REI stores also provide opportunities to learn about the outdoors and muscled-powered sports through frequent in-store clinics, REI sponsored events and through association with local outdoor organizations.
Internet kiosks in every store give customers access to product information, recreation resources and the ability to order anything from the complete line of REI gear.
Online
REI.com is the Internet's largest outdoor store, offering a broad selection of trusted gear as well as expert advice and in-depth information about products and outdoor recreation.
REI-OUTLET.com features the best assortment of brand-name closeouts, overstocks and seconds with discounts of 30 to 60 percent.
REI Adventures
REI Adventures has been operating small group tours throughout the world since 1987, avoiding standard tourist routes and emphasizing outdoor activities. Each year, REI Adventures plans more than 90 domestic and international bicycling, trekking, kayaking, hiking, camping and mountaineering adventures.
Product
REI offers quality gear, clothing and footwear selected for performance and durability in muscle-powered outdoor recreation, including hiking, climbing, camping, bicycling, paddling and winter sports. All products sold by REI are backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
REI quality assurance testing has set product standards for the outdoor sports industry. Tests are conducted in REI's laboratory and in the field by employees throughout the company.
REI-brand gear accounts for about 25 percent of REI sales and includes an extensive selection of durable outdoor gear. REI's mountain, road and touring bike lines are recognized under the brand "Novara."
Workforce
REI employs more than 8,000 people in the United States and has been recognized as one of the "100 Best Companies to Work For" in the U.S. by FORTUNE magazine every year since 1998 and by the book of the same title published in 1984 and 1993.
Many people work for REI because of their passion for outdoor sports. REI stores are known worldwide for expert and accessible sales teams dedicated to helping customers select the right equipment for their outdoor adventures.
Community
REI has contributed more than $20 million since 1976 to local outdoor recreation clubs and conservation groups, such as Leave No Trace, Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness, Appalachian Trail Conservancy, Texas Bicycle Coalition and Bay Area Wilderness Training.
REI organizes annual service projects in each of its retail store markets, recruiting local members and volunteers to perform hands-on, community-based conservation work. Read more about REI's grants and community involvement.
Concern about the environment shapes REI's business practices, including recycling, minimizing waste in packaging and building construction that exemplifies the company's concern for resource efficiency and environmental stewardship.
Business Structure
REI was founded as a cooperative in 1938 by a group of 23 Pacific Northwest mountaineers seeking quality climbing equipment.
Anyone may shop at REI, but cooperative members — who pay $20 for a lifetime membership to join — receive a portion of the cooperative's profits each year based on a percentage of their eligible purchases. Members may also vote for REI's board of directors.
REI is not a publicly traded company, but a consumer cooperative. In 2005, company-wide sales reached $1 billion.
Corporate Address
REI
6750 South 228th St.
Kent, WA 98032 |
Mailing Address
REI
PO Box 1938
Sumner, WA 98390-0800 |
Media Contact
REI Public Affairs
253-395-5958
|
REI Culture
In addition, REI employees are called upon to evaluate gear in an outdoor setting, allowing staff members to offer feedback on gear performance and remain experts in the gear they sell. And although not all employees have summited Mount Everest, they all can help customers find the right outdoor gear and clothing for any outdoor adventure. REI employees are recognized throughout the outdoor industry for their product knowledge and expertise.
100 Best Employer
Since 1998, FORTUNE magazine has ranked REI as one of the 100 best companies to work for in America. In 2005, we placed #9 on the list, and were inducted into the "Hall of Fame."
How Winners Are Selected
FORTUNE evaluates companies on culture, policies, unique practices and benefits. They also use the results of a random employee survey that measures fairness in management, pride in work, job satisfaction and camaraderie.
What Puts REI Among the Top Ten?
Here's just a sampling of what FORTUNE noted about REI:
- Outdoor-focused culture that encourages outdoor activity as an extension of our business.
- Camaraderie, open communication and opportunity for advancement
- Encouragement of work/life balance
- Gear discounts and free gear rentals
- Gear grants to take on personal outdoor challenges
- Health care benefits for all, including part-time employees
- Community involvement and support for outdoor-focused clubs and non-profit organizations
In addition, REI offers a flexible benefits program designed to meet the changing needs of its employee team plus other unique perks like a Brand Challenge Grant program that provides gear and clothing for outdoor adventures, generous employee discount privileges and free equipment rentals.
REI Gear & Apparel
Along with carrying the best in top name outdoor brands, REI also offers members and customers its own unique line of Gear & Apparel. REI Gear & Apparel is designed and crafted for quality, performance, functionality and attractive styling; and it is designed and sold by people with a passion for the outdoors. REI Gear & Apparel is regularly recognized for excellence by the outdoor press, including having received editors' awards and recognition in leading outdoor publications such as Outside and Backpacker magazine, among others.
Product testing is important at REI. We work to evaluate key REI Gear & Apparel products in one of the industry's most complete quality assurance labs and also test extensively in the most important lab of them all: the outdoors. REI's product quality assurance team is made up of avid outdoor people, and this group of enthusiasts spends many weeks each year field testing in all types of conditions.
In addition to great performance in the field, employees, members and customers expect REI Gear & Apparel to be made in a responsible way. To meet that expectation and its duties as a concerned corporate citizen, REI pursues responsible sourcing practices to ensure that goods carrying the REI label are manufactured with due regard for workers and the environment. Click here to learn more about responsible sourcing practices.
