Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI)
Recreational Equipment, Inc., often abbreviated as REI, is an outdoor gear and apparel retailer based in Kent, Wash. REI is a consumer co-operative with 19 million lifetime members and 165 locations in 39 states and Washington, D.C. The concept for REI began in 1935, when Seattle-area outdoorspeople decided to pool funds in order to purchase outdoor equipment at lower group prices. The co-op was formally founded in 1938, and the membership fee was set at $1 to allow anyone who desired to join. Lifetime membership today is $20, which includes an annual dividend calculated as a percentage of purchases the member has made that year. REI has over time shifted its business strategy to cater to a more casual consumer base than its more hardcore early patrons.
Ali Vagnini—Coutesy of REI
Latest news for Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI)
- LeadershipWhy REI is betting big on diversity to help double its membership to 50 million customersApril 12, 2022 4:00 PM UTC
- RetailREI Chief Executive Jerry Stritzke Resigns After Investigation into Undisclosed RelationshipFebruary 12, 2019 10:00 PM UTC
- No Primary Section FoundColumbia Sportswear Places Full Page Ad Over Shutdown: ‘Make America’s Parks Open Again’January 11, 2019 2:55 PM UTC