REI Overview
REI is a national outdoor retail co-op dedicated to inspiring, educating and outfitting its members and the community for a lifetime of outdoor adventure and stewardship. We offer our own line of high-quality award-winning gear and apparel, in addition to products from the top brands for camping, climbing, cycling, fitness, hiking, paddling, snow sports and travel.
We are passionate about the outdoors and committed to promoting environmental stewardship and increasing access to outdoor recreation through volunteerism, gear donations and financial contributions.
Learn how a group of mountaineers founded REI in The REI Story.
What Does it Mean to be a Co-op?
REI started as a cooperative, or co-op, in 1938 and we've stayed true to that business structure ever since.
Being a consumer co-op, rather than a publicly-traded company, enables us to focus on the long-term interests of the co-op and our members. We answer to you—our members—and run our business accordingly. And it means that we're able to operate a business that plays a vital national role in growing outdoor participation and protecting the environment for future generations.
Anyone may shop at REI, member or not. But co-op members pay $20 for a lifetime membership to join and receive a portion of the cooperative's profits each year based on a percentage of their eligible purchases, among many other member benefits.
Shop How and Where You Want
REI offers many ways to research and buy outdoor products so our members and customers can shop where, when and how they prefer. We offer retail stores nationwide, telephone and mail-order services, and two online stores: www.rei.com and www.REI-OUTLET.com.
Each option provides the same high quality of service, product information and outdoor expertise. And all offer our 100 percent satisfaction guarantee that ensures that every item you purchase at REI meets your high standards or you can return it for a replacement or refund.
REI Gear and Apparel
We don't just love and sell high-quality outdoor equipment. We also design and develop one of the largest product brands in the outdoor industry: REI Gear and Apparel. Our award-winning line of gear and clothing is exclusive to REI and combines quality, performance, style and functionality to meet the outdoor recreational needs of men, women and children.
REI also offers a full range of mountain, road and touring bikes, under the brand "Novara," that appeal to all levels and ages of riders, from cycling enthusiasts to casual recreational riders.
Travel with REI
Our full-service adventure travel outfit, REI Adventures, has offered unique trips since 1987 to help our co-op members get outside on all seven continents. REI Adventures specializes in human-powered outdoor activities, such as hiking and trekking, backpacking, kayaking, cycling, climbing, snow sports and more.
Learn and Share with REI
REI Outdoor School: We love helping you try a new outdoor activity or grow skills and confidence in an activity you already enjoy. REI Outdoor School offers beginning to advanced-level classes and outings in a wide variety of outdoor activities. Our professional instructors are dedicated to sharing their knowledge and ensuring a safe, enjoyable experience.
In-store classes: You can also explore and discover new adventures through in-store educational classes and the expert advice of REI staff. Find educational events at your local REI store.
Learn online: REI staff and other outdoor adventure pros offer helpful tips, tricks and ideas to help you enjoy your adventure and identify the gear you'll need in our huge collection of online how-to articles and videos.
Share your experiences: Please share your stories, photos and videos with the REI community!
Working at REI
What's it like to work at REI? "It's a lifestyle," our employees say. It means working in an environment of respect, diversity, shared values and a passion for the outdoors. You work with team members who share your enthusiasm for helping more people enjoy the outdoors, whether you work in a retail store, a distribution center or our company headquarters near Seattle, Washington.
That's why REI has been chosen for FORTUNE magazine's "100 Best Companies to Work For" every year since the magazine began compiling the list in 1998. Learn more about working at REI.
Environmental Stewardship and Community Service
As a purpose-driven cooperative, REI's business and core purpose are intertwined—we grow our business by furthering our purpose. We're committed to promoting environmental stewardship and increasing access to outdoor recreation. We work to ensure the next generation has a first-hand connection to the natural spaces we all enjoy.
Our dedication to the outdoors shapes our business practices, including recycling, minimizing waste in packaging, and green building practices. Learn more in our annual Stewardship Report.
We care for recreational places by participating in and coordinating hands-on volunteer service projects. Every year, our stores mobilize tens of thousands of volunteers to build trails, clean up beaches, restore local habitat and much more. Find a volunteer project organized by your local REI store.
REI Gives
Each year, REI dedicates a portion of its operating profits to help protect and restore the environment, increase access to outdoor activities and encourage involvement in responsible outdoor recreation.
Our grants focus on supporting and promoting outdoor volunteerism. We believe we have a unique opportunity and ability to leverage our financial giving by engaging community partners and members in environmental stewardship volunteer work. Learn more.
REI Foundation
The REI Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization founded in 1993. The Foundation's mission is to ensure that tomorrow's outdoor enthusiasts and conservation stewards reflect the diversity of America.
Most people who love the outdoors experienced the natural world early in their life. The Foundation's primary efforts encourage active outdoor participation by young people and their families. The Foundation also supports communities by funding recovery efforts from natural disasters.
Awards and Recognition
REI is honored to be recognized by national experts for the hard work we put into our products, our employment culture and our communities. Some of the awards we're especially proud of:
- Backpacker awarded the "2010 Editors' Choice Gold" to the REI Half Dome 2 Tent
- Outside Magazine awarded the "2010 Gear of the Year" to the REI Half Dome 2 Plus Tent
- Listed on FORTUNE magazine's "100 Best Companies to Work For" every year since the magazine began compiling the list in 1998.