products are designed to withstand harsh conditions and rigorous use. Read more
Product Range
REI boasts an extensive product range that caters to a variety of outdoor activities. Whether you're into hiking, camping, climbing, cycling, or paddling, REI has the gear to support your passion. Read more
Quality Assurance
Every product in REI's lineup undergoes rigorous testing to ensure it meets their high standards of quality and durability. This ensures that you are investing in equipment that is built to last. Read more
Eco-consciousness
As an eco-conscious brand, REI is committed to reducing their environmental impact. They use sustainable materials and processes wherever possible, ensuring you can feel good about your purchase. Read more
Co-op Membership
REI's co-op membership offers a host of benefits including annual dividends based on your purchases, access to exclusive sales and events, and more. It's a worthwhile investment for regular customers. Read more
Customer Service
REI is renowned for its excellent customer service. Their knowledgeable and friendly staff are always on hand to assist you with product selection, fitting, and any queries you may have. Read more
Return Policy
REI's generous return policy allows you to return items within one year of purchase, giving you peace of mind and confidence in your investment. Read more
Expert Advice
With REI, you're not just buying products; you're also gaining access to a wealth of expert advice. Their website and in-store staff offer expert insights to help you choose the right gear for your needs. Read more
Outdoor Classes & Events
Along with their products, REI also offers outdoor classes and events. These range from beginner's workshops to expert-level adventures, allowing you to learn new skills and meet like-minded individuals. Read more
Community Engagement
REI is more than a retailer; it's a community of outdoor enthusiasts. They work to protect and advocate for the outdoors, engage with local communities, and promote outdoor activity, making them a brand you can be proud to support. Read more
Facts
1. A Co-op with a Cause: REI (Recreational Equipment Inc.) is not your average retail company. This outdoor gear and sporting goods brand is actually a co-op, meaning it's owned by its members. Started in 1938 by a group of 23 mountain climbing buddies, it has evolved into a nationwide retailer with more than 18 million lifetime members.2. Quality Gear, Low Impact: REI is known for its high-quality products, but did you know they're also committed to sustainability? In 2018, the company set a goal to make its REI Co-op brand products 100% PFC-free (perfluorocarbons are harmful to the environment) by 2020. They've also launched a gear rental program to encourage reuse and reduce waste.
3. Outdoor School: Want to learn how to rock climb or kayak? REI offers outdoor classes and trips for a variety of activities. Their expert-led courses cater to beginners and advanced adventurers alike. They even hold free community events to encourage people to get outside and enjoy nature.
4. Giving Back to Nature: Since its inception, REI has been dedicated to protecting the great outdoors. Through their REI Co-op Mastercard, they donate to the National Forest Foundation. They also invest millions each year in hundreds of outdoor nonprofits to help maintain trails, clean up beaches, and restore local habitats.
5. Employee Empowerment: At REI, employees are more than just staff—they're members of the co-op too. The company is known for treating its employees well, offering competitive wages, benefits, and a supportive work environment. Plus, they're encouraged to test out products on their own outdoor adventures!
6. Opt Outside: In a bold move against the trend of Black Friday shopping, REI has closed its stores on this major shopping day since 2015, encouraging employees and shoppers to #OptOutside instead. This initiative promotes spending time in nature over consumerism—a clear reflection of the brand's values.
7. Stewardship Report: Being transparent about their environmental impact, REI publishes an annual stewardship report. This comprehensive document details their sustainability efforts, social impact, and financial performance, holding themselves accountable to their members and the planet.
8. Return Policy: REI stands by the quality of their products with a generous return policy. Most items can be returned within a year of purchase, giving customers peace of mind and confidence in their purchases.
9. Adventure with REI Adventures: REI isn't just about selling gear—they also organize outdoor adventure trips. REI Adventures offers fully guided trips to some of the world's most beautiful outdoor destinations, from hiking in the Grand Canyon to cycling in Tuscany.
10. REI Garage: Looking for a deal? Check out the REI Garage, where you can find discounted gear and clothing. It's a great opportunity to score high-quality outdoor equipment at a lower price.